QuestionHi, I have I problem with my Elantra. It is popping up the purge flow control error which is easy to fix, just needing to find time to do it. Would this also stop the car from being able to turn over? It usually has a hard time from the fuel vapors but it does eventually turn over. Lately, after I drive it somewhere, sometimes I won't be able to start it at all, but if I wait 30-60 minutes, it starts right up no problem. My wife had it happen to her, so she had it towed. The mechanic told her it was the crank sensor. Just wondering if that sounds likely, I thought a bad crank sensor was more of a permanent problem.
AnswerA problem with the purge valve won't cause the starter to not run. It's possible that it'll cause excessive cranking times, however, if it's allowing fuel vapors into the engine while the car is not running, causing a flooding condition. Since it starts up fine after waiting 1/2 to one hour, I doubt the purge valve is the issue.
The crank sensor is a possibility, but I'd want some reassurance prior to replacing it. This could be the results of actual tests while the problem is occurring, or even a diagnostic trouble code referring to a problem with the crank sensor signal. When crank sensors start to fail, they often work sometimes and then not others. If the problem continues unchecked, it may turn into the permanent issue you're more familiar with.
