My engine wont start for days, then starts?

Tiny
FREEMBA
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,152 POSTS
First thing to do is to verify that the engine isn't getting fuel after it cuts off. Check for a spark at one of the spark plug wires after it cuts off and will not restart. (Ignition problems can cause these same symptoms).
If there is not spark let me know and I will post info on how to diagnose the ignition system.

In order to check for a spark at one of the spark plug wires, remove the spark plug wire from the spark plug. Connect it to a spark tester and connect the other end of the spark tester to a good engine ground (a bolt will do fine). Have an assistant to crank the engine and you should see a spark jump the gap in the spark tester. If so, the ignition system is doing its' job. If not more testing f the ignition system is required.
If a spark tester is not available, remove the spark plug wire from the spark plug and lay it (horizontally) on a metal part of the engine. Have an assistant to crank the engine and you should see a spark jump from the end of the spark plug wire to the metal engine surface.

Also, if you suspect that it's not getting fuel, spray some carb cleaner into the intake manifold and then try to to start the engine. If it starts (or tries to start) and then dies, the problem is that it isn't getting gas for some reason, then we'll diagnose the fuel system.
As it is, since you've repalced a couple of part in the fule system, check for a fuel or relay loose fit in it's socket. Loose connections here could cause iintermittent problems. Also check fuel pump connection at tankif possible.
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Friday, January 22nd, 2021 AT 12:14 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HOLLY4763
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  • 11 POSTS
  • 2000 CHEVROLET VENTURE
  • 200,000 MILES
My van was overheating and stalling out. After 15 mins you could restart the van and it ran normal. Changed all 3 main fan fuses. While changing noticed the radiator leaking, changed the radiator. After changing the radiator, the van started running very sluggish. It wanted to stall with every stop. The van finally stalled this last time and refuses to start back up. I have changed the spark plugs, wires, fuel filter, and checked the fuel pump. We also checked all the wires running throughout the wire harness, looks ok. My van has spark, but WILL NOT start! It rolls over and sounds like it wants to start but wont.
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Friday, January 22nd, 2021 AT 12:14 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
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Scan for codes, and check fuel pressure with a gauge auto parts rent them fp lshould be 52-59 psi
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Friday, January 22nd, 2021 AT 12:14 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HOLLY4763
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At first, it threw me a P 0449 Code and I then checked ALL my fuses and relays. The fuse inside the van for the Evap was bad. Now its throwing me a P 0452 Code, but I still have the fuel pump down from the van (all hooked up though) because I just changed that and I was worried about the wiring. Can anyone tell me which wires should be hot and where to test them? To my fuel pump, the only hot I have is the gray wire.
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Friday, January 22nd, 2021 AT 12:14 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HOLLY4763
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Thanks hmac300, I am renting a complete diagnostic kit from AutoZone (It includes a fuel pressure gauge). Hopefully this will lead me in the right direction. I will post back to let you know how it goes!
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Friday, January 22nd, 2021 AT 12:14 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
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The gray wire is the hot wire to pump. Those two codes you have deal with the evap and fuel tank pressure sensor. A pro really needs to diagnose the fuel tank sensor unless ther e is no voltage going to the sensor. Check the gray/blk wire to see if you have a 5 volt reference signal. If not it's ahort or connection problem but a pro should really check this as it could be the pressure sender.
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Friday, January 22nd, 2021 AT 12:14 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HOLLY4763
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What should the compression be? I have a compression tester. Do I have to plug this tester into each spark plug socket?
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Friday, January 22nd, 2021 AT 12:14 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
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Why are you worried about compression? Just scan and check fuel pressure not engine compression. If you are really worried about compression as long as it's above 90 psi per cylinder and within 20%of each other don't worry about it.
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Friday, January 22nd, 2021 AT 12:14 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HOLLY4763
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Van is started. Don't really know why but now its throwing a P 0452 code
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Friday, January 22nd, 2021 AT 12:14 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HOLLY4763
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Sorry wrong code.A P o0306
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Friday, January 22nd, 2021 AT 12:14 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
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There is no code 306is it a 300? If it is have a pro check it as these are very hard to diagnose the problem
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Friday, January 22nd, 2021 AT 12:14 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HOLLY4763
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And a P0102 code
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Friday, January 22nd, 2021 AT 12:14 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HOLLY4763
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  • 11 POSTS
P 0306 Cylinder 6 misfire detected
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Friday, January 22nd, 2021 AT 12:14 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
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306 is amode 6 code.102 is a maf code, but should also be checked by a pro
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Friday, January 22nd, 2021 AT 12:14 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HOLLY4763
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P 0102 states Mass or Volume Air Flow circuit low input
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Friday, January 22nd, 2021 AT 12:14 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HOLLY4763
  • MEMBER
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My husband just had back surgery and has been off from work for over a year. I am doing all of this work while he is supervising me. We honestly CAN'T afford a mechanic at this time. And this vehicle is our only means to get back and forth. I also have a 13 yr old daughter with a lot of different medical issues. Any help anyone can give me, would be greatly appreciated! I definitely appreciate ALL the help hmac300 has given me! You have been a life savor so far!
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Friday, January 22nd, 2021 AT 12:14 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
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Well the trouble is that the codes that you need to clear are very very hard for even a mechanic to figure out and you need apro style scanner because it can do stuff that the one at auto parts cannot that is why I told you to go to a pro. It can read real time stuff whereas yours cannot and a lot of those codes need that in order to figure out the problem. Sorry
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Friday, January 22nd, 2021 AT 12:15 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HOLLY4763
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You have been extremely helpful! Thanks so much. I will definitely get it looked at, as soon as I can!
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Friday, January 22nd, 2021 AT 12:15 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CHIGNECTO1
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2000 CHEVROLET VENTURE
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 225,000 MILES
My van quit while turning a corner and won't start. Mechanic said the battery was low and told computer not to start put in new battery and ran it for about 4 hours turning it on and off several times. The next morning the same thing. Whirls over but will not start. Need help!
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Friday, January 22nd, 2021 AT 12:15 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Welcome to the forum, is the theft/security lite on the dash, on or flashing, when you try to start?
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+4
Friday, January 22nd, 2021 AT 12:15 PM (Merged)

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