RSpi

I'm trying to help a guy get his LS400 started. When I got there to help him the battery was dead. Not sure why he got a dead battery to try to get his car running but that's what I'm working with.

I guess this is not a common occurance, not starting. I can go to the Volvo forum and see titles that say "Will Not Start" on every page. I searched and looked at a few pages and none said NO START.

Anyway, I looked around a little and noticed that both fans were unplugged behind the grill and the MAF was also unplugged. Not good signs. We jumped it and it does CRANK but does not START. I believe I DO hear the fuel pump behind the back seat humming when I try to start it, but it won't start. It did sound like it tried to catch once but never did start. I tried with the MAF plugged in and unplugged. He told me that it stalled and died about 2 months ago and hasn't started since. My guess is May sometime. He claims that the timing belt was replaced recently but has NO proof.

I know I need FUEL, SPARK, COMPRESSION and AIR for it to start but this motor layout is killing me. I think I have fuel because of the sound of the fuel pump. So I want to check spark and can't find the SPARK PLUGS. Is there an easy way to check for spark? Where in the heck are the plugs? Please give me some guideance. I know this car may have 5 things wrong with it that is preventing it from starting. Not sure which link has broken the camels back.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

First get a good battery in there and read any stored codes.

http://www.lexls.com/tutorials/intro/codereading.html

Let us know.

RSpi

Will do. Some cars clear the codes when the battery is disconnected for a few minutes. Hopefully this is not one of them.

cobalt91

If its OBD 1 I do believe it will clear the codes when the battery is pulled. You didnt tell us what year.

RSpi

Yes, it's a 1990. It has no codes and may not even have a light in the CEL. When I turned the key on, I do not see a "check engine" light.

Here is a video as to what it sounds like when I try to start it.

http://youtu.be/6oarWV4vy0g With the MAF unplugged.

http://youtu.be/CGVOrtPwRtY With the MAF plugged in.

There are 3 things at the top of my list.
1. Cam sensor or crank sensor.
2. Bad MAF.
3. No spark due to bad coil or something.

How can I check for spark?

cobalt91

Lexls.com has alot of information on these cars. Dont forget t check the firing order.