For the first time my car won't start. It sputters and sputters, but won't fire up. I know the battery is in good shape as are the spark plugs and the starter motor is working fine. The only thing I can think of is that maybe the weather bitterly cold has been an issue? Any thoughts on what maybe causing this?

 

Do you have a can of starting fluid ?

 

Good point, I don't where would I spray it?

 

Find someone who has used starting fluid to help you .
Its a two person sort of deal .
One sits in the drivers seat to crank it over while the other shoots starter fluid into the air cleaner .
If the motor will fire up and run on starter fluid , then you know you have a fuel deal going on .
If it does not fire up and run on starter fluid , then you might look to see if you have good spark .

 

Personal opinion, but I strongly discourage use of starting fluid as a troubleshooting tool. It is fine for getting frozen equipment started when there is no other way, but I think there is too much risk of damage or fire for routine use. Your car will start fine in cold weather if everything is working properly. I am not sure starting fluid will help locate the problem.

Have you read the diagnostic codes? When is the last time the fuel filter was changed? Have you check the distributor belt?

A problem in cold weather is a great clue: water in the fuel lines is freezing, or perhaps the cold start enrichment is inop. Connect a test line to the fitting on the fuel rail, and measure the fuel pressure and the flow rate. Also run the pressure hold test. If all that is OK, use the test line to pump some gas in a container and see if any water globules show up on the bottom. If you have water, there is a good chance the fuel filter and the screen inside the gas tank need attention (the former you replace, the latter you remove, clean, and re-use).

The diagnostic codes will report any failed sensors that affect the cold start system. Good luck, and be sure to report what you find (saves the rest of us from a lot of work if we ever get the same symptoms).

 

The first thing I would try with an engine that cranks but won't fire is to change the DME relay.

 

I am very safety conscious and I recommend starting fluid and I use starting fluid .
I have never known anyone to have had a problem from the use of starting fluid .

 

Thanks again for all the replies. Indycam, I am not against using starter fluid, but do realize some of the dangers. Car was pumping gas, you could smell it. I hooked up a charger to the car and let it sit for a few hours. I attempted the start, first time turned and died, second turn it fired when I pressed the accelerator down a touch. Then it idled for a second and I drove it to warm it up. I don't know what happened earlier today. I checked everything and it all seems to be okay. Tonight I have it in a heated garage!

 

Today I came across two ladies in a non starting vanagon .
First thing I tried was a few secs of starter fluid .
The motor fired up for a few secs .
That told me the problem was with the fuel side of things .
I found that the fuel pump ground wire had parted .
Fixed up the ground wire and presto chango , it fires up and runs just fine .