Engine cut out problems with 91 Suzuki Vitara

EXPATADAM

MEMBER
1991 SUZUKI VITARA
4 CYL
4WD
MANUAL
180,000 MILES

Hi Pros! I have a 91 Suzuki Vitara 1.6, 2 door soft-top that has served me faithfully for more than 180,000 km. Receiving the best regular dealer maintenance with all the necessary new parts as required. Never a " problem". And I mean never. Until about 3 months ago when this " bug" hit her. She will be running fine and then suddenly the motor stops like there is no gas, like the engine just freezes. She has a new battery, new starter [6 months ago, and only her 2nd]spark plugs are new, we only run her on 95+ octane and all the electrics-headlights, radio, windows, etc still function. When I try to crank her up again she makes all the right noises but won;t fire up. But if I leave her sit for a day or two she starts up and runs like nothing is wrong.

Took her to the dealer. They ran checks, said it might be corrosion in the fuse box under the hood. They replaced the box, the F1 fuse and gave her back to me. Ran fine for a month and did the same thing again to my wife. Towed her back to the dealer. They did another check. Said the fuel pump and filter were fine. Said they couldn't find the problem, they gave her back. She ran fine for a while but she cut out again last week. Had her towed AGAIN. But when she got to the dealership she started on their lot.[Of course!] They ran checks and took her out on the highway, kept her for 4 days and said they STILL could not find the problem. But said to drive her and hope that it was just a" bug" that would pass or "make itself more obvious". Looked at me like they were suspecting I was crazy.
That was last weekend.I drove her home and then all weekend. More than 300 kms. She ran fine. And I thought all was solved. Nope!

Monday afternoon she would not start and still won't start. She cranks but will not fire up. Before I get her back to the mechanics again. Can you tell me what YOU think the problem could be?

Thank You for the time and service!

1 Reply

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Do below to determine if its a fuel or spark problem

Get a helper disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine at least 3/16 away from ground -have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, Do you hear the fuel pump come On when you turn key on? If not check fuel pump fuse and fuel pump relay if so, check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs, coil's resistances, distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors and computer Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it.