Engine only starts one time per day

Hi,

It sounds like it could be related to a crankshaft position sensor. When they are failing, heat adversely affects them.

Here is what I suggest. When the engine refuses to start, check to see if there is spark to the plugs. Here is a link showing how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

Now, if there is spark and it still won't start, see if it will using starting fluid. If it starts and then stalls, we know it is a fuel-related issue.

Also, here is a link you may find helpful. It discusses what to check when a crank no start condition exists.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

Let me know what you find or if you have questions.

Take care,

Joe

They said camshaft sensor. You were right! So, a $50.00 part cost $200.00. I will be asking in the future for sure and getting a code tester. Thank you :)

Hi,

I'm glad to hear you got it fixed. You are always welcome here, so feel free to come back anytime in the future. The part ($50.00) would have been about half the price if you got it yourself, and I would have told you how. Next time. LOL

You take good care of yourself,

Joe

Oh boy what a day. so apparently the shop, had told me mechanic said the code he changed it out (the sensor) i was the called back and now they say the car won't start and i have to take to a dealer? After of course I gave them $324.00. I'm so upset i don't get it i don't know what to do??? Victoria

Do cam shafts just suddenly stop working?

So, I picked up my car drove it home that garage code is E.P.M issue relating to codes. Car listed above is a two-door Coupe, automatic.

Victoria,

Let me help. I never heard of an EPM. Do you mean PCM or ECM? Also, take a look at the receipt. See if there are codes listed. They will likely start with the letter "P" and have four digits after the letter.

When you drove it home, did it run okay? Also, I will need you to perform a few checks if you are comfortable with that. If you find codes, that should help eliminate some of the tests.

One last question. The idea that the camshaft position sensor was replaced I questioned. Normally, when they fail, the vehicle will go into a predetermined setting, so it continues to run. Are you sure it wasn't a crankshaft position sensor?

Do me a favor, take a look through this link, and let me know if it mirrors what you experience.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-crankshaft-sensor

Let me know.

Joe

The car started up and ran good all the way home. They didn't replace anything. The say they can't get code and it needs to go to dealer. My son messed with the negative battery cable and got car to start again. He honestly believes that's where the problem is. The garage said cars computer brain isn't working. there are no codes on papers it was ECM.

No none of that link you sent is how my cars acting. When it starts, runs fine. If it has turned off to go in somewhere it won't restart.

Hi,

The idea that there are no codes is likely related to a crankshaft position sensor. They can fail and not set a code.

As far as the battery, make sure it is tight and clean. That is a possibility.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/everything-goes-dead-when-engine-is-cranked

Next, what we really need to do is determine what is missing when it won't start. Chances are, it will either be a fuel issue or an ignition spark issue. If the crankshaft position sensor is bad, that will likely cause a loss of spark. I need you to check if that is the case when it won't start.

Here is a link that explains how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

We need to narrow down where the problem is coming from. At this point, I don't feel it is related to the computer.

Let me know what you find with the spark. Also, see if it starts for a couple of seconds using starting fluid. If it does and then stalls, it's fuel related.

Let me know what you find.

Joe