I just replaced the opti less than a month ago, and since the car is running great. Take it in yesterday to get it smogged, it passes and everything is great because im about to install my MAC's and my SFCs.

I go to start it up last night and it wont start. Try it this morning, and it wont start. WTF!?!

I just spent a **** load of money to have the damn opti replaced, and now its out again. No signs of it going bad, it just wont start... It cranks, just wont turnover

Im gonna test for spark, fuel pressure, and all that....
But, could it be anything else besides the opti?

Maybe the coil??

I really dont wnat to spend time ripping it apart right now...any idea?

 

Don't jump to the conclusion that it's your opti...that could be a costly shortcut. Try putting the gas pedal all the way to the floor and then hit the starter. If that doesn't work, like you posted, check for fuel, spark and air.

 

Ok, well, i checked for spark and got nothing....

What do you think? Still the opti, or something else?

 

sorry man, that sucks!!! I am having spark problems myself. I feel your pain.

 

This happen to me once after i started the car and shut if off real quick. I held the gas down all the way and hit the starter then after a few seconds of cranking i let of the gas cranked some more and it started. I know that holding the gas shuts off the fuel injectors so but i worked.

 

If you have no spark, then follow the spark path. I'd start with verifying the 2 ignition fuses are still good. Are you running an aftermarket ignition? They are famous for crapping out...if you're running one, bypass it. Other things to check include the opti harness, coil wire, grounds. Work you way from the fuses to the spark plugs.

 

How do i verify all of the stuff you listed? im running an MSD ignition box...should i bypass it and see if it start without it? How do i check the opti harness and the fuses? Ill replace the coil wire, and check the grounds right now.

 

I'd start with bypassing the MSD box and see if it will start. Fuses can be verified visually, the internal wire should not be broken; you can also but an ohm meter accross the terminals and verify continuity. Also ohm out your opti harness and verify the connectors are fully seated to the mating connectors. You coil could have died too. Easiest way is to swap coils with a buddy if there's another FBody near by...makes sure it's the same style...coils changed in '96.

 

I just bypassed the MSD box, and it started right up!!!!! THANK GOD!

So, im gonna look for a short, broken wire, etc. right now, and if not, send that POS back to MSD and get a new one!

THANK ALOT GUYS!

 

Chances are it's the box...seems like all the manufacturers have trouble; I had to get my Crane box swapped out. Luckily you can perform a roadside bypass!

 

That would have been the first thing to do. Glad it wasn't any harder than that.

 

how exactly do you bypass like you did? im curious about this now.

 

just disconnect the msd harness.

 

Most of the boxes have weatherpack connectors so its a plug and play type of deal to bypass the box just unplug and play.

 

heh, shows how much i know about ignitions...nada.