QuestionQUESTION: Hi, the other day while driving home, my car hesitated a bit while on cruise. I initially chocked it up to first time running the air since last year. But about 20 minutes from home, it just died. I am guessing 'bad' gas, but it won't restart.
So far have checked the timing belt, fuses, fuel pump is fine, but spark plugs do not get wet. It turns over - but just doesn't start. Any ideas? I'm desperate. This is the first time my car has ever failed me in any way, and it figured it JUST passed the warranty less than 5000 miles ago. Please help asap - as when the car died, I was on the way home from an interview where I had a job offer (which I haven't had a job in 2 months I desperately need this one).
Jen
ANSWER: I'm guessing you have a problem with the crankshaft sensor. But without performing some checks, that's only a guess. If you have the V6 engine, replacing the sensor is a fairly small repair task. If you have the four cylinder, you should expect the labor to be involved and expensive. Unfortunately, you'll probably need to spend some money to get a good diagnosis. In this case, you'll want to take the car to a shop with an excellent reputation for finding and repairing problems which make cars run poorly.
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QUESTION: It's a 4 cylinder, we're going to get a diagnostic tester to assist with the actual diagnosis. We plan on fixing the car ourselves, we have access to a basic garage with a lift and all normal mechanic tools (except a diagnostic tester) so do you still think it's the crankshaft sensor with a 4 cylinder? Would 'bad' gas cause the initial problem? I'm near certain that is what INITIALLY caused it to die, but beyond the dying part, I don't understand why it won't start back up if that's the only problem (bad gas I mean).
Any other suggestions before we go out and buy the tester?
AnswerThe tester is a good place to start. If you're looking to save money, all you'll probably need is a generic OBD-II code reader. You won't need the latest and greatest CAN-compatible reader for your vehicle.
With the four cylinder, it's probably more likely that there's a timing belt problem, which often damages the crank sensor. Before you start with the tester, you might check the camshaft timing to be sure it's correct. If not, immediately suspect the timing belt. The failure mode of the timing belt is that the teeth strip off. Sometimes the teeth get caught up in the crank sprockets and break the crank sensor which reads a plate between the two sprockets.
The OBD-II code reader is still a good investment, even if you find the timing belt to be the problem. Usually, if the timing belt strips, a code for the camshaft sensor will set because the cams are out of time. Additionally, if the crank sensor cracks or breaks, a code for the crank sensor usually sets. If you have a code for the crank sensor along with a damaged timing belt, be sure to replace the sensor as well. While doing this work, it's a good idea to replace at least the balance shaft belt. It tends to last about the same amount of time as the timing belt. Of course, if you have limited resources, you might find the time required to take things back apart less of an imposition than spending the money.
Also, if the timing belt is stripped, it's possible that you've damaged your engine. If this is the case, it's a good idea to just install the crank pulley (with center and four 12mm bolts attached securely) after the timing belt is installed. This will hold the timing belt in place so you can start the engine. If the engine won't start or if it misfires, you've probably at least bent some of the valves.
And last, you can find service information for your car at www.hmaservice.com. You'll need to register for a free account, and the site requires Internet Explorer. You'll find the site invaluable if you're doing all your own work.
