Intermittent starting problem - resolved
04-30-2012, 09:34 PM
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
Intermittent starting problem - resolved
A recent thread by rwm listed various no-start behaviors but mine was slightly different. For three or four years my car would just crank on the restart attempt if I accidentally released the key before the engine started initially. In the last few months, it also wouldn't restart after a very short drive if the car hadn't reached operating temperature.
In these cases, the engine cranked but with no indication of trying to start. After allowing the car to sit 15-45 minutes, it would start normally.
The indie shop duplicated the behavior. Diagnostic testing showed a weak flywheel reference sensor. Sometimes the output was about 2 volts, less than ideal but sufficient to produce a spark for starting the engine. At other times the output dipped to 0.5 volts, which is inadequate to start the car. Voltage output increased significantly when the reference sensor was replaced.
In these cases, the engine cranked but with no indication of trying to start. After allowing the car to sit 15-45 minutes, it would start normally.
The indie shop duplicated the behavior. Diagnostic testing showed a weak flywheel reference sensor. Sometimes the output was about 2 volts, less than ideal but sufficient to produce a spark for starting the engine. At other times the output dipped to 0.5 volts, which is inadequate to start the car. Voltage output increased significantly when the reference sensor was replaced.
