Hey all,
I'm new to the forums, trying to find some solutions to my many problems! I have a '96 Neon SOHC thats a junkyard piece.. It's was wrecked in the front, so the bumper, hood, front fenders all have to be replaced, as well as the radiator. To my knowledge, the wreck caused no other problems. However, I can't get the thing to start!! The engine will turn, but it will not crank. I replaced the coil pack, and it will run very sheepishly if you continuosly spray starter fluid in it. So it's got spark.. The fuel pump is not turning on when you try to crank it, but bypassed the fuse and it pumped fine. IF you bypass the fuel pump fuse, gas is getting to the injectors, but no farther! Replaced the computer, although I believe it was from a '97 or '98. Only code it's putting out is radiator fan relay control circuit. My father-in-law, a diesel mechanic who gave me the car, thinks at this point that it might be the cam position sensor, but wouldn't that show on the OBDII scanner?? That, or the fuel pump isn't pumping enough psi to open the injectors.. before I go blindly replacing everything I wanted to get some more opinions!! What do y'all think?

Thanks!!
Chris

 

it could be the cam position sensor, take it off and see if it is bad. there was a thread a while back that showed a pic of a good sensor.

 

the thread is on page 3 called wont start by gmdemo06, it has some info you might want to read in that thread.

 

Some of the 96's have an external fuel filter. Worth a shot, $35 or so. Fuel pressure should be 49 psi IIRC.

Best of luck!