I have a 2000 Z 24 with a 2.4 liter DOHC that has about 100,000 miles on it. However I had this problem since 70,000.
When it's cold out and the engine isn't warm sometimes (about 5-6 times last winter and twice a week or two ago ) my car will just crank and crank and it won't turn over. I try this four or five times then give up for 15 or 20 minutes. when I come back later most of the time it starts like nothing was ever wrong.
I had my mechanic do tests: fuel pressure, spark, compression, etc.
I had my mechanic and auto zone check the battery and the alternator
He can't find anything wrong and it wouldn't not start when he had it overnight when it was cold out.
He said I should take it to a dealership and have my car "scoped" but that is really expensive and I don't have the money.
I changed my fuel filter at 55,000 so I will write back if changing it helps because it probably needs it done anyway.
please help
thanks
Darren
Maybe youre gas has froze in the tank or in the fuel line, Maybe youre coil packs are faulty, May be a Tune up is needed?. Maybe youre cooling temperature sensor Or youre intake air temp Sensor is messed up. Ignition is starting to fail. I heard their is a recall on the ignition switch on cavaliers.
Good Luck.
(pointing to what rich said)
sounds like the temp. sensor or the IAT sensor is reading wrong to me.
check those first.
besides that...
Do you get a real bad smell of gas while cranking or any smell at all?
-If you smell gas then you have a bad injector/s or your ignition system is out somewhere (plugs, Ig. control module,etc.)
-If you dont smell gas then your pump is bad (maybe frozen gas as stated by rich)
last but not least... a bad MAP
Hope it helps
...They just HATE it when you ...POINT - LAUGH - then DRIVE OFF AND AWAY-!...
I doubt your gas is freezing unless you have water in it. I think the freezing point for hydrocarbons (gas) is around -97 F. If its that cold out side, then your going to have other problems than frozen gas. If there is water in it then I think there are some alcohol products that you could put in the tank to prevent the water from frezing and help it burn out.
This won't cost much and it will be another possible eliminated.
Make sure your Negative Battery cable is bolted to a clean contact on the block/chassis.
It would be nice to know the battery voltage when the starter is cranking and it doesn't start?
Alont
