91 Sunbird LE 3.1L V6 won't start

T

Toolman_Tom

New member
Joined
Jul 21, 2013
Messages
10
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
southern Indiana
Please help folks! The daughter's 91 Sunbird LE convertible has got me at my wit's end. I'm real close to calling the scrap yard to come and pick it up. The car cranks but won't start. 1st symptom, NO warning lights come on dash. I thought maybe it was an ECM problem, so I grabbed one from junkyard. Didn't change anything. I replaced the ignition control module and CPS not long ago before it died on her coming home from school. She was in town driving about 15-20 MPH. It has an automatic transmission. The check engine light won't even flash. I have checked the fuses. I swapped out the relay for the fuel pump. I even dropped the tank and jumpered the fuel pump to see if it runs and it does. Plugs and plug wires are in good shape not old at all. I just don't know where to go with this thing. I have a 1990 Sunbird with 2.0 4 cylinder in it. One time, a fusible link to the computer burnt out and killed it. Is there one for 3.1 that can cause the same problem. Thanks, any help will be gladly appreciated.
 
with the original ECM did you check fuel pump pressure with a gauge?
with the original ECM did you check for spark at the plugs?
with the original ECM did you check at the OBDI port for codes?
 
It has about 42 psi with fuel pump jumpered. I didn't get any spark with the original ECM. I was able to get any codes. All of the warning lights including the check engine light are out. Gauges aren't moving at all.
 
Check the ignition switch ( you have to drop the column) to see if its burnt or worn out. Check the wires to it also...........( pic below)

Check the neutral safety switch on the transmission it looks like this ( pic below) Its near the firewall side of the trans near the shift cable with a flat plug to it.

Doug in P.R.:cool:
 

Attachments

  • TH125 nuetral safety switch.jpg
    TH125 nuetral safety switch.jpg
    55 KB · Views: 104
  • Sunbird ignition switch.jpg
    Sunbird ignition switch.jpg
    14.5 KB · Views: 95
Last edited:
Thanks for the info melsg5 and 92 Sunbird LE! I have a few ideas now. How hard is it to change out the ignition switch if it's scorched?
 
It takes patience, it hard to get at, has 2 differrent bolt sizes.

may have a a cable to the shifter underneath that you have to unscrew and transfer to the new one. ( its for the shifter in park safety deal if automatic)

lineing it up when reinstaling is the hardest part or you wont have the acc or the car wont start when you turn the key either way.

there are like 4 different ones so make sure they give you the right one ..

auto with tilt wheel , auto without tilt wheel , standard with tilt wheel, standard without tilt wheel.

just pull the curved dash cover out fron under the column ( spring clips)

and 2 13mm bolts hold the column up. then drop it as far as you can to get to it . (2 wire plugs on the right side off first then the 2 bolts that hold it on on the left)

If you start the car to test when installed, make sure the column is up with one bolt or the rack will leak power steering fluid all over the exhaust.

Have fun , i did it twice..............:mad: ( lifetime warranty ;))

Doug in P.R.
 
I may add, that the 91 Sunbirds had a issue with the fuel pump wires near the floorboards under the carpet near the drivers side that got corroded or pinched or the wire got frayed causing the fuel pump to work intermittly or blowing the fuse.

New wires run to the pump solves the problem...........

Just to let you know about that.

Doug in P.R.:cool:
______________________________
 
Thanks for the info, Doug! I got it changed and the car started right up!!!! It wasn't too bad. I followed the directions that came with the switch. Now time to get a few other piddly things fixed to make this old car safe and reliable for the daughter. She really likes this old convertible. :confused:
 
Your Welcome Tom, glad to help.;)

You may look for a nicer one down the road.... they do show up once in a while like in Florida with low miles.

Easy over 200000+ miles when taken care of..................;)

Doug in P.R.:cool:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Back
Top