I have a 98 base model camaro. The basic story is that i was sold a lemon and I just completed an engine/tranny swap. converted an 03 buick engine to fit and stuck it back in. the first time i tried to start it i realized that there was a ground issue and i blew some electricals. now ive replaced most all of the ignition system and the ecu and nothing works. ive got power to the inside of the car and the engine tries real hard to turn over. it tries, sluggishly, but won't crank. is there a sensor that could be bad that won't let it fire up?

 

While you may have another problem. It sounds as though the engine is turning slowly if at all with the starter. Is this correct?

If so the problem could be there is not enough current to the starter. First, check the voltage across the battery terminals with a volt meter with everything off. Even a defective battery can show full voltage at about 12.6 volts DC. If you are lower than 12, it is a definite problem.

The next thing you want to check is the battery voltage while under load. With the help of someone else cranking the engine, check the voltage across the battery while it's cranking. If it is dropping lower than 11 volts, the battery may have an issue. I say may have an issue because a defective starter can be drawing too much current and dropping the battery voltage down that low. Or it may simply be down on charge.

At that point, have the battery tested to see if it can take a load. If it can not, it should be charged and retested. Once you have a known good battery, if the starter does the same thing, it's time to figure out if the problem is the engine or the starter.

One thing you can do is apply battery voltage with jumper cables directly to the starter. This by passes the wiring and proves if the wiring is an issue or not. If it then rotates fast enough, you know the problem is wiring. Either supply or ground wires. Do it with the key in the OFF position. You only want to see if it rotates fast enough. Not have it start while you have your body in weird places near something.

If you jump directly to the starter and it is still slow, either the starter or the engine is a problem.

What I would do at that point is pull all the plugs and try it. Sometimes fuel or worse can hydro lock an engine and it won't crank. If you pull the plugs to try it, pull the coil wire to the distributor off.

If it still cranks slow, try turning the engine by hand. If it is very hard, you may have a mechanical issue. But that is highly unlikely you will have to go that far.

Of course you could just pull the battery and starter off and have them tested. Then go back and start checking the other items I listed but a methodical way of doing it will get you there with perhaps less work.

 

welll it was a brand new, tested starter (i work at a parts store and tested it before it came home) got it to start finally. had the coil packs in the wrong order. then it wouldn't shift outta firs gear on a freshly built tranny. took it to the dealership where they effed up my car. now i get to spend the holidays wo it. GO CHEVY! not! this is why i'm going to imports....