TEST 2: Using Starting Fluid To Confirm Lack Of Fuel
We can easily check if the engine's no-start problem is due to a lack of fuel with starting fluid.
Specifically, we'll spray starting fluid into the throttle body and have a helper crank the engine.
If the engine's no-start problem is due to a lack of fuel, the starting fluid will get the engine to start and run for a few seconds.
If the engine's no-start problem is NOT caused by a lack of fuel, the engine will not start.
NOTE: To get an accurate test result from the starting fluid test, you need to first confirm that the ignition coils are sparking. You can easily accomplish this by attaching a spark tester to any ignition coil and having a helper crank the engine (while you observe to see if the spark tester sparks).
IMPORTANT: This is a very fast and easy test but you do have to take one very important safety precaution and this is to reconnect the air intake duct after spraying starting fluid down the throttle bore (although you don't have to fasten it). This will prevent any backfire that might occur inside the intake manifold from scaring the heck out of you when cranking the engine.
This is what you have to do:
- 1
Remove the intake air duct from the throttle body. You don't have to completely remove it, since you'll have to reconnect it in one of the next steps.
- 2
Open the throttle plate and spray starting fluid down the bore.
As a safety precaution reconnect the air duct after you have sprayed a good squirt of starting fluid (but you don't have to tighten the air duct's hose clamp). - 3
Start the engine once the air duct is in place and you're a safe distance from the engine compartment.
- 4
You'll get one of two results with this test:
1.) The engine will start momentarily and after a few seconds will die.
2.) The engine will only crank but not start at all.
OK, let's find out what your results mean:
CASE 1: The engine started and ran for a few seconds. This test result tells you that the no-start problem is due to a lack of fuel.
Your next step is to check to see what the fuel pressure is with a fuel pressure test gauge. Go to: TEST 1: Checking Fuel Pressure With A Fuel Pressure Gauge.
CASE 2: The engine did not start, not even momentarily. This usually means that a lack of fuel IS NOT the reason your car is not starting.
Now, remember what I said about this test not being very accurate? Well, I suggest you do one more test and this is to check the fuel pressure with a fuel pressure test gauge. Go to: TEST 1: Checking Fuel Pressure With A Fuel Pressure Gauge.
Where To Buy The Fuel Pump And Save
The fuel pump in your 3.2L Isuzu Rodeo (Amigo or Honda Passport) is located inside the fuel tank. The fuel pump can be bought in any auto parts store, but I think, you'll find the better price online. The following fuel pumps are pretty good deals:
Not sure if the above fuel pumps fit your particular Isuzu? Don't worry, once you get to the site, they'll make sure it fits by asking you the specifics of your vehicle. If it doesn't fit, they'll find you the right one.
More 3.2L Isuzu Diagnostic Tutorials
You can find a complete list of 3.2L Isuzu tutorials in this index: Isuzu 3.2L Index Of Articles.
Here's a small sample of the tutorials you'll find in the index:
- How To Test The Isuzu 3.2L COP Ignition Coils.
- How To Test The Isuzu 3.2L Throttle Position Sensor.
- How To Test The Isuzu Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor.
- Ignition Control Module Test (1992-1995 3.2L Isuzu Rodeo and Trooper).
- How To Test The GM MAF Sensor (3.1L, 3.4L, 4.3L, 5.0L and 5.7L).
- For GM MAF sensor equipped 3.2L engines.
If this info saved the day, buy me a beer!
