I have a 98 Saturn SL series with SOHC that won't start. I have replaced the battery, ignition plate and coils, but still not getting any spark. Can you please help?

You might check the cam shaft position sensor. This happened to mine an it caused the system to not send a spark to the cylinder because it could not verify or sense where the cam shaft was at or which cylinder to fire. Not an expensive part I you can find one. Cost me about $125.00. Hope this helps.

NOT the cam-shaft position sensor!!!

Ed, is TRYIN to HELP and he really meant TO SAY "Crank-Shaft Position Sensor"!!!

Does this car have a security system? If so it may be interfering.

Check the starter relay as well.

Wife,

He's saying there's no spark buddy, so that implies that the engine is cranking. On a 98 Saturn SL the security system disables the starter, so that means if the engine is cranking, the problem is NOT with the security system.

Original Poster,

We're tryin to help you here, but haven't seen a response from you in several days. Answer these questions.

Is the engine cranking and NOT turning over or is it NOT even cranking?

Tell us how you determined NO spark is reaching the plugs?

Is fuel reaching the fuel rail?

Are the injectors firing?

use an ohmmeter to check the crankshaft sensor's resistance. Resistance should be 700-900 ohms.

But FIRST ANSWER the questions that CONTINUE to go UN-ANSWERED!!!

When diagnosing automobile issues please consider the following:

SAFETY- Check out this site as a refresher before starting your project. http://www.hse.gov.uk/MVR/injury.htm Although this is a UK site it is still representative of people everywhere. Automotive mechanics have a higher rate of injury than the average occupation. So if professionals get hurt and you are not a professional how much more prone to injury are you.

QUALITY- Getting the job done fast does not mean the job will be done when you think you are done. What I’m saying is usually a rush job will just cause more problems. Slow down even if you are constrained for time. I can’t tell you how many times slowing down has helped me get the job done faster.

SOURCES- Find quality help, proof is in the details of the advice. If someone is saying things like “Um”, “I think…”, “Maybe” instead of helping you narrow down the problem a little at a time starting with the basics then you should move on to a more reliable source. Once someone gives you advice check it out and do your own research at places like your local library, auto stores also have free online help and free assistance at local brick & mortar locations….

PRICE- You can buy new parts, rebuilt parts, used unreconditioned parts. Think outside the box. Depending on the automobile you are driving and how much life is left in it and as well, your budget will help you determine the route you will go. When considering a mechanic consider the nature of the job. If it is a simple job such as replacing a noncritical part, then you can consider going a little cheaper rather than going to the best. However when one’s life is on the line consider the best.

Wife,

I know you’re trying to help by posting this information, but you’re actually doing the “Original Poster of the Problem” an injustice. Reason being is that this information does not in ANY aspect even BEGIN to address the original posters PROBLEM!!!