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help with my 1994 GMC Safari Minivan!!PLEASE!!!?

Please help. I have a 1994 Gmc safari minivan and it won't start..replaced the distributor cap, button, coil wire and just today the ignition module..but still nothing...it acts like it wants to start..but nothing. It is getting gas and the fuel pump is working but still nothing. I don't know what else to do. My brother stated it might be the distributor itself but I don't have a lot of money to keep buying more parts. Please help!!!

7 Answers

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  • ?
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    You have to diagnose things before you start replacing or the repair bill will be astronomical. Good mechanic comes to mind. Anyways, you have to eliminate things first. The easiest thing to do is to check for spark at the coil assembly. Just remove the coil wire from the coil and crank the motor, spark should easily jump from the tower to a ground and appear thick, blue and strong with a definite crack to the noise. If it doesn't you may have a bad coil or module. Since you say you just replaced the module it doesn't sound like this is what you have. Test spark at ALL cylinders plug wires. I know this sounds repetitive, but I used to get caught once in awhile myself. If spark tests good everywhere and the distributor shaft is not worn out, there is nothing wrong with the ignition system. Move on to the fuel system. You say the fuel pump is working, but you didn't say how much pressure it is producing. These motors need around 10 psi for the 4.3L code Z and about 55-60 psi for the 4.3L code W with very low leakdown of pressure. If I was a betting man, I would say you have the 4.3L code W motor with the upper intake plenum and a CPI inside for injectors. If the fuel pressure is leaking away and it does not start, I would suspect a huge internal leak from the central port injection unit, (CPI). If the fuel pump cannot build enough pressure at all, you will need a new fuel pump. Performing a scan test on this would help to know if there are any codes stored which usually gives hints. The data from the motor while it is being turned over is also very useful. I would suggest trying all these things to eliminate buying parts before going any further. These motors were famous for the CPI thing and for corroded spark plug wires, dist. cap, and coil towers.

    Source(s): I was a GM mechanic for years.
  • 1 decade ago

    first determin if its fuel or electric. dump a little gas ounce or so

    down intake. try it , if still no indication of running go to ignition.

    first use test light to see if juice is coming to distributer, if juice

    there next go to plug wire. pull plug and ground on intake. try turning over watch for spark. also check to see if distributer

    is moving when turning over...could be a problem with timing

    chain or gear drive on distributer. how many mile are on it.?

  • Anonymous
    5 years ago

    is it empty is the torque converter empty is the pump and lines empty ? if so a manual will be help full. if u don't know you start it let it idle 15 mins and fill a little at a time if the pan is empty from a filter change 2 quarts is a good safe starting point

  • (A)
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago

    Check all wire connections to distributor,Check wireing to water temp.sensor,.as disconnected would not start.Check for good vacuum line connections.If you have washed your engine compartment you could have shorted out the throttle position sensor.

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  • 1 decade ago

    need to ck fuel pressure first -and ck the map sensor if not those may be ecm i'm taking it as it has a 4.3v6engine

    Source(s): gm tech
  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    check timing chain has jumped

  • 1 decade ago

    check icm fuse

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