Edmunds Answers questions

2003 VW Passat 6cyl automatic having cold weather (20 or below) start problem. Has new battery. Any suggestions?

dostrow — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 11:20:25 GMT

2003 VW Passat 6cyl. automatic having cold weather (20 or below) start problem. Has a new battery. No other symptoms. Have had alternator and battery/starter connections checked. Any ideas?

Subaru, Timing Belt

tapj — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 20:44:02 GMT

Just to say thanks. I tink I'm all set for now, Thanks Tapj

Where is the crankshaft position sensor?

scottpark — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 17:06:25 GMT

i was told by a dealer that most likely cause is worn cam. have you herd of this problem and do you think that would cause sudden,engine stop?are you aware of any other common issues with the 4.1 in that yr?

When I turn the key on my car the starter kicks in and then disengages and whines like an electric motor

jon_g98034 — Tue, 13 May 2008 21:41:54 GMT

when i turn the key on my car the starter kicks in and then disengages and whines like an electric motor

What is going on if my engine doesn't start?

patrick51 — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 12:38:42 GMT

I woke up this morning and tried to start my engine, and it wouldn't start. Any help with that?

92 305 was missing once it warmed up, now have no spark at all?

iamsam2 — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:10:50 GMT

started missing when it warmed up now i have no spark what should i check already changed ignition mod, plugs cap rotor please help if ya can

Thanks for help about the fan on the Chevy S-10 engine

magnum1b — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 12:10:20 GMT

for the straight skinny on the fan clutch removal tools. I thought that was what was needed. I've tried the strap wrench and a large pair of Channelock pliers and couldn't get it to budge. I saw the holes in the pulley and figured it needed a pin spanner. What a design is all I can say. Should have heard me cussing the idiot engineers who came up with that. Now all I need to do is find someone with the tool I can check out.

Thanks again

I have a Fiat Punto Series 1 1200 1998. Failed to start There is no compression on the engine. Cam belt is ok?

jskelton — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 07:16:48 GMT

Hi, I have a Fiat Punto Series 1 1200cc Year 1998. Car fired up started from cold run for about 5 seconds and then went dead, as if I had just switched off the ignition. I immediately thought the Cam Belt had snapped but on inspection the Cam Belt was intact and OK.(I HAD A CAM BELT FITTED 2 YEARS AGO and done about 9000 miles since it was fitted ) When turning the engine over there does not seem to be any compression. Any Help Appreciated. Regards John

My car is not starting and it's not the battery or the fuses. What could it be?

ukty23 — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:29:44 GMT

when i turn the key in the ignition it doesnt make a sound at all, what could be the problem i changed the fuses and bought a new battery and my splice cables are fine, could it be the starter?

Having problems starting my 97 Dodge Ram 5.2 l. Changed plugs, wires, rotor and distributor cap. Getting fuel.

percy7 — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 19:12:42 GMT

My 97 Dodge Ram 5.2L will not start. It will turn over but will not start. Changed the plugs, wires, distributor cap and rotor. I'm getting fuel and a spark. Help

I changed the ignition assembly but my car doesn't want to start but my radio, lights, windows, ac, etc. work.

jay143 — Wed, 20 May 2009 15:38:42 GMT

My car doesn't wanna start after I changed the ignition assembly.

My car turns over but it will not start. What could be the problem?

msmak — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 16:38:14 GMT

When I turn the ignition switch to on. It turns over but it will not catch. I tried it several times but it will not start.

1996 Jeep Wrangler. When motor heats up and I drive over 55mph it dies and I have let motor cool down to restart.

creedmoor — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 17:41:54 GMT

1996 Jeep Wrangler. When I drive on long distance and the motor gets hot it will die and I have to let the motor cool to restart. I can make short distance drive no problem. What can I do to fix?

2 stroke engine problem. Have Husky chainsaw, Honda powerwasher.

jamn69 — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:44:43 GMT

Also have Evinrude outboard-pretty sure all 2 stroke. Use choke, pull many times & will start though almost to tired to use machine. Anyone good at to stroke mechanics or can direct me to a good website like this one but for to strokes - also heavy duty stuff interested in. Thank you.

Can't locate the failure on crankshift sensor on Ford Contour. Won't start.

carlosh — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 12:04:04 GMT

Where can I find the crankshaft sensor on my 1995 4 cil. ford contour?

Me and my dad worked on changing the timing belt, and we had the car up on a stand, then when everything had been changed but still on the stand and not completely set all toghether, we turned it on and it ran perfectly well from the very 1st time, BUT, when we got it of the stand and set everthing else back to place, like belt plastic covers, and everything, it didn't wanted to start again, and we noticed that the sparkplugs show up wet with gasoline, does any one know what could have happened?

