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2001 sunfire firing problems


bksmith28
04-03-2008, 07:01 AM
The car was running really bad. I pulled the timing chain cover off and found the tensioner was broken. I replaced timing chain and tensioner. The car doesn't seem to fire right. I made sure the timing marks are inline. I removed the cover twice to check. It is right. I removed the spark plug wires and turned the engine over and notice the spark jumps across the terminals on one coil pack. I switched the coil pack and the spark stayed on that side of the ignition module. Could it be the ignition module or maybe a crankshaft or camshaft positioning sensor? How can I tell for sure which one it is without replacing them one at a time? I took the ignition module to several parts store for them to test but none of them had the right plug to test it. The car is a 2001 Pontiac Sunfire with a 2.2 OHV engine.
I am also now having a problem with the starter. I try to start it and it turns over just for a second and then the starter just whines. I removed the starter and jumped it so I could see if everything is working and it is. The solenoid pushes out the gear and it spins great. I disassembled the starter and couldn't find any problems. I put it back together and it is still doing the same thing. Any help is greatly appreciated.

kirkwood158
04-03-2008, 03:38 PM
I think you have to get starter figured out pull it and get it tested under load at parts store if the starter is ok check battery load then ground wires .Then I would try turning crank with breaker bar with plugs pulled out and see if you have damaged the head and valves.
With the tensioner loose you could have jumped time and slamed a valve into a pistion now that would suck let us know whats up:2cents:

bksmith28
04-04-2008, 07:17 AM
I changed the starter and it is turning over like it should. There is know damage to the valves, I have done a compression check it is within spec. It is a firing issue. Could it be the crankshaft or camshaft positioning sensors, I changed the coils, and ignition module and it is still doing the same thing. Thanks for any and all help.

kirkwood158
04-04-2008, 08:22 AM
I would say that you could have a problem with crank sensor. it will some times when going bad give off starting as bad battery or slow cranking problems but also you usually get codes with those sensors. my experiance with it would be crank sensor before cam for 30.00 bucks you could try but it is just throwing money at a problem without proper diagnosis.Which some times is still cheaper than mech Last thought try some fuel down the intake for me a few drops at first and see stay clear though

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