That's pretty much the gist of it. Car fires but won't turn over. Checked fuses, disconnected battery to reset computer. No fix. Firing sound is very consistent (doesn't 'almost turn over'). Any ideas? Anything I can check out myself without taking it to a mechanic? Is it possible for me to check the fuel pump? I've also got a mechanic friend, anything that I could specifically ask him to look at? Thanks.

 

What do you mean by "fires" but want turn over. A cars motor has to be turning over, turning key in start position, motor spinning before you can even check for spark plug "firing". If cars motor is spinning over when you turn key and you do have fire to plugs its probably fuel related. A quick blast of stluid will determine fuel pump issues if it starts up and cuts right off.

 

a quick blast of starting fluid (spray)

 

You need four things for it to run. Air, Fuel, spark, and proper timing. If it is firing but won't stay running, I'm betting a fuel or timing issue. But just to be sure, check to see if you have spark and a clean air filter.