We changed the crankshaft sensor but it's still the same, we even changed the spark plugs, cables, checked the gas pump, and even the inertia switch, and everthing looks O.K., we really got out of clues since it looks like everetying is doing fine, but it still won't start, do you know what can be heppening?

Crank postion sensor location on an 87 Cadillac 4.1l?

scottpark — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 18:42:18 GMT

car just quit one day i'm trying to get going again, has spark and fuel. sounds like it's going to start but doesn't. someone suggested crank pos. sensor?

82 Chevy 350 timing chain and gears removed. What to do to put them back in right spot? Please help.

wantawin — Fri, 30 May 2008 21:34:51 GMT

i removed timing chain and gears and i forgot and cranked motor now i need to know how to put everything back in time thank u

1998 Saturn -Intermittent starting

a02000 — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 14:43:19 GMT

The car has started to have intermittent starting problems. When I go out in the morning, the car starts right up, just like it use to (strong turnover, quick start) . But after that 1st start, it has started acting up. When I turn the key to start it, NOTHING or perhaps a solitary click. The starter does not engage. Sometimes the instrument panel gauges, go back to blank when the key is pressed to the start position and sometimes they stay where they are and a single click is heard (No starter turnover- silence). (fortunaly with a manual transmission, I've taken to finding a sloping parking spot or simply locking the car while the engine is running (not my 1st choice due to wasted gas)). Then after a couple of hours, I can go back out and it will start up. Yesterday, I pulled the battery out and had it tested, No Problem. I should also mention that the ignition assembly was getting funky a few months ago with not wanting to let me remove the key, so I've been letting the key in the ignition. But even this seems to require jiggling the key to get it out and then using a small knife to trip a catch in the keyhole that closes a latch and lets me easily insert the key again. Its about $8-900 to replace the key assembly on the column so I'm trying to avoid it.
But this lack of a starter problem is getting to be a problem as some parking lots do not slope. Someone suggested not using the key fob, that is my test tomorrow. Any suggestions on what else to try would be apperciated before I have to spend the big bucks ($90/hr at the Saturn dealership in Alexandria). Thanks

1999 Infiniti. No start. Turns over fine. Has fuel pressure. Will fire manually.

mopar415 — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 18:32:44 GMT

1999 Infinity..3.0 auto Will turn over just fine. Has fuel pressure. Will fire manually. Don't know what else to add. Has 123000 miles on the car.

Installed new 6 volt battery in a 1950 Ford. Horn/lights work, engine will not turn over?

roy29 — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 17:26:08 GMT

new battery, engine will not turn over cables seem tight, could it be the starter? ing switch ? or the starter or none of these,

When I press the gas pedal my car is not moving. I have a Toyota Platz 1999.

shami1 — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 07:49:08 GMT

This problem occurs after the car has been standing still for like 5 or 6 hours. So after work or early in the morning I have this problem. After a while of driving the problem disappears. When pressing the gas pedal the speed indicator is at O. Thus the engine is nog running. Please help. I have already changed the lubricant and fuel pump filter.

351 Ford Windsor turns over but won't start Drains battery before you get it to start.

ksalter — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 17:52:39 GMT

We checked the wiring and it has power from the box until we plug it into the distributor the the wire doesn't show power with the wire tester. We've checked the wiring to make sure it's correct and changed the distributor and the starter. Not sure the problem...NEED HELP

My 2000 Volkswagen won't start. I know it is not the battery. What can it be?

benlara23 — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 13:51:07 GMT

it was giving me a problems a few weeks ago with the same thing that it would not start so i left it alone then i try it again and it turn on .now it's been about a month and it wont start

2000 Saturn 1.9L, turns over but won't start. When it does start, it runs ok.

yoinca — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 06:24:17 GMT

Takes many tries to start it, got new plugs set @ .044, new wires, new ig. coils and ignition module, I just found out that #1 wire don't have power, placed the old parts and does the same. I can guess it is the PCM or the position sensor. What do you suggest? thanx.

Can anyone help with a 1992 Nissan Skyline GTR. The engine just stops then you have to restart. Any suggestions? Thanks.

armsrong — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 19:05:14 GMT

1992 nissan skyline gtr while driving the motor just stops you then have to restart again have found the oil guage go up then will drop down to zero its like it seems to be starving have changed a sensor thing in the motor have replace hose at back left side of motor seems to have this problem since we found the leak got radiator check all gud there have had starter motor checked as well it all good have you any other suggestions so we can find the fault many thanks

My 95 Jeep died when I was goihg down the street and now it does not start. What could it be?

majbsj — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 09:30:01 GMT

it has gas and the starter is working it sounds like it may be electricl were do i start to find the answer

Ford T, 2003 43k miles. Will not start if I turn it off for a few minutes, then try to start again.

kristianne — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 12:27:40 GMT

I have noticed trace amounts of dark substance on driveway lately.Starts fine after sitting for more than a few minutes. If I run into store for a few minutes,it takes several tries to start again. Afraid of car mechanics-could it be alternator, or starter perhaps? No engine lights on.

