I was just running!!! No start after forgetting to plug a wire back in

[OThree.5]

Ok guys.. I really need some help here.. I just spent like 18 hours working on this car.. . and I had it running.. then all went wrong.

So, I replaced my engine and transmission mounts, spark plugs, wires, changed oil, and did my valve cover gasket..


EVERYTHING WAS PERFECT.. I started it, let it warm up.. it sounded fantastic.. Then I noticed I forgot to install this little bracket that hold this wire in place.. SO I turned the car off, Unplugged this wire (see photos below) so I could get access to the bolt for the bracket.

Once I was done tightening this bracket, I forgot to plug this wire back in.. tryied to start the car.. It wasn't starting, so I went back under the hood and noticed that wire begin unplugged. I plugged it back in and now the car wont start..

I am desperate right now.. I just bought this car last week.. I spent all this time fixing problems.. had the car running and now I have no car to drive. Please clue me in to what might have gone wrong.. the only thing I can think is that I fouled plugs if that was my spark plug wires power.. IDK

 

[OThree.5]

At the very least if someone could tell me what this plug is for.. I am terrible with electronics..

 

[Valk]

looks like crank position sensor. just unplug the negative battery terminal, pump the brakes for a minute or so then plug everything back in. it should work.

 

[hornsfan10609]

Yes that is the CKP sensor. Just make sure it's plugged in properly, the car should be fine.

 

[OThree.5]

It's been sitting all day.. haven't checked it. I would love to have it run when I get home.

I hope the timing isn't messed up or something.. I tried starating this thing a bunch of times and nothing.. it sounded like it wasn't getting spark.. smelled like gas.

This isn't the wire that screws into the top of the valve cover.. this is the plug right next to it

 

[OThree.5]

Edit: you guys are right. Its crankshaft wires. I mistook the camshaft position sensor for ya'lls diagnosis.

When I get home I will disconnect the negative and pump the brakes (not really sure what that will do)

I really hope this thing starts (I bought this as a birthday present for myself and that day is tuesday... it would be nice to drive it, all things considered.

 

[Valk]

If it ran before shouod be fine. Unplugging battery and pumping brakes clears ecu codes

 

[OThree.5]

10-4.. if this works I'll owe you guys big time

 

[hornsfan10609]

You can also turn on the headlights to drain the system when resetting the ECU.

 

[OThree.5]

Well that didn't do anything except get my hopes up. It smells like gas. Like there is no spark..

I found the insulation around the three wire in this loom was chewed up a little. There was an exposed ground. I wrapped that in electrical tape and unplugged the car. I read somewhere that the brake pump thing is a myth.. that it takes 24 hours.. idk if thats true, all I know is that this did NOT work for me.

Maybe the sensor crapped out.. I will check and see if it shows any RPMs when I crank it tomorrow. This sucks!!!!!



*update* - I just said "F" it... and ordered a new crankshaft position sensor since the wire on this one looks like crap.

Should I be doing the timing belt WHILE I am in this area? Or is this gonna be pretty easy?

 

[hornsfan10609]

Timing belt is completely different than just replacing the crank position sensor. The sensor only requires a couple 10mm bolts to replace, the timing belt requires the belts, crank and WP pulley, timing covers, motor mount, valve cover, ignition setup all to be removed. The car will not start without a signal from the CKP, CMP, and MAF sensors.

 

[OThree.5]

10-4.. Then I will isolate and attack one at a time (the timing belt looks like it needs replaced anyways).

Like I had said though.. the wire to that crankshaft sensor looked chewed up, and it may have been repaired by someone at some point.

The new CKP will be here in a couple days and I will verify no RPMS when I try to start it again tonight.. (its been sitting since 4am with the neg unplugged and the light switch turned on)

If it still doesn't start, I will do the CKP, and reset again.. If it still doesn't start after that.. I am screwed.

 

[hornsfan10609]

Don't leave the light switch on you only need to flip it on for a second or two

 

[OThree.5]

Oh.. well its been in the "on" position since 4am.. lol.. too late. (I'm at work)

 

[OThree.5]

Once I see whether or not I am "reading" RPMS when I try to crank, I will feel a lot better.. I am hoping this CKS s*** the bed.. (I already ordered a new one) Because, at the end of the day.. it HAS to be that.. if its not, I am completely out of ideas.. to the point that I would have to tow it to the shop.. -$!!!!

 

[OThree.5]

Its not reading RPMS.. either the wiring is s***, or the sensor died. I am cutting the wires on both sides of the "chewed up" area, and soldering in new wire.. new sensor will be here on the 22nd if that doesn't work..

I am seeing the light at the end of this nightmare tunnel...

EDIT: soldering in new wires did nothing. waiting till fri - sat for a new CKS.

 

[hornsfan10609]

This isn't a huge deal, it will be an easy fix. I would go over all the connectors in the engine bay and make sure they are fully seated and hit the black button for the alarm under the driver's side of the dash just to be sure. Then try to start it, but if the CKP sensor is damaged it isn't going to turn over.

 

[OThree.5]

I mean.. I am not getting any RPM "bounce" so it would seem that its not reading the CKP.. (that makes sense to me) But I don't understand how the whole sensor s*** the bed, when it was only unplugged.. and if the boogering of the wire caused it to not read, then my (very clean) rewiring should have fixed it. there isn't much to the CKP.. it just looks like a little magnet..

I realize this shouldn't be a big deal.. but its definitely NOT a "just plug it back in.. it will be fine" situation.

I went through the records of this car.. the original owner owned this car from 09/xx/03 - 02/xx/2015.. This asshole I bought this car from only owned it for 2 and a half months, and only put less than 4K on the odometer.. I seriously doubt he made very much money off of me.. so what did he find out? And why did he dump this thing on me?

Now I am worried about other hidden problems.. (When I was working on it the other day, I found the negative terminal to the batter had almost been completely eaten away over the years (its been fixed, but that goes to show how little maintenance this thing has had.