This is not a good sign

[fozzie]

So I bought my 1st SHO yesterday, it's an 1989. I actually test drove it a few times over the past week and it drove fine. I picked it up yesterday and it started and drove fine. However when I got home I let it sit for about 3 hours and then decided to go get food, now it won't start. Engine is turning over fine, plenty of power, but won't start.

They claim they just put a new fuel pump on it so that's what I'm going to check 1st if it's not something simple. Also it was bout 20F outside last night but I'm thinking if it was the cold it wouldn't have even turned over.

Before I go checking the fuel pressure, fuel filter, coil, ect... There's not some weird safety feature on the 89 is there? I mean I've got the clutch to the floor and it does turn over. Just thought I'd check 1st and save myself some time under the hood.

Thanks!

 

[1995SHO9]

Um, you should hear the fuel pump prime when you turn the key to the on position.

I really hope that your crank sensor didn't go out, that would suck BIG TIME for you.

Crank sensor=no start
Cam sensor=hard start.

Run codes, let us know what they are, then we will be able to help you instead of just guessing.

~Johnathon~

 

[93rev2sev]

If it decides to start again, just to stall out once it's warmed up, you need a front 60k.

They cost about $150 or less in parts and are the number one Rite Of Passage for most SHO owners.

 

[Mr Anonymous]

Start by checking to see if there are any trouble codes stored. There is a link in my signature with instructions on how to read the codes.

Let us know what if any codes you find and that may help identify the problem.

 

[fozzie]

Thanks I'll run the codes when I get home and post them.

 

[SHO.fast]

can you hear your fuel pump click on when you turn the key in the ignition but not start it just put it to the one position

you should hear your fuel pump turn on/click on

 

[fozzie]

About to leave work and go check it out. Just to save some time where is the fuel pump **** switch located in the trunk?

 

[Vnuk1]

About to leave work and go check it out. Just to save some time where is the fuel pump **** switch located in the trunk?

The left side I believe it should be marked.

 

[SHOCH]

And if they just did a fuel pump they might have stirred the *** of carp in the tank and clogged the filter.

 

[fozzie]

Okay so I got home and it fired right up.. very strange. Only difference is its about 20 degrees warmer now but 20f to 40f should matter too much.

The fuel pump **** switch in the trunk did have the insulation stripped in one spot, maybe it was grounding against the wall?? I could definitely hear the fuel pump running today... I don't remember hearing it last night but I wasn't really listening for it either.

I tried to pull codes but it gave me nothing.. the EEC-IV is kinda mashed up.. I can see where the correct wire goes into the back though, would it be okay if I just popped out the signal return wire and put a new end on it?

 

[Brett]

Are you sure your pulling the codes correctly? Not to call you inexperienced, i tried pulling my own codes to no avail, even brought it to a go with a fancy 1200 dollar snap on diagnostic lap top dealy he couldnt figure it out. The problem we both had? We were plugging in the ********* plug, but not the tiny gray one next to it.

Good to hear it started back up, i can't remember which it is, but one sensor will let it run awhile and then wont allow it to start for awhile. I know im a bunch of help.

 

[fozzie]

I'm running a wire from the small grey plug to the house looking EEC-IV plug and placing it in the top right connector.

 

[HootUSMC]

Welcome to the wonderful world of the SHO. Good luck with your problem. There are many many folk who can help you out here so you're in good hands as long as you have money and patience.

 

[elarm1]

Check your cam seal/ sensor. If it has any oil on it, in 20 degree weather, it wont start. Also check your plugs for fuel. If they have fuel on them more than likely you have flooded the motor. Clean them, reinstall them, then try to start the car with the gas pedal to the floor.

 

[elarm1]

I did a lot of running around only to find it was simple problems that were causing my hicups! Remember........STICK TO THE BASICS FIRST!

 

[fozzie]

I started it almost a dozen times last night with no issues at all. This kinda worries me though, I'd almost prefer it stay broke so I could figure out what's wrong and fix it. Now I'm going to be wondering if the problem is going to resurface.

At this point my best best is that it was the stripped cut off switch wire grounding against the metal wall. Another thing, my cut off switch doesn't work, in both positions the fuel pump keeps working. Should I just bypass it to make sure this doesn't happen again?

 

[Kens1992mtxSHO]

SHO gremlins, you've gotta love them.

Try to duplicate your problem. Drive it around again and let it sit, then try to restart it. Definitely try to run your diagnostic codes again.

 

[Bizzy]

I started it almost a dozen times last night with no issues at all. This kinda worries me though, I'd almost prefer it stay broke so I could figure out what's wrong and fix it. Now I'm going to be wondering if the problem is going to resurface.

At this point my best best is that it was the stripped cut off switch wire grounding against the metal wall. Another thing, my cut off switch doesn't work, in both positions the fuel pump keeps working. Should I just bypass it to make sure this doesn't happen again?

If it doesn't matter which position the cut off switch is in then it sounds as if it's already been bypassed. Your best bet is to find any faulty wiring and correct that, including any bypass connections. Those switches, while it's uncommon, do go bad. If the switch needs to be replaced, then replace it. IMO, it's best to have it work as was intended for safety reasons.

 

[elarm1]

I would replace the switch or byppass it for the time being. If you don't hear the pump whine everytime you go to start it, I'm sure thats where your problem lies for now.

 

[pitaSHO]

FWIW, a crank sensor going out will also be intermittent and hard to dupicate until the sensor fuzzes out again. More than likely you need a front 60k anyway. My 89 was cutting out at odd times and was unreliable. I did a front 60k and now she hums right along...

Chris K.