My 1991 Honda won't start. Turns over but won't kick over. Any possible suggestions would be helpful. Engine just stopped.

deepbass — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 13:20:27 GMT

I have been driving this car and even though it never gave out on the highway, or anywhere else, I went to start it one morning, and it started, ran for about a minute, then just stopped. It had been losing power during idles, but it never just quit until I started it that morning. Can you tell anyone tell me what may have happened, and what I should do?

Help with 94 Chrysler. Won't start.

littlesinn — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:59:21 GMT

I have a 94 Chrysler and I ran out of gas. Put gas in but now it won't start. Checked the fuse in the interior and its ok. Please help with some other ideas on what it can be.

My 2003 Pontiac Sunfire will not start every time. The battery has a green light.

ginnb — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 08:25:43 GMT

How can I tell if it is the Starter or the Alternator? The battery has a green light saying it has plenty of charge does the green light always mean that the battery is charged? When I go to start it up it pauses before it starts and winds up quickly and also the radio clock keeps reseting it self, I will reset it to the original time then after a few more times of restarting the car it goes back to 12:00

1989 Ford Bronco won't start.

poysn1 — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 21:24:46 GMT

I have a 1989 Ford Bronco. I was driving and it started misfiring. Then after a short while it shut off. I figured it might be the gas so I had my friend bring me gas. Then I noticed the gas cap was off. There was a rain storm that day too. Did water get in the tank or did running without a gas cap hurt the truck somehow? Please help.

97 Jeep Wrangler 4.0 5 speed motor turns over doesn't start. Code P0306. Replaced plugs, wires, cap, coil. Can one injector be bad?

dhcjeep — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 11:55:58 GMT

97 Wrangler motor turns over but won't start. got code P0306 - misfire in cylinder 6. I replaced the plugs, wires, cap, rotor, and coil. still won't start. Removed injectors, cleaned black slug around injectors and replaced o-rings. still not starting. fuel rail is charged with fuel. could injector 6 be bad? and this could make the motor not start?

1994 Crown Vic. Sorry asked question wrong before

rodeoclown6 — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 13:10:38 GMT

1994Crown Vic Rephrased question.

Now it is cold I have to hold over the key for a long time, (10to30 seconds) then the starter engages and the engine starts OK. Is this normal.
Flint Martin

I have a 2001 F-150 That won't start . I replace the battery today . Engine will trun over

lcallison — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 15:10:02 GMT

I have a 2001 F-150 That won't start . I replace the battery today . Engine will trun over . I try's to start . This happens if I have not driven in a day or two

05 chrysler pacifica giving me a message "security immobilization" anyone know what this means?

mstoops — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 21:22:23 GMT

The car will not start, everything works it just won't start.

1995 cavalier has anti-freeze around spark plug. Fouls out, won't run, spits and sputters. Help!? PS-rebeaded head

hot1toknow — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 13:10:00 GMT

I've fixed everything under the hood at least once. Including recalls, brakes, tires, eletrical. It's a money pit!!! Everthing is new and it still won't run. P.S. I'm a single mom. HELP!!!

have a 2001 geo metro the car just shut down driving down the road one day has over 130000 mile what to check nex

ralph57 — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 11:53:07 GMT

will not fire , turning over the engine its dragging not turning over fast,the check engine light came on before it shut down.

200 lincoln ls no crank

wfo44 — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 17:54:34 GMT

2000 lincoln ls will not crank no power to starter solenoid when commanded . this intermittentand when it does crank starter stays ingaged to fly wheel. replaced ignition switch ,starter , starter relay , and the dealer here in montg. al. dont even know how to reprogramm the units . anyone run into this before ? any help would be greatful!!!!!

thanks harry

I have a 1994 Ford Ranger XLT will not start, getting fire and fuel pump working

campossmith — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 20:45:15 GMT

was driving and it just went dead and now it will turn over but will not start,getting fire and fuel pump is working

What can be done about the grinding sound coming from my clutch when I press it to the floor?

sailorboy2 — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 13:40:45 GMT

I have a '96 Ford Escort LX, 1.9L. It is currently in the auto shop. The car does not start. About a week before it died, there was a strange grinding sound when I put the clutch to the floor. It seems that it caused my started to engage. It's my understanding that some of the wiring inside the clutch housing could be affecting this. What can be done to get my car back on the road?

