1999 v70r crank but no start Topic is solved

[fairmont50]

I have a 1999 v70r with 300k + miles that recently had a problem with a crank but no start condition. The car was warm and had been run for about 80 - 100 miles on the highway when I stopped for 15 - 20 minutes or so. When attempting to start, it would crank fine and smelled like it was getting fuel but there was no attempt to fire. I checked the fuel pressure at the schrader valve and it seemed fine. After about 10 or 15 minutes, it started and ran the additional 150 miles home with no problem. No codes were set and the car had been running fine before the problem.

I am thinking that either the cam or crank position sensor is intermittent but any additional thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Chris

[abscate]

Hello Chris

Thats a high mileage car, so we do have to think about more obscure things, but lets start at basics

The fork in the diagnosis tree of crank, no-start is ignition vs. fuel.

A 2 second shot of ether into the air cleaner will quickly tell you if you have spark or no-fuel condition.

This engine management system really wants 50 psi of fuel rail pressure, so you have to get a gauge and measure it to be sure.

If you want to try to throw parts (expensive and frustrating, but sometimes the only option):

I would list the culprits,in pseudo random order as:

Bad fuel relay - can test next time no start occurs by shorting with jumper wire
Engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor - when these go bad, the overfuel the engine
Bad ignition coil/s - usually get 'some' firing but I have experienced a no-start with one bad coil

[fairmont50]

abscate,
You are a genius, I had to go to the parts store and pick up a belt for my daughters car and noticed