First off… (1997 sunfire 2.2l)Just recently i got a oil change, new spark plugs,new gas cap, new battery, brake pads/rotors and tires new wipers all because winter was coming up. I live in cleveland, ohio so it can get a little cold. This past weekend I let my car sit without starting it for three days. Come monday my car wouldn’t start. The battery doesnt seem dead because the lights turn on bright.
1.) when i turn the key it turns over as if its about to start but doesnt fully catch (engine doesn’t come on)
2.) I tryed jumping it thinking it was the battery but no luck.
3.) I just cleaned all the battery terminals off on both cars for better conductivity when trying to jump
4.) I went to the auto-store and bought the fuel treatment to remove ice in the fuel lines and moisture from gas tank. (methanol alcohol)
5.) Its 40F outside today so all the snow has melted.
6.) I just put the fuel treatment in the car and am waiting a little while before trying to jump it again with the cleaned terminals.
Anyone know what could possibly be happening? Weak battery?(battery less than a month old) Bad Compression? Bad fuel pump? frozen fuel lines? water in the gas tank? I really cant afford a tow and shop work at the moment hence why I got all this maintenance done before winter came. Any help suggestions or advice would be appreciated.
When i got the oil changed I put 5w-30 in it and the temp never went below 15F over the weekend it sat there. Anyone know if the 97 sunfire came with a block heater? If so where is it at?
I suggest you work on finding out what the problem is before you continue trying to fix it.
It takes three things to get the engine working. Fuel - spark - compression.
From your description it is not likely compression, so let's check spark and fuel. Spark is the easiest. Buy a new spark plug. Pull the wire off one of the plugs (try not to damage the wire or socket) Put the new plug in the socket and hold the threads of the spark plug tightly to the engine. Have someone try to start it. You should see a bright blue spark on the end of the plug. If you see stars, that is because you should have used a well insulated tool to hold the spark plug.
If the spark works you can try having someone try to start it, but this time spray some starting fluid into the air intake as they try to start it. If that works you likely have a fuel problem. That will also mean your will likely need a mechanic to test further.Fuel filter? You didn’t mention that, and if it’s 11 or 12 years old, depending on how you count, it could be the problem.
As Joseph said, “Fuel - spark - compression.”
I might add, “timing,” but the other three are more important.
What have you, and what have you not?