Questionmy 1997 excel has done 130000 and for the past 6 months has had 4 times of not starting. It starts fine then dies 3 seconds later. my mechanic put in a new fuel pump. ran fine for 3 weeks then again starts then dies. when this happens it wont even clutch start.so he then put in a new fuel pump relay . 2 days later it wont start again. then we found an old cut out switch under the back seat (which has been bypassed for the last 7 years) and the wires were loose , so auto elec fixed this. started for the next 3 days and once again it is now sitting in my garage and wont start.It cranks at normal speed and kicks at times and dies. please help as this is driving me crazy and costing me a fortune.
AnswerAnytime you have a situation where the vehicle cranks and will not start, you should first try to determine what type problem you have.
Do you have spark?
Do you have fuel pressure?
Is the cam timing correct?
The answers to these questions will help lead you down the path you need to take. I have a couple questions about the "cut out switch" as well. These weren't factory items in the U.S., so my ability to advise you regarding the switch will depend on the information you're able to give me.
What does the switch disable?
How does the switch operate?
Did the switch come on the car from the factory, or was it added after the fact?
Why was the switch bypassed?
Does your car have the immobilizer feature? If so, do you know if the switch is part of the immobilizer system?
