Hey all,

I need my car, and can't afford to have all kinds of diagnostics done. My car started to have problems starting about a week ago.
I had alternator checked(excellent), battery tested good(although it is old), it's not started I know this myself.
When the weather is warmer the car was starting easier, and when cold no chance really.
I figured since batter light was coming on while trying to start, that battery could have something to do with it, not enough cold cranking amps??
I replaced battery yesterday, same issues, it started cause weather was warmer, today it would not start. Drove the car on the highway the other day, it had instances where it felt like it was bucking, trying to stall.
I'm guessing this is some problem to do with fuel delivery????

Any thoughts, ideas please. Really need car for work

 

Okay well it sounds like 1 of about a thousand things it could be. But im confused. Will it start at all? First thing is first.... It should be timed but if its not... That could be a problem. Two, Is either not getting fuel, air, or fire when it starts. Will it turn over any? if not, Make sure you're getting a spark. Check spark plugs. Check your distributer also. It could be outta time with your timing. Make sure all your injectors are good. If it will turn over.... maybe your starter?

 

Check your grounds. Engine, chassis, and battery terminal.

 

Sorry I know it could be 1k things.

It will start, just not today. The battery change may have helped, but not really.
Currently it is seemingly turning over, it would seem like it's not getting enough gas or maybe too much???
Main thing is that if the temperature is warmer it will start more readily albeit still not easily, and second thing being that while driving there is some hesitation???

I can check spark plugs, although those were probably changed less than 10k miles ago. Distributor was changed about a year ago, and timed???

It it was starter wouldn't it make grinding noises and not turn over? and after it started that would have nothing to do with the hesitation, so it can't possibly be starter.

Thanks,
Joe

 

When you turn the key to ON(II), can you hear the fuel pump prime for 2 seconds in the rear? You'll need to listen carefully in a quiet place for the low humming noise.

Do you know how to check for spark?

When you turn the key to ON(II), does the CEL turn ON for 2 seconds and then turn OFF or does it stay ON?

 

thx for the feedback.
I got the started a couple of days ago, CEL comes on and goes off as normal. This time around, I turned key held it while car cranked, but would not start after a couple of seconds, it seems as in need of gas, so I jammed, and pumped gas, and got it started.
Ron I will listen for fuel pump, does this problem seem like it might be the fuel pump going bad? maybe that is why even while doing 70mph on highway, car hesitated, and felt like it was about to stall potentially???

Thanks,
Joe

 

When the engine won't start, listen for the fuel pump and check for spark. The outcome of these simple tests should guide you to a solution.

A fuel problem might be an issue with the main relay or fuel pump.

A spark problem might be an issue with the coil or igniter unit in the distributor.

 

Thanks for the help guys.
finally problem has been solved and car is starting like a champ.
The Problem came down to one faulty spark plug wire. Apparently it was loose, maybe the clips broke or loosened. Also I'm guessing as a result of this, that one spark plug was also burnt up pretty bad.
Did total tune up, and car is running beautifully :D