Random starting issue, no spark.

[monoaural]

Had the eta for a month now, and 4 times now it hasn't started for me. No spark, let it sit for a few minutes, it usually starts. Once it starts, it runs very well, and has no problems after that. I have another DME (i picked it up for a chip) from picknpull, didnt change anything.

[jlevie]

I think my first suspicion would be the main relay, followed by the timing reference sensors.

[SpecM]

Had the eta for a month now, and 4 times now it hasn't started for me. No spark, let it sit for a few minutes, it usually starts. Once it starts, it runs very well, and has no problems after that. I have another DME (i picked it up for a chip) from picknpull, didnt change anything.

where/how are you testing spark?

[monoaural]

where/how are you testing spark?

The good ole screwdriver stuck in the wire next to the block.

[SpecM]

The good ole screwdriver stuck in the wire next to the block.

-Test and see if you have 12v being supplied to the coil

[monoaural]

I was getting 12v on both wires. I didnt check it when it was cranking though.

[dark89e30]

You should get +12v at both sides of the coil just with the key on because the ignition switch supplies +12v directly to the positive side, but since there is continuity between the coil posts, you will see power at both sides. The ignition circuit is ground controlled, so the computer only sends ground when it wants to spark. This can be hard to test with a dmm. Do you hear your injectors when you crank? That will tell you if the DME wants to start the car or not.

[monoaural]

I didn't know you can hear injectors. I assume it is a clicking noise? Nearly I all have owned so far is CIS or carbed. I have a good meter, and use it all the time to find tach signals (for remote starts.) The worst part, it always doesn't start when I am not near my tools, or have to be somewhere. Is the main relay the extra long one in the fusebox? It would probably good just to replace that sucker anyways.