Starting problems again. HELP!

[SWM]

OK, here we go. The starting problem I was having in May has resurfaced. After driving for a time the car won't start up again if turned off. If I crank and crank it will sputter then grab and run rough with no idle unless I can get it into gear. The starter cranks but gets weak quickly. Also the tach is dead for a while. Here's the hard part, every other day the car starts fine because in July I did a complete upper and frontal 120K. All seals, gaskets, belts, crank sprocket, CPS, IAB valve, battery, water pump etc., etc. are new. It's the exact same problem that I had before all the work. I know the CPS is connected to the tach but? When it runs it flys so the timing etc. seem to be fine. Could this be a starter? But why would the tach stop? HELP! 94 "green" atx 126K

 

[Ishodu]

Have you tried to see if you had any codes in your computer? Check link in my sig. There is a chance that it could be the cam sensor.

 

[SWM]

After three tries there are no codes at all. Although last week the alternator died and I replaced that, so any stored codes are lost. The car now starts fine every third time like there 's no problem at all. Today I replaced the cam sensor, still no luck. Tried to read the codes again but no codes were posted. Fuel pump? starter? 94 ATX 126k

 

[autobahnsho]

If the starter makes noise and you can hear it turning the engine, I'd assume it's good. It's just an electric motor that turns the engine. There's a "solenoid" that can sometimes fail, it moves the gear on the starter to touch the gear on the flywheel, then when it's done it moves out of the way.
(when you get time www.howstuffworks.com is good for learning about all the parts of a car engine. They even have pictures and animations.)

You can go to Autozone and borrow a fuel pressure gauge. (for free?)

Good luck!

 

[SWM]

I've been trying to pull the codes but the CE light doesn't light at all. 4 tries and no codes at all. Shouldn't I read something? The tach now seems to be working after the CID swap.

 

[autobahnsho]

I've been trying to pull the codes but the CE light doesn't light at all. 4 tries and no codes at all. Shouldn't I read something? The tach now seems to be working after the CID swap.

Do you have the jumper wire installed? If you do and you just turn the key to the on position and wait 5-20 seconds it should start.

 

[projectSHO89]

Does your CEL come on during the initial bulb self-test when the ignitions switch is first turned on?

If not, you will need to determine why the "CEL is MIA" (SEARCH keywords).

If so, make sure you are inserting the jumper into the correct pins. Some have held the plug upside down and for some reason, it wouldn't work.

Steve

 

[Dr. Tweak]

Check out the SHOPP guide for pulling the codes:

http://www.shophoenixproject.com/

 

[SWM]

My CEL is definatly MIA, no light on first start-up. All other lights seem good, would this one wear out long before the others? 94ATX

 

[SWM]

Update mid Feb. I still havn't solved the starting issues. Has the symptoms of a bad CID; will start when cold, won't start after a short time off, will crank hard then start with no tach until I get it in gear. The problem is the CID is new along with a new battery,IAB,starter,all battery cables,fuel pump,fuel pump reed valve,alternator,fusible links what else is there?? Also a full 120K this summer with all new seals,wires and plugs. ....... A few days and a few thousand threads later I've done rangerj's DIS test and all is good. I'm looking at the CPS as possibly having something to do with this. It was new in July for the 60 K(done at 123K)could it be bad already? The front suspension on this car is totally shot and the engine takes a beating. I can't put a dime into the front end till I can keep it running for more than a day. I think someone was talking about vibration possibly causing a failure, any thoughts? 94ATX 127K

 

[SWM]

Another update. This weekend I swapped another CID,checked all connections,removed the upper timing belt cover and took a close look(with a small live cam)at the CPS. It was dry and looked fine, still gapped and wasn't loose. The CPS is a wells brand and was new in July. I can't pull the codes because the CEL is MIA, that's what I'm working on now. Like I've said the front end is very rough, could vibration cause a fault so soon? I've only put 2K on this car since this summer. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!! 94ATX 127K