QuestionIs there any way to reset the computer without having to tow it to a dealer? We live about 30 to 40 miles away.
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The check engine light is on all the time now, I assume because it isn't starting. It never was on before, at least I never noticed it. The oil is good. When I hold my hand over the exhaust and have my friend crank it over, there is compression, but I don't know if it is the right amount. Where is the crank sensor and is it something I can check?
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I drove to the movies yesterday, came home, went to bed and then when my fiance got up this morning and left for work, the car would not start. It cranked over just fine and still does after about an hour of me trying to start it. I tried to smell the exhaust and it didn't smell like gas so I checked the "fuel pump fuse" in the fuse box and it seemed fine. When the ignition is on, I can hear a slight hum from a little black box that measures about 1"x1"x1/2" on the intake manifold, but I can't hear the fuel filter pumping. That's about all I know. Any ideas?
Answer -
No fuel and cranks normally. I'd suspect a crank sensor.
Has your check engine lamp been coming on?
Does your check engine lamp illuminate for at least a few seconds when the key is turned to the on position?
Does your vehicle crank faster than normal? If so, that tends to indicate a timing belt failure or other cause of lack of compression.
If less than 60,000 miles, call Hyundai roadside assistance and have it sent to the dealer for warranty service.
Answer -
The fact that the check engine lamp comes on means that the computer powers up normally, so it should be looking to start the car on receipt of the proper signals.
It's possible you've got a code stored now, but you cannot tell the check engine lamp is illuminated because the car won't start. If you've got access to a scanner, it's a good idea to check for trouble codes just to make sure you're on the right path.
If the car sounds like it always does when you crank it, your compression is likely good. Only if it cranks very fast would you have indication that your compression is low.
The crank sensor bolts into the side of the engine block near the transmission, visible from the front of the vehicle by peeking under the exhaust manifold. The crank sensor produces an a/c voltage when the engine is cranking.
If you'd like to check it, you'll need a voltmeter capable of reading a/c voltage. If you unplug it and probe the sensor end of the connector, you should see a/c voltage while cranking. If you've got no voltage, then chances are very high the crank sensor is bad. (I've seen a few cases where the wheel on the crankshaft came loose. You can inspect for this by removing the crank sensor and checking the engine side for damage.)
To remove/replace, you'll need a 1/4" ratchet, approx. 24" extension, and 10mm swivel socket.
AnswerYou can clear the computer by disconnecting the battery for about 5 seconds, but once you do this all information relating to any problems the computer saw will be lost.
I'd recommend clearing the computer only after you've got the car repaired to where it starts and runs normally. If you need to have the car towed to the shop for repairs after you've cleared the computer, it's likely to take significantly longer for diagnosis, and that's likely to cost you more money in diagnostic charges.
