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car starting problems

Sent to Car Experts August 06, 2005 11:29 a.m.

1996 cadillac eldorado coupe is having intertmittent starting problem as follows:
The engine turns over and cranks but does not start. However, after being towed twice and left for awhile, It does start. Also, when driving yesterday at 40MPH, it just stopped while driving and would not start again.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $10

Answer
August 06, 2005 7:34 p.m. (8 hours and 4 minutes later)

REPLIED

You need to first test a few functions during the failure.

1) Test for spark at the plug end of the wire using a spark tester.
2) Test for injecter pulse using a small bulb called a noid light.
3) Use a fuel pressure gauge to test for correct fuel pressure.

Once you have determined which of these functions has dropped out,
you will know which system is having the problem.

Hammer Time -- L1 Master Technician -- 98% Positive Feedback on 2710 Car Accepts
ASE Mastertech with Adv level Engine performance cert.

Reply to Hammer Time
Sent August 07, 2005 9:12 p.m. (1 day and 1 hour later)

All of these tests were performed by the Cadillac Dealer and test ok. The car now starts but has failed to start on two occasions and once stalled/stopped while driving.Thank you!

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Answer
August 07, 2005 9:28 p.m. (15 minutes and 33 seconds later)

REPLIED

The instructions clearly state "during the failure". There is no way to trouble shoot a problem that is not occuring. You can throw a lot of money away changing good parts. That's why the dealer didn't change anything.

Hammer Time -- L1 Master Technician -- 98% Positive Feedback on 2710 Car Accepts
ASE Mastertech with Adv level Engine performance cert.

Reply to Hammer Time
Sent August 08, 2005 4:26 a.m. (6 hours and 58 minutes later)

Thanks! If the dealer does not locate the problem by Tuesday, would you advice changing the fuel pump and ignition coil before driving the car again and risking a breakdown and the need to be towed? Thanks again!

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Answer
August 08, 2005 7:08 a.m. (2 hours and 42 minutes later)

ACCEPTED

Just like the dealer, I don't advise changing anything that can't be confirmed as bad. You can throw parts at it all day and possibly never get the right one. You need to at least narrow the problem down to specific areas before gambling on a guess. I know it's annoying and unreliable but that's the nature of intermittant problems like this. There really aren't any other options at this point.

Hammer Time -- L1 Master Technician -- 98% Positive Feedback on 2710 Car Accepts
ASE Mastertech with Adv level Engine performance cert.

Reply to Hammer Time
Sent August 08, 2005 9:03 a.m. (1 hour and 55 minutes later)

Thanks again!

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

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