Just follow the basic troubleshooting method for all internal combustion engines:
1. Are you 110% sure you have each of the three basic items needed to run an engine (Air, Fuel, Spark)?
Presuming there have been not prior clues given by the car such as hesitation or stalling, and that by the battery sounding strong you mean that it turns the starter motor over with the same zest as usual, here is your course of action which is a lot easier than dropping the gas tank.
A. Check to see if fuel is getting to the throttle body. Remove the incoming fuel line and have another person turn on the key and crank it for a 1-2 count. If fuel shoots out as it should, then reattach the fuel line and check the plugs.
B. Remove all 4 spark plug wires and have someone crank the engine over for 2-3 seconds. Remove the front plug and inspect. It should have a strong gas smell and probably be wet with fuel. If not, then quickly remove and inspect all of the plugs. If all of them are dry, but you had fuel delivery to the engine, then you have an intake fuel delivery issue.
C. If all the plugs are moist, inspect for wear, carbon build up, and proper gap. If they appear within tolerance, then plug a wire into one and lay it on a grounded part of the engine and crank it over just a couple of times to check for a healthy spark. Check each wire and plug for spark. Replace as needed.
D. Check and make sure all spark plug and coil wires are snug, clean, and secure.
E. Remove the air cleaner tube between the air filter and the throttle body. Use a flashlight (NOT A CIGARETTE LIGHTER!!!) to look into the intake path and make sure there is not blockage. Remove the air filter from the box and check to see light can be seen through it. Clean or replace as needed.
F. If you haven't figured out what is causing the lack of spark, fuel, or air after this, then take it to an ASE certified mechanic and pay them to diagnose the problem. They will follow a similar procedure and usually charge about 1 hours labor, probably less, to provide a diagnosis and estimate.
__________________ Toby Ball |