Questionhi, i hope you can help
i have recently bought an old 1994 scoupe gt turbo 1.5 12v, it is a European model (Holland)
the problem I'm having is that occasionally when i try to start it the starter will turn over but the engine will not fire up. with the key turned fully, the starter turns and when i release the key to the normal position the engine then tries to start and then dies. eventually it will start and run rough (like it's running on 2 or 3 cylinders# and then after a few minutes it will be running smoothly
the next problem i get is when I'm driving along. it doesn't matter what speed I'm doing. I'll be driving along at say 100 kmh #ish# and then the engine starts to cut out and the rev counter will flick up and down between 0 and 3000 rpm #it's 3000 rpm at around about 100 kmh in 5th) and usually completely cut out and I'm forced to pull onto the hard shoulder. i turn the key to the off position and then restart it and it starts up again pretty fast. then it will run normally again for a while and then start to act weird again
the "check engine" light does not burn at all during these occurances and i'm afraid i haven't checked whether it comes on when the engine is not running and the key is in the "on" position (I'll check that tomorrow)
do you have any ideas?
thanks in advance
AnswerA failing crankshaft sensor can cause both symptoms. Often, when beginning to fail, it'll work most of the time. If you've checked the secondary ignition system (plugs and wires, and cap and rotor if equipped) and there are no problems, then if it's reasonably inexpensive, it might be worth replacing the crank sensor to see whether it resolves the issue.
Presuming this vehicle has the same (or similar) fuel management system as that used in the United States, you can check for trouble codes via the following procedure:
-- Turn the ignition on without starting the engine.
-- Ground for 2.5 seconds the third terminal from the left in the bottom row of seven in the diagnostic link connector in the interior fuse box. (Not all cavities may have terminals-- count each cavity.) If the bottom row has five and the top row seven, ground the third terminal from the right in the top row.
-- The check engine lamp will blink a four-digit code. For example, a no fault found is 4444-- four flashes, pause, four flashes, pause, four flashes, pause, four flashes. The code will repeat.
-- Ground the terminal again for 2.5 seconds.
-- Read the next four digit code. 3333 indicates all codes are received.
You might also try registering for an account at www.hmaservice.com. The above procedure is illustrated there much better that I can describe it here. Keep in mind, however, that this site is exclusively for U.S. vehicles, so not everything may be accurate in regard to your vehicle.
Lastly, I don't think it's necessary to check the operation of the check engine lamp. This would have told me whether the engine control module was operating. Given your symptoms, it's a rather safe bet that it's operating.