Have a 2000 Toyota Corolla that won't turn over.

hottchef — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 12:42:52 GMT

Car was running just fine, then I got in, turned the key and nothing. Radio, lights and everything works just fine. Have taken the battery off, had it checked and it was fine. No corrosion around cables either. Tried putting it in Neutral and starting it....and still nothing. replaced the ignition switch, thinking that was the problem and it still won't turn over. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

New rebuilt head on my GEO Metro motor. Started and ran perfectly. Next day, fired but immediately no compression

wtsteve — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 15:35:37 GMT

The hydraulic lifters seem to over inflate and hold open the valves immediately after I try starting the motor. Each time I attempt to start the motor the compression drops to almost 0 and stays that way for 5 to 10 minutes. The compression eventually returns to normal and the motor does start to fire but immediately floats the valves again. Does any one know what causes the lifters to float the valves when the engine is cold and how to fix it? I purchased the head from a private party and do not know who did the rebuild. G10 3-cylinder motor.

My 1999 Saturn SL2 (1.9 DOHC) won't restart after it's been run or warmed up. Help!!!

bicolangut — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 15:49:48 GMT

Haven't figured out why it reliably has no problem starting again after it cools. I don't think it's the starter, solenoid, fuses, or wires because those would still stay broke after cooling. 1) No error codes (DTC) come up. 2)Battery is still new; headlights are bright, and all accessories work fine but no starter click when I turn the key. 3)No diff if in Park or Neutral.

Already Tried:
Switched out battery. Wiggled stick shift to make sure it's not just missing the Park/neutral position. Wiggled key in ignition to see if that had any effect. Timed how long before it will restart (3+ hrs)but don't know if that has any bearing. Replaced the coolant temp sending unit.

2000 New Beetle, 1.8T. Hard to start after running a while then dies when put in drive. No codes are being set.

wnwilson — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 19:10:24 GMT

I have had the car put on a Snap-On analysis computer which could find nothing. He did resync (not the real term) the electronic throttle. The car will act like it is not getting fuel. You can crank constantly for about 30 seconds and then it might hit on one cylinder before eventually starting. Is not flooded (no black exhaust smoke). Both me and the technician are stumped.

'95 toyota tacoma stopped and wont start up again. HELP ME!

justchilin — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 18:07:00 GMT

while i was driving my truck one day it suddenly stopped as if it had run out of gas. even though it was full of gas. fuel pump is good, igniter was replaced and still seems like is not injecting fuel.it starts,but it wont turn.not astarter problem. THANK YOU.

94 Grand Cherokee, 5.2 V8, This morning would crank but not start!

reddog28081 — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 10:39:26 GMT

Just purchased this vehicle 2 days ago, ran great! This morning it cranked but would not start. has about half a tank of gas, pulled plug wire, is getting a spark. Did the on off on off on and the only code was the 55 code. Where do I start?

daewoo leganza went dead while driving and won't start? Any advice?

rags83 — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 00:08:27 GMT

Already had timing belt break and replaced head and all the parts that went along with it only to have it spin off again because I didn't replace the bearings and pully's so I don't think it's that. Timing belt feels tight and no check engine light previous to car going dead. Hit a dog on the drivers side bumper that took off my fog light and it ran fine until I got home (about 30 miles) and I went to drive it the next morning. It made it a little over half a mile and it just died. There was a little shutter just before it did. I had come to a stop and was turning left and it died. I checked the fuel shut off and even replaced it but, unless I'm missing something, I don't think that's it. I read another owner on here say that the A.C. drain can get plugged and run under the passenger side floor mat. Sure enough this was happening. They mentioned something about an orange wire that I'm assuming is a ground wire that could affect the starting process of the car. Don't know if hitting the dog was just coincidence or if it tripped a sensor/relay that just didn't trip immediately. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

having electrial problems with 94 plymouth, interior lights will not come on sometime, now will not start

root55 — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 06:59:58 GMT

sometimes when i turn on headlights the radio will go off, now the van will not start

1992 accord w/ 2.2? 132cid engine help?

gigglr — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 17:46:17 GMT

My friend has a 92 accord with what I believe to be the 2.2 engine in it. It says 132 displacement on the sticker. It broke the timing belt and I'm wondering if this is an non-collision or non interference engine. I'm not for sure if this is one of those engines or if when it let go it bent the valves. Thanks for the help

I HAVE A 1996 NISSAN MAXIMA TIMING CHAIN WENT.DOES IT HURT THE VALVES?

flip44 — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 22:26:46 GMT

MECHANIC TOLD ME THE TIMING CHAIN IS GONE,and also it could have bent the valves,is this possible? because i was told it is a non interference engine,is this true?