DelSoto

If you have a multimeter, there is a test on Shoebox's site for diagnosing a bad opti that covers the ICM. I would follow this to make sure you don't have any problems there.

4th Gen LT1 F-body Tech Articles

Also check the coil to make sure it isn't dead. Here is how you check it.

http://shbox.com/1/coil_testing.jpg

z28cam1993

Ok. Thank you. This is simple enough. I'll check back soon. Thank you very much

Injuneer

I reopened my earlier post with the service manual pages. I accidentally deleted it.

z28cam1993

Update.

I did all the tests you guys recommended. The coil checks out good. The icm harness is good. The opti passed the test. What's next? Still just cranks.

z28cam1993

Truthfully
I don't think it's getting spark.

Injuneer

Pull a plug wire off, and hold it near a ground (not with your hand, or a metal tool) while someone cranks the engine, and look for a spark. If no spark at the plugs, pull the end of the coil wire out of the Opti and do the same test.

z28cam1993

Ok. I'll try tom when I have help. Could it be possible something with my key? Or the ignition? I just noticed the ignition turns without key in it. Security light does not come
On when trying to start. Just the service engine soon and check gauges lights

DelSoto

Can you hear the fuel pump run for a few seconds when you turn the key to on (not start but just on)? If Vats was killing spark, my understanding is it kills fuel too.

Edit: I kinda worded that badly. VATS enables spark and fuel. If VATS enables fuel (IE you hear the fuel pump prime), you should get spark. Unless something is wrong of course.

DelSoto

I just perused Shoebox's site and I may have misunderstood the fuel shutoff with vats. I think the pump still primes so that's a lousy test. Fred will surely know... when he sees this, he will be able to tell you.

DelSoto

Courtesy of Shoebox. 4th Gen LT1 F-Body Tech-PassKey/VATS

Normal Operation

When you insert the key and turn to ON[RUN], the SECURITY lamp will light during the bulb check. The TDM reads the resistance of the key pellet and compares that to what is stored in its memory. If the reading matches, the SECURITY lamp should go out after 4 or 5 seconds.

The TDM (or BCM) sends a ground to the TDR to allow the starter to crank when you turn to the START position. Simultaneously, it sends a signal to the computer to allow fuel to the injectors. Your engine is allowed to start.

Since your light doesn't come on at all?? Broken bulb?

z28cam1993

Hmm. Interesting. I will closely look tom at the bulbs one more time. I'm going to check that spark from the opti wire too. I'm just trying to narrow down. Yes I hear the fuel pump prime for a little.

z28cam1993

My mechanic finally got to my car and says no pulses from the distributor. He wants to replace it. Does this make sense? Not having spark

DelSoto

I just went back and reread this thread. You mentioned the original work done. Water pump and plugs. It is entirely possible, yes. The opti does not like coolant and if coolant was spilled on it during the water pump change....well....there ya go.

z28cam1993

Ok. That's what I was thinking but before died in my driveway the car ran so perfect t for 2 days. Never any signs. Than just would start only cranked. I thought opti have symptoms.

He is an old school gm mechanic and swears by some aftermarket opti. Told him I wanted GM but says he will warranty for a long time if I go aftermarket.

Injuneer

Get the code. DTC 16 = loss of low resolution pulse signal from the optical cam position sensor i the Opti. When that code sets, the PCM shuts down the fuel system. Does not shut down the spark, but PCM will not be able to time the spark correctly, because it needs the cam position. It isn't unusual to find DTC 16 as a "stored" code (not active). That does not shut down anything.

DTC 36 sets when the PCM can't find the high resolution pulse signal from the cam position sensor, but the engine should still run. It can time the injectors and spark off the low res pulse.

Did you ever check to see if you have spark at the coil wire?