For the past month or so, my car (85) had been having trouble starting on the first turn. I thought it was related to temp., because it would start best in the morning, but sometimes it would start fine when very hot, it would randomly take 2 or 3 turns before it would start. And yesterday a new problem occured... I tried starting it, and it started, but immediatly died. I did this multiple times until I just gave it gas as I started. And for the past 2 days, it has been starting, but only if I give it gas while turning the key. If I try to start it without giving it gas, it starts but dies, and if I do this a few times and then give it gas, it starts with a popping sounds and works its way up to an idle. Any ideas, let me know. Thanks, Geoff
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Re: starting on my 85
Try unpluging the wires from the mass air flow sensor. See if it starts and runs. If it does, you got the problem. -
Re: starting on my 85
Geoffrey:
First, do you have the Shop Manual for your car? Second, hou sharp are your mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills? If the answers to both questions are right, then try to solve it, if not, then find a good mechanic.
In addition to the TB, I would also look at the TPS (throttle position sensor) circuit. Before you go running around like a beheaded chicken, did you short the "A" and "B" terminals on the ALCL and find any "set" trouble codes? If so, then you have your answer. If not, then you must start by using the troubleshooting chart in the Shop Manual.
Unless you use a systematic approach, your search will lead to unnecessary expense. You'll probably end up changing out some very expensive parts, until you finally "hit" the culprit.
JoeComment
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Re: starting on my 85
Herein lies the proof of what I've said for lo these past 20+ years-"wait till these computer cars start screwing up". Give me a set of points and a carburetor --no "day at the beach" (Fla. term) in their own right, but at least I understand what makes them tick (or groan or rap).
Seriously, Geoff, an '85 is one of the SIMPLER computer cars to work on. Generally, the problem is found with the right diagnosis procedure as mentioned and a scan tool. Good luck.
DonComment
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Re: starting on my 85
"Unless you use a systematic approach, your search will lead to unnecessary expense. You'll probably end up changing out some very expensive parts, until you finally "hit" the culprit."
Owners of computer controlled cars should have these wise words tattooed on their foreheads, or some other highly visible spot. :-)
As Don also points out below, one can not use the same techniques that work for older cars on the computer controlled cars. The more modern computer controlled cars require even more expensive and complex test equipment to troubleshoot. Your 1985 can in some cases, as he points out, still be tested with some low-tech tools.
If you want to, and can, work on this yourself, consider also testing the fuel pressure. A failing fuel pump can cause the symptoms you describe.
However, please test before replacing parts. Sometimes even brand new parts are not up to specifications and without a before test and an after replacement test one will be in a deep pile of do do when (note I didn't say if) that happens.TerryComment
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addendum
To my failing fuel pump comments I should also have included a restricted fuel filter as possible malfunctions. Testing for both fuel pressure and sufficient fuel flow is important for fuel injected (even Crossfire) engines.TerryComment
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