starting intermittently

[bbaldwin]

My son's 1991 Sho (White ShoPlus) has begun to intermittently not start, sometimes after stalling (once on the freeway, once backing up, once driving slow through town) and once trying to start it in the morning. The car cranks and cranks, but doesn't fire or sputter. After anywhere from five minutes to a few hours, it will start, no problem. The mechanic hasn't been able to duplicate the problem, but cleaned the CPU contacts and the MAF sensor contacts, but it still happens. I would think crankshaft sensor, but the CEL never comes on and no codes are stored. It also hasn't had the tach jumping problem. Could it still be the CPS?

<small>[ November 04, 2002, 11:18 AM: Message edited by: bbaldwin ]</small>

 

[twr]

I would have to agree, the Crank Position Sensor sounds like the problem. Leaky water pump generally causes it to go bad. There are some that have gone bad with no codes thrown or the tach acting strange.

<small>[ November 04, 2002, 11:36 AM: Message edited by: twrsho ]</small>

 

[AutoSHO]

Sounds like a Crank Position sensor. Have you checked the Fuel Pressure when this happens? It could possibly also be a failing fuel pump.

 

[bbaldwin]

AutoSHO:
Sounds like a Crank Position sensor. Have you checked the Fuel Pressure when this happens? It could possibly also be a failing fuel pump.

We're still trying to get it to happen again. I'm talking to a mechanic in Arkansas. I'm hoping it will act up for him so he can check the tach movement. If the tach still moves, then I'll have him look at the fuel pressure. Thanks.

 

[stevetatro]

These symptoms can also sometimes be attributed to a bad CID sensor (that's Camshaft IDentification in case my terminology seems strange).

It would take all of about half an hour to swap a new CID in and see. Lot cheaper and easier than doing the CPS!!!

If you wait long enough, either sensor should throw a code. 14 for the CPS and 19 for the CID. If you wait for a code your son may get stranded miles from home, though ;^)

Good luck.

 

[BeatDaSHO]

it's the crankshaft position sensor. you have all the symptoms. replace that and the waterpump if that hasn't been done and might as well replace the front main seal and the timing belt.

Greg