hi...

please help!

i have an occasional problem starting my car (my96 wrx).

90% of the time it starts fine. occasionally however, it turns over, but won't fire. it is almost as if the immobiliser is still active (despite me turning it off).

it has only happened after shortish runs, when the car has been left a short amount of time (say less than about an hour) and on a hot day. it's been happening for the last month or so on and off. it was serviced a week ago, and got a clean bill of health (although it was only an interim service).

every time it doesn't start like this, leaving it for about 10 minutes and trying again makes it start. gets a bit annoying as it seems to happen at the most inconvenient moments! it has started every time when left overnight though.

i've read other threads about sensor problems (cam and crank). does this sound like it is? or is it more likely to be a problem with the immobiliser?

can anyone help me out?

thanks!

 

Milo

Its almost certainly the crank or cam postion sensor.

 

Sometimes the ECU can get it's knickers in a twist, and can flood the engine.

I've a similar thing where the car refuses to start, either after a short journey, or if its stalled accidentally.

I found cranking it with your foot to the floor for about 5 to 10 seconds normally gets it going. If that fails, or the problem persists (like on a regular basis) it could well be a crank/cam sensor.

 

I'll add another vote for the crank or cam postion sensor.
I had similsr symptoms to you , so took my sensor out and gave it a clean (10 mm spanner and a cloth - its that easy) - problem has never reoccured.
Chris

 

thanks guys!

is there any way of telling which sensor it is? or should i just get them both replaced?

pete - how much would you charge for fixing it, including the parts, and how long do you think it would take?

thanks!

 

Hi Milo

The parts are approx £100 each +vat(it will only be one) and its a 5 minute job to swap them over, so not even worth charging, labour wise.

 

Why not try cleaning them first, rather than replacing ?
I cleaned mine with general cleaning fluid (spit) and a cloth and its been fine ever since.
Chris.

 

Got the problem with mine, after a run on a hot day normally. I find the best way to get it going (other than leaving it stand) is to put your foot flat to the floor on the loud pedal and then start the car. Fires up everytime.

 

Eh ! Tripple post ! Server must be having a good day !

[Edited by SCOOBY TOWERS - 8/11/2003 1:15:49 PM]

 

as above

[Edited by SCOOBY TOWERS - 8/11/2003 1:17:59 PM]