runs fine once it's running

1997 SATURN SC2
80,000 MILES
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HOPPALONG
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Car runs fine once it's running, idle is good. Starts right up after it's been running, but if it sits overnight it will turn over strong but won't start.
Sep 13, 2011 at 12:25 AM
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SATURNTECH9
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Sounds like a bad coolant temp sensor very common on those cars.Do you have any codes?Have you checked yet?Next time it wont start hold the gas pedal all the way to floor while cranking see if it starts.
Sep 13, 2011 at 1:20 AM
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HOPPALONG
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There are no codes when it's running.I tried pumping the gas when turning it over but it wouldn't start.
Sep 13, 2011 at 10:23 PM
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SATURNTECH9
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You dont pump the gas you hold the gas pedal all the way to floor while trying to start it.Also just because the service engine soon light isnt on doesnt mean it doesnt have codes.Check for codes also have you checked the coolant temp sensor yet?Thats most likely your problem.
Sep 13, 2011 at 11:04 PM
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HOPPALONG
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I hooked up my code scanner and no codes show up. I changed the coolant temperature sensor. I turned it over with the gas pedal to the floor. The car still won't start unless I give it a shot of starting fluid, then it starts and idles smooth with no hesitation. The issue seems to be when it sits overnight.
Sep 14, 2011 at 11:30 PM
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SATURNTECH9
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What color was the connector end of the new sensor where you hook up the connector?Also did you inspect the terminals of the connector for being corroded?Try this when it sits over night before starting it try turning the key to the run position let it sit there like 5 seconds without trying to start it do that two more times then see if it starts.You have a 1997 saturn S model car those fuel pumps are known for not holding the fuel pressure in the line and bleeding down.Causing hard starts like you have.You can also get a fuel pressure gauage and we cancheck it that way also.
Sep 14, 2011 at 11:38 PM
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HOPPALONG
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The connector end is white. The terminals on the wire are clean no corrosion at all. Pushed in the tap where pressure gauge screws in and had gas coming out. Don't have a pressure gauge yet.
Sep 17, 2011 at 2:17 AM
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SATURNTECH9
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The white connector ones are usually for the temp gauge on the older saturns and dont work like they should as coolant temp sensor.Also auto zone rents the fuel pressure gauges for free with a refundable deposite.
Sep 17, 2011 at 4:09 AM
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HOPPALONG
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Turned key 3 times like you said and the car started. Code now comes upthat says crankshaft positioning sensor " a " circuit. Range. Performance
Sep 18, 2011 at 1:12 AM
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SATURNTECH9
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Sounds like a fuel pump bleeding down you will habe to rent a fuel pressure gauge to prove that.Also what is the exact code number your getting not the code description.
Sep 18, 2011 at 1:38 AM
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