Need Help! Crank, No Start.

I have a 2000 Olds Intrigue and on a trip back to school from Miami to Tallahassee, my car felt at times like it was losing power. Then, the service engine soon light came on, but made it ok. The next day I used it with no problem. Then the next day I used it in the morning with no problems, when I tried to use it that afternoon it wouldn't start. It would crank but not start, I think. I used the code scanner and it gave the code P0340, then I replaced the camshaft sensor and it still didn't start. Also, when I was trying to start it I think I killed the battery. When I bought a new one and installed it and tried to start it, a loud pop went off and some smoke started to come from the area of the camshaft sensor. This happened before I installed the new camshaft sensor. Can someone please help because I'm a college student and can't really afford to go to a mechanic. Thanks.

I believe you have a clogged catalytic converter, unbolt your exhaust somewhere between your exhaust manifold and your catalytic converter and then try to crank it. If that does the trick, I guess depending on what kind of emissions test you have to have for inspections, either gut out the converter or take it to a shop to have it replaced with a new one.

Thanks. Where can I find the converter and can I use a standard rachet?

the catalytic converter is between your exhaust manifold and your muffler, just trace it down you will see it, the first place you see that you can take loose going down from your exhaust manifold unbolt from there and pull it apart

I couldn't reach the point where the converter disconnects from the exhaust manifold. :banghead:
Do you think it could be any other problem besides that, that I could easily get to? Because if there are, I could fix those myself and if that doesn't do the job it must be the converter and I'll take it to the mechanic. Thanks for any help.

hey guys, i got an extender and checked the converter and it wasn't it. does anybody have any other suggestions, i really need it. thanks.

i doubt it's the cat. try this turn key on and see if you can hear fuel pump if you cant try this turn your key on 3 times then the forth time try cranking it and if it starts your fuel pump is week. and whens the last time you changed fuel filter? and if your check engine is on you can take it to autozone and get it hooked up and see what it sais and it's free but like i said your check engine has to be on they'll figure out what you need. but sounds like it's fuel pump. try this turn key on and off 3 times and if it starts the last time it's fuel pump. one more thing are you getting good spark from your coil pack? or it can be your cps that sets the timing. but i think it's fuel pump or coil pack.

First, let me start off by saying I don't know too much about cars but, I'm very sensible. With that being said, I tried turning the key three times and I think I hear the fuel pump come on, because I hear a humming sound when I put the key to the "on" position. The check engine light is on and the code scanner gives a P0340 code " camshaft position sensor A - bank 1 circuit malfunction". I've replaced the camshaft sensor and it didn't fix the problem. A friend who knows about cars said I'm getting fuel after he pressed a valve on the engine and gas came out, then he opened something, not sure what it is, and said I'm getting a spark, so he thinks it might be the timing chain. Oh yeah, I don't know if I ever changed the fuel filter, but I got a complete tune up about 40,000 miles ago. Thanks for any help because I really can't afford a mechanic.

Just checking to see if there is fuel at the schrader valve does not tell you if it has the correct pressure. Get a gauge on it to see if it is within specs.
Also, the code does not say a part is bad, it just tells you what circuit is out of spec. Get a flowchart and follow it for your car/code.

That code P0340 is associated with the camshaft sensor. I would re-check the installation of the camshaft sensor (make sure you disconnect the negative cable on the battery). Make sure all the wires and connectors look OK.

I did a quck search on P0340 on the Intrigue forum and here are the results: http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/search.php?searchid=2411444

Again the camshaft sensor seems to be the culprit if you get the code P0340.