Whats up guys? I been searching for a few answers for the issue Im dealing with on google and came across this website.

I was driving home on the highway Tuesday (Feb. 12) about 75MPH and my car (Y8) just shut off on me. I had to get it towed home. It would crank very well just no start. I havent got it to start since. I use the car 3 days a week for work so its kind of important. Thank god I have another vehicle.

Im a novice so Im not a great mechanic. My battery is good, had it tested. I tried to jump my car no go. I tested the spark with spare plugs and realized I wasnt getting any spark.

My question is, do I replace the WHOLE distributor or just the cap and rotor? I was reading the manual and if I remove the distributor, I have to set the motor/crank at TDC and that looks like its above my level.

Has anymore had a similar problem? (Car cranking but not starting?)

Thanks in advance!

 

Does the fuel pump prime?

Any CEL codes?

Did the timing belt break or strip?

Does battery voltage reach the coil and ICM inside the distributor?

 

1. as in turn on? I believe so, you can hear that sound for about two seconds. I would notice the shortage in fuel over time i hope.

2. Codes from no CAT. (I bought the car about a month ago, I ordered a cat but waiting to replace the whole system.)

3. I dont think the timing broke or is stripped guess I'll have to check.

4. IDK if battery voltage reaches the distributor, how can I tell?

Like i said Im just a novice. The reason im thinking its a distributor problem is because I recently changed all my spark plugs and spark wires about two weeks after owning the vehicle. I noticed when I tried to troubleshoot my car.. one of the spark wires WAS OFF the distributor cap. Maybe causing it to fail?

 

anything?

 

check your distributor rotor also as it can be loose or need replacement

 

I plan on replacing the whole distributor this weekend. I only have time on the weekends to work with it. I'll post my results.

I went to advance auto and was speaking with an employee. I wasted my time and was pissed off. The first thing they mentioned was timing belt might have snapped. Which is possible but Im not getting spark from the wires, I dont think spark has anything to do with the timing belt? I could be wrong.

I was quoted 600 for a timing belt replace, water pump, some gaskets, etc. Is that a decent price for a 97 ex? Thinking about getting it done after distributor work.

 

the timing belt turns your cam(s) which also turns your distributor which sends electricity to your plugs... I would check the timing belt first to make sure this is not the problem

 

without getting too complicated.. is there a simple way to check the timing belt? I think I have an idea on how to do so.. would it be to remove the distributor cap and look at the rotor.. try to start and see if the rotor is in the same place as it was when I first seen it?

 

Remove the 15A hood ECU fuse and the distributor cap.

Does the distributor rotor turn when you crank the engine?

 

I removed the oil cap and had someone crank the engine. The valves were moving so I assumed the belt was fine. I'll have to get it replaced soon though.

I had a few hours today so I was able to get a distributor. Threw her on there and she started right up. My friend showed me moving the distributor back and fourth BY A LITTLE somewhat changes the idle speed. Is that true? I asked why it does that and he had no explanation lol but the idle speed got real low when he put it more towards the back and was higher toward the front.

Now I'm looking into getting my keyless entry and dome light to automatically come on when a door is open.

 

Look in the FAQs sticky for the diagram on setting the ignition timing. You need to adjust the ignition timing using a timing light after installing the new distributor.