Van will turn over but won't start

[lifeguard000]

About a month, ago My 95 Safari wouldn't start after coming back out of the store. It would turnover.
Had to have it towed home. 1/2 an hour later, tried it again and away it went. Didn't have any problem until four days ago. went out in the morning and no start. 2 hours later away she went! Drove around for 2 more days no problem. Then yesterday, went out and no go. Every body suggested it was the fuel pump.
So went out and bought new one and put it in. Took me six hours. Tried starting and no go. I disconnected the fuel line at the filter and turned the engine over. Lots of fuel coming out of the line. Tested the old pump with 12 volt power and it worked. So I know the problem never was the fuel pump. So I checked the distributer, coil and ignition control module for power. every body was getting thier 12 volts. Oddly enough after several attemps it started again. I ran it for 10 minutes. Ran like a pussy cat. Turned it off and retried starting it again. No go. I don't know how to trouble shoot it from here. Any suggestions

[Drummernaut]

I had a very similar problem with a 2002 Astro work van. The funny thing was when I took it too the shop for the second time, the shop called me to get it and it would not start in their parking lot!! I did some research and found that the rotor and cap were corroded. I guess your supposed to knock out the screens of the distributor to keep from a moister build up. Not sure if that applies to your 95 but worth checking.

Have you checked you fuel pressure, even with the new fuel pump? The video in this post here: viewtopic.php?f=43&t=17690 is great information.

How is your battery voltage?

If all that checks out you may be looking at a ignition control module problem.

Search the site, lots of good info here.

[lifeguard000]

Oddly enough there was some corrsion build up in the distributor cap and I cleaned it up and gave a little scuffing to the terminals. I did a full tune up this last august including new rotor and distrubutor cap, so I was a little suprised by the corrsion. My one year old battery tested out at 12.9 volts. The odd thing is that it started up several times and ran fine. If fuel pressure was the problem, why would it run so well the odd times it started. I'm inclined to agree about the ICM or possible the coil but how do I test them? I've already replaced one thing that I didn't need to. would like to narrow it down to the culprit and replace only that. Thanks for your input

[Drummernaut]

Not sure how to test the control module but there should be a primary and secondary test for the coil. I don't have the resistance numbers of hand but maybe .2-.5ohm primary, 7K-10K secondary? Sorry I don't have the numbers off hand but I am sure someone will have it or I will check my 99 book when I get home.

[lifeguard000]

I'm your basic handyman kind of mechanic. I can fix most things as long as I have done it before or I get step by step instuctions. I always seem to get the job done. This is definity a challenge. I'm trying to trouble shoot something when I don't know what to look for. Thanks drummernaught

[Drummernaut]

I am hours from getting home but you can do a quick search on the internet for primary and secondary resistance values. You will need a resistance meter if you don't already have one.

[lifeguard000]

Just a little side note: just went out to try van after sitting for a couple of hours. Started up on first try. ran perfectly. shut it off and tried again. no start. go figure!https://www.astrosafari.com/posting.php?mode=reply&f=76&t=17871#

[lifeguard000]

I have the meter but I'm not sure where to look or how to use the info.

[Drummernaut]

What you can do is eliminate a coil issue by checking your spark while the van will not turn over. If you have spark then spay some staring fluid into your intake(just past the MAF) like the video of the post I pointed you to.

If the van starts and runs or runs buts dies then you still may be dealing with a fuel pressure or fuel issue period. If it does not start, back fires or runs horribly it may point to the control mod.

[djwarren312616]

I just did coil, wires, and plugs. Doesn't sound like thats it. Mine wouldn't turn over period, if you are going to do those use ACDELCO all the way trust me on that.

[lifeguard000]

Ok, i got fed up and replaced the ignition control module. BINGO problem solved. starts every time. Man its amazing what little it takes to screw up and how complex it is to find the problem. Anyways, thanks for the input people.

[94 Van Guy]

Glad you got it solved. Thanks for letting us know what it took to fix it.

Good luck,

Keith

[Drummernaut]

Yeeeeeeeee-haaaaaaaw!!!!