03 accent sputtered and died

There's no one failure point that sticks out. Hold off on the code reader for now. It's possible there are no codes stored. You're on the right track checking for spark, compression, etc. On the other hand, if you have access to a code reader you can obtain/use free, it's a good idea to plug it in real quick and see if anything comes up.

If the engine cranks faster than normal, suspect a compression issue. This is often caused by a timing belt problem.

-- Message posted using

ok,

I took a first look at the car back here in my garage the timing belt and compression are good there are no codes showing with a code reader the code reader was communicating with the car, i was able to look at coolant temp and such on a differnt menu. there is no spark the plugs are dry and show no signs of unburned fuel no unburned fuel smell in the tailpipe or garage there are no signs of this engine trying to run at all I took a look around with a light to see if anything seemed to be disconnected or worn thru

I am guessing this to be some kind of sensor or engine management issue, but i dont know why the code reader wouldnt pick that up. I am very frustrated and not sure what to look at next

thanks, DaveV

Since you've got no spark, and it sounds like you have no fuel either, I'd suspect the crank sensor or similar issue. If it failed suddenly, the computer may have just assumed the engine was turned off. The fact that you can communicate with the ECM indicates that it's probably functioning normally.

I'd recommend pulling out the crank sensor and having a look at it. If you see the wiring cut, repair the wiring or replace the crank sensor as necessary/appropriate. If there's physical damage to the crank sensor, check the wheel on the crankshaft (screwdriver in hole) to see whether it's loose. If you see nothing, I'd recommend trying a new crank sensor. Unfortunately, this means you'll need to go out and buy one. At the dealer, we have the luxury of getting one from parts and replacing it first in the event we're unsure.

I feel like I may be forgetting about something obvious. If someone else has suggestions not mentioned above, please feel free to post.

-- Message posted using

turns out that it was the crank sensor

the online shop manual gave the specs for testing it and mine was bad. I picked up a new one and the car is running fine again.

how often do those fail ? should i keep a spare in the glove box ?

thank you, you have been very helpful as always

thanks, DaveV

All in all, I don't think they fail very often, unless the wire is routed to chafe on the exhaust manifold cover. I don't think I've seen one fail at less than about 30k. While that's not very long, it's also on very few vehicles. The majority of vehicles I see have never needed a crank sensor.

-- Message posted using