QuestionQUESTION: My 2000 Hyundai Tiburon turns over but won't start. This is not the first time about tow weeks ago it wouldn't start. made sure it was completely in park. though maybe gas gage wasn't was so i put in 5 gallons tried to start it and it started. Last night I just filled the car got home everything was okay. Went to leave again and the car wouldn't start. A little over a year ago the fuel pump was replaced. Thanks for your help.
ANSWER: There are many reasons why an engine could crank but not start. When attempting to find the reason, it's important to figure out what type of problem is present: mechanical, ignition, or fuel. Since in your case, the problem seems to be intermittent, it's unlikely to be mechanical. The answers to the following will give some indication where to check first:
-- When the problem occurs, does the engine crank normally, faster, or slower?
If fast, suspect anything which would cause a lack of compression.
If slow, suspect a low battery charge.
-- Does the check engine lamp come on when the ignition is turned to the on position?
If not, it's likely the engine control module (ECM) isn't turning on.
-- Has your check engine lamp come on while the engine is running?
If so, checking the diagnostic trouble code(s) stored in the ECM may lead you directly to the cause of your issue.
One of the more common failures causing the symptoms you describe is a faulty crank sensor. It will often fail intermittently. When it fails, the ECM cannot determine the position of the crankshaft and therefore cannot determine when to fire the spark plugs and fuel injectors.
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QUESTION: I sprayed some starting fluid in the intake and the car started and stayed running. tried starting it several times and it has started I'm thinking it is ether the fuel pump or the crank sensor. would like to know what you think. Thanks for you help.
AnswerIf it wouldn't start immediately before you used the starting fluid, then it's most likely you have a defective fuel pump or fuel pressure regulator. And I think I'd lean toward the regulator. If the fuel pressure regulator is defective, it can cause the fuel pressure to bleed off while the car is off, causing a very long cranking period before it will restart.
Starting fluid shouldn't affect anything if you have a defective crank sensor. The computer still won't know when to fire the spark plugs, so the engine will still not run, even with the starting fluid. You've determined that the issue is fuel related.
