SureTrack Community Fix: Sparkless Spark

Ironic that a vehicle called a Spark is giving the technician trouble for no spark. SureTrack community member bighaic had a Chevrolet Spark in their shop that had no spark and wouldn’t start after doing an engine replacement. They posed the question to the community, and with the help of fellow community member Richard_C and others, they were able to resolve the issue quickly.

The following Community Fix summarizes the interaction between members of the community that led to the solution.

Vehicle
2013 Chevrolet Spark LT 1.2L

Title
No spark after engine replacement, replaced bolt.

Complaint
No spark after engine replacement and clutch.

Diagnostic Steps Performed/Parts Replaced
Checked computer and found code for crankshaft sensor circuit. Found damaged crankshaft sensor due to clutch coming apart. Replaced the sensor with a new one from the dealer and still have no spark. Engine also has new spark plugs and coils installed. Also checked all the fuses and relays and found none were blown. I can’t get it to spark so am I missing something here.

Best Answer from Community Member Richard_C
Usually after an entire engine change, I’d go back and go over all the grounds, especially chase out and test the grounds to the crank position sensor.
After looking at TSBs, there is one about the coil ground bolt being too long after engine swap. Went back and double checked the ground and found the bolt had bottomed out before the ground was tight. Put a shorter bolt in its place and now vehicle runs.

Cause
After looking at TSBs, there is one about the coil ground bolt being too long after engine swap. Went back and double checked the ground and found the bolt had bottomed out before the ground was tight.

Correction
Put a shorter bolt in its place and now vehicle runs.