Cascade Crew

[NHRA427]

So I have this 89 v6 car and it wont run. I dont know alot about the injection cars. Is there any troubleshooting info online or a book to get that will tell me how to troubleshoot this car? need to know where to check the voltages for the ignition and fuel. Also anyone have a vats for cheap that know what resistance it needs to make it work. I cant get my vats to work.

[Xophertony]

do you have VATS bypassed? you said the car won't run, is it starting?
to bypass vats: (even if just temporarily)
http://www.thirdgen.org/vats_passkey_system
http://www.thirdgen.org/vats


to check fuel:
the right way:get a fuel pressure tester, they are around $15-$30 @ autparts store. plug it in to the shrader (SP?) valve on the rear of the fuel rail behind the plenum. you should have 40PSI and it should HOLD 40PSI even if you let it sit for a few minutes, and it should hold atleast 35PSI while running.

the cheap way: push on the schrader valve with something, did fuel geyser out everywhere? it's probably fine.

NO fuel pressure? is your fuel pump priming when you turn the key? you should hear a little electric "whuuuuuur" from the rear seat area for a second or two when turning the ignition on. if you do not then you need to put batter hot to ALDL pin G to bypass the fuel pump. the ALDL is that plug under your dash. the pins will be labeled if you look real close.

to check spark, pull the number one spark plug and have someone else turn the key while you look at the plug for spark. be sure the body of the plug is grounded to something that is not you. if you have spark here then yay, set timing and the car should fire.

try this stuff and report back.

[NHRA427]

I have all the resistors but havent got it to work. The vats in the car looks to be a different one that came with the car. I will have to try them again. Thanks for the info.

[RSFreak]

What are the symptoms? Does it crank at all?

My way of checking for spark differs slightly from Tony's as I am usually doing this kind of thing by myself along a deserted highway. Pull the number 1 plug wire and insert a screw driver into the end. Bring the wire up near the windsheild so you can see it from inside the car. This is the tricky part: Place the screw driver so that its shaft is NEAR but not touching a metal object. Crank and look for spark.

BTW, fuel pressure gauges are indispensible diagnostic tools for our engines. My $10 Harbor Freight unit saved my ass when my fuel pump crapped out on me.

[Xophertony]