94 C1500 won't start

[dji1]

I got my remote starter hooked up today and checked the timing. It is not 0 deg but not that far off. I can't read the scale, and I don't remember what I set it to when I replaced the distributor about 15,000 ago.

 

I also re checked the fuses inside the truck. Not sure were the location of the under-hood fuse box? I know where the relays are for the fuel pump. Firewall passenger side. 

 

Thanks

 

[asilverblazer]

Need to confirm spark first. Spark test lights aren't that hard to come by.

 

Alternatively, pull a plug wire at night - you should see spark coming off it. 

 

Once spark is confirmed - check fuel pressure.

 

Without a significant obvious failure, I doubt timing.

Edited April 17 by asilverblazer

[dji1]

I did pull the coil wire from the coil. Since I am by myself, I had my phone set up and I took a video while I cranked the truck. I didn't see a spark. See attached video.  I will try pulling the #1 wire and see if a get a spark. I will have to take a video.

 

When I crank it, I can smell fuel in the tbi. I also tried adding some fuel down the tbi. When I replaced the fuel pump about 50,000 miles ago it would run for a bit when I did this. I do hear the pump engaging. If I had fuel pressure gauge I would have checked it. lifetime warranty on the pump. 

 

I am focusing on the spark now. 

 

Thank you

[KARNUT]

On 4/17/2026 at 5:58 PM, dji1 said:

I did pull the coil wire from the coil. Since I am by myself, I had my phone set up and I took a video while I cranked the truck. I didn't see a spark. See attached video.  I will try pulling the #1 wire and see if a get a spark. I will have to take a video.

 

When I crank it, I can smell fuel in the tbi. I also tried adding some fuel down the tbi. When I replaced the fuel pump about 50,000 miles ago it would run for a bit when I did this. I do hear the pump engaging. If I had fuel pressure gauge I would have checked it. lifetime warranty on the pump. 

 

I am focusing on the spark now. 

 

Thank you

I just watched the car wizard on YouTube with a 92 GM no start. A common problem with the module in the distributor. If that hasn’t been addressed try that.

[dji1]

One of the first things I did was to replace the ignition module. 

 

I did get it started at the end of last week. It smoked a lot, but it ran smooth.  I had some help. Replaced the wiring connectors to the 2 injectors. Bare wires.  Unfortunately, the battery went bad and I haven't had it running since I replaced the battery.

 

Thanks

[dji1]

My truck has been starting right up for over a week. Original starting problem fixed.

Had a bit of an idle problem this week. When I was in reverse or drive (when stopped) the idle would drop down below 400rpm's sometime stalling.

Disconnected both battery cables for an hour yesterday and now it's better. ECM has reset. Still a little low on the rpm's when in reverse and drive (when stopped) but it's better.
 
Plan to get a new air filter. Maybe this will help?

 

 

[asilverblazer]

22 minutes ago, dji1 said:

Plan to get a new air filter. Maybe this will help?

I doubt it.

 

Stops on the throttle blade get moved?

[asilverblazer]

28 minutes ago, dji1 said:

Had a bit of an idle problem this week. When I was in reverse or drive (when stopped) the idle would drop down below 400rpm's sometime stalling.

 

On 4/29/2026 at 5:29 PM, dji1 said:

It smoked a lot, but it ran smooth.

Replaced the wiring connectors to the 2 injectors. Bare wires.

 

Smoke color?

[richard wysong]

Dirty idle air control valve?

[dji1]

I really didn't think the new air filter would do much. It was just time for a new one.

 

I am not sure what you mean by throttle blade stops. I did adjust the throttle cable?

 

Smoke color was black but no longer a problem. Sprayed a lot of throttle cleaner when trying to get the truck to start. I did find a vacuum leak. Hose to the brake booster it has been replace.

 

thanks 

[dji1]

I was going to check the idle control valve when I pulled the spark plugs and clean them on Sunday. Most of them were black. When I am stopped at idle for a long time in drive, I get code 44 lean exhaust. It goes away when I am moving again.

 

 

[richard wysong]

Look at the injector spray, it should be conical with no dripping. A timing light hooked the the coil wire will help seeing it.There are fine screens on the injectors that get dirty over time, new 1s are included with new injectors

[asilverblazer]

18 hours ago, dji1 said:

I am not sure what you mean by throttle blade stops. I did adjust the throttle cable?

Probably letting the throttle blade close too much.

[dji1]

When I start the truck cold the idle is about 800 rpms and the idle is smooth. When I put it in reverse or drive the idle drops to around 400 rpms. 

 

Do you think a bad throttle positioning sensor would cause this problem. I remember about 10 years ago I replaced the TPS because of an idling issue. If auto zone lives up to their lifetime warranty and I can find a store that has one I may just replace it. 

 

I am going to remove it and see what it looks like and check the connector.

 

If that doesn't work, I will clean the idle air control valve.

 

thanks 

[richard wysong]

The TPS wouldn't affect the idle speed, do the IAC first, What was the original no start problem cure. There may be an idle relearn procedure if I remember correctly, clean the IAC and do the relearn, also clean the throttle plates. Is the truck OBD1 or OBDII? a scanner that does live data will show the desired idle speed, IAC counts, TPS voltage etc