Only starts sometimes

Tiny
KENHEFF81
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 SATURN SC2
  • 145,000 MILES
I was given a 2000 saturn sc2 5speed. The previous owner had issues with it starting. He had it to a mechanic a couple times with poor results. When I got it, it would not start at all. I sent it to my mechanic. He said he was getting orange spark on the #1 plug. This lead him to believe that the ignition control module was bad. It ran fine for 3 days. Then I went a quarter mile to the store today, I was in the store 2 minutes. When I came out it started, as I was backing out of the spot someone cut me off. I stalled the car when this happened. As I tried to start the car it would crank but not turn over. When I went back 5 hours later it started. Any ideas? Is it from me stalling it.
Tuesday, March 20th, 2012 AT 12:12 AM

8 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Have the computer scanned for code/s also check the fuel pressure -

Or do this next time it refuses to start don't wait immediately look for fuel and spark-let us know
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Tuesday, March 20th, 2012 AT 12:18 AM
Tiny
KENHEFF81
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Sorry I forgot to add, it doesn't throw any codes. Does that still make you lean to fuel pressure?
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Tuesday, March 20th, 2012 AT 12:24 AM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
The only way to find out is to check the fuel pressure with a gauge and report back the readings
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Tuesday, March 20th, 2012 AT 12:37 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Just to add this one it sounds like you may be loosing spark its real common for the crank shaft position sensors to fail in those. Also real common for bad coolant temp sensors to go bad. Next time it doesnt start check for spark if you dont have spark you will have to check the resistance of the crank shaft position sensor. It should read about 800 ohms when they test bad they usually read as a open circuit.
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Tuesday, March 20th, 2012 AT 6:52 AM
Tiny
KENHEFF81
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Funny you should say about the coolant temp sensor. I had an issue with the coolant the 2nd day I had it. It ran for awhile, didnt overheat, when I stopped and was cleaning the interior while running, coolant started to come out of the cap. I shut the car down and released the pressure coolant then went down. The mechanic replaced the thermostat.
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Wednesday, March 21st, 2012 AT 12:07 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
I would try and replace the coolant temp sensor there only like 10. Also inspect the inside of the coolant temp sensor connector. If the terminals are green or blue instead of silver you will have to replace the connector also.
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Wednesday, March 21st, 2012 AT 1:09 AM
Tiny
KENHEFF81
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I will check that out. Going back to the crank position sensor. When these are bad will they work intermitently or will they just die? I really appreciate the help with this, you guys are awesome!
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Wednesday, March 21st, 2012 AT 10:32 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
I have seen them just die and never start again I have also seen them die and restart later and die a slow and painfull death.I have really seen them both ways sometime they dont even act like it would be a crank shaft sensor when they die.I had one that would start up cold stall leaving the driveway then start up and run fine. When it wont start we need to check for spark I would also replace the coolant temp sensor and inspect the connector like I asked you too. The coolant temp sensors have a high failure rate.I have a 1999 saturn SL2 have had it 6yrs iam on my fourth coolant temp sensor.I just changed my oringal crank shaft position it was still good I just didnt want it to leave me stranded one day.
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Wednesday, March 21st, 2012 AT 4:14 PM

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