Hey guys, my brother has a 98 Cavalier 2.2. He was at a stop light and let off the brake and pressed the gas. He said the car started to move forward but then stalled like it just ran out of gas. After trying to start it he smelled gas real bad. I assume that's because he was flooding it. He has no leaking fuel lines, he hears the fuel pump come on when he turns the key, and he's checked the vacuum lines. Battery and alternator are ok. Plug wires are ok. Haven't checked the plugs yet.
He had a remote car starter installed. In the middle of the night a few months ago the car started for no reason. He said the theft light has been on since then.
He trailered it to advance auto and they tried to do a diagnostic check. He said the guy told him that he can't get it to read any engine codes. I'm thinking this starter might be the problem. Any other guesses?
To be on the safe side I would have the wiring connections checked for the remote start (ignition, ground, etc) Also the GM bypass module for the theft light issue.
As for the gas smell, I don't have any suggestions.
Hope this helps.
Peace Out!
Well if its flooded quit trying to start it and giving it more gas. You will be buying a new engine soon if hydrolock occurs.
First thing I'd do is this.....
Tell him to put the gas pedal all the way to the floor, and I mean jam it all the way down. This will tell the PCM to cancel the fuel injectors, and they wont fire. Try to start it with your foot all the way down.
- 2004 Cavalier - 124k, owned since new
That's what we were thinking Mike....i know there's that Theftlock II bypass module. I haven't seen the car yet but i'm trying to get ideas so when I do go over there probably tomorrow i can shoot for a few places instead of a stab in the dark.
Rob, yeah we know about that whole deal. We tried it. No luck.
In addition to the remote starter, have a look at the fuel pressure regulator. If it's leaking, or if the diaphram plain broke, you will have unchecked fuel getting into the intake manifold and flooding it out. There should be a vacuum line that feeds the fuel pressure regulator. Pull that vacuum line off. If it's wet inside, replace your fuel pressure regulator.
Jason
North Carolina
1997 Cadillac SLS (147k miles)
2003 Dodge Grand Caravan (50k miles)
I would take the remote starter back off and leave the car like it was.
it does sounds like a lot of work, but it might be worth it.
Well...so far we found out that it wasn't throwing any codes cuz the cigarette lighter fuse was blown....which also has the computer connection on the same circuit.
I worked all day and i have a test to finish up. I'll let you guys know what we find.
Ok, we got the car up on a trailer and took it down to advance auto. The test showed low camshaft position sensor voltage. So we did the first thing that came to mind and changed the sensor. Still won't start. I'm beginning to think he broke the timing chain. It just doesn't sound normal when its trying to start. Has more of a whining sound than usual. Any ideas?
Here is the list of things we've already checked.
Fuel Pump - We can hear it kick in and fuel is on the plug tips.
Plugs - Spark fine, can smell and see gas on the tips
Wires - Spark fine
Camshaft Position Sensor - Installed new, didn't help
All fuses - All fine
Vacuum lines - Fine
The comment about the remote starter theft problem, I don't think it is this because if i'm not mistaken the theft deterrant shuts off the fuel. And that is not happening.
Think its worth the time to jumper wires between the Camshaft Position Sensor and check that voltage while turning the crank, or should I be looking elsewhere? Another note is that he did not take off fast from the light. It was just a normal start up. So there was stress on the chain...but it wasn't like he hammered on it.
Where's my Mr. Goodwrench techies at?
I would check the wires and connector that go to the cam posi. sensor.
The cam sensor (I believe) tells the pcm when the engine is at #1 cylinder tdc. So if the pcm never sees that signal it won't start.
Yeah....that's what that sensor does. I was thinking about that last night after we stopped working on it. Next time i go there i'll have to check it out.
First thing first, you have to get to the ODB II KOSC. Disable your romote starter. Down load any KOSC errors.
Tach Out Motorsports
Option D Inc.
The almighty org failed this test. It was the timing chain.
