Turns off after driving 1 mile or so

Tiny
ABOMAXX
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 CADILLAC CATERA
  • 115 MILES
My '01 Cadillac Catera starts and idles fine but turns off and won't restart after driving approximately 1 mile. I replaced the fuel filter and the gas cap but the problem still persists. The only code showing is a slowly leaking a/c condenser. Any suggestions?
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Monday, August 12th, 2013 AT 6:05 AM

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Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,758 POSTS
All "crank, no start" conditions are approached in the same way. Every engine requires certain functions to be able to run. Some of these functions rely on specific components to work and some components are part of more than one function so it is important to see the whole picture to be able to conclude anything about what may have failed. Also, these functions can ONLY be tested during the failure. Any other time and they will simply test good because the problem isn't present at the moment.
If you approach this in any other way, you are merely guessing and that only serves to replace unnecessary parts and wastes money.

Every engine requires spark, fuel and compression to run. That's what we have to look for.

These are the basics that need to be tested and will give us the info required to isolate a cause.

1) Test for spark at the plug end of the wire using a spark tester. If none found, check for power supply on the + terminal of the coil with the key on.

2) Test for injector pulse using a small bulb called a noid light. If none found, check for power supply at one side of the injector with the key on.

3) Use a fuel pressure gauge to test for correct fuel pressure, also noticing if the pressure holds when key is shut off.

Once you have determined which of these functions has dropped out,
you will know which system is having the problem.
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Monday, August 12th, 2013 AT 6:22 AM

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