2005 Impala

**blackcar** · 10-07-2015, 07:39 PM

My son is looking at buying a 2005 Impala. The guy selling says it will crank but won't start. What are some common issues to look for? Hopefully something we could figure out before we buy.
BTW 189k miles. Interior is worn especially front seat, it is bad. But car is only $800. This would be his first car.

***SMWS6TA*** · 10-07-2015, 08:11 PM

Fuel, Air, Spark.

1st check fuel pressure at the rail. That will let you know if fuel pump issues. Does the seller know when it ran last? Gas older than 6 months goes bad. Clogged filter &/or lines.

Spark - wires, plugs, coil. chk 1st two for damage. Pulling the plugs will also let you know if it's got head gasket issues. Check battery also.

Air - simple....

other possibilities - fuses, starter, VATS, ignition switch, cam & crank sensors.

Other then what I listed can't think of any other quick chks.

**blackcar** · 10-07-2015, 08:46 PM

will a timing light work to check the spark

**pajeff02** · 10-08-2015, 04:11 AM

Yes, as long as you can access a plug wire the timing light will flash if a spark is being transmitted.

Another simple test to check for a fueling issue is to shoot a little starting fluid into the intake and crank it to see if she fires.

**blackcar** · 10-08-2015, 05:41 AM

Thanks Jeff. That is what I was thinking on both accounts.

The seller said a friend told him it was a coil pack. When coil packs go out do they normally "go out" or "get weak"? I was worried if they get weak it may not be enough for the engine to fire, but it might be strong enough for the timing light.

After doing a little research it seems these cars have a common issue with the crank position sensor.

**pajeff02** · 10-08-2015, 12:36 PM

A bad crank position sensor should set a code that you can read with a scanner. I know when a coil pack went out on my daughter's Stratus that those two cylinders (2 per pack) were instantly dead. It went from good to bad in an instant. The other one then failed within several weeks of the first one and it did exactly the same thing.

***SMWS6TA*** · 10-08-2015, 12:39 PM

Thks Jeff for the info on the timing gun. I need to check to make sure the 5.3 coils I put on are working before my tune session. Wasn't sure how I was going to test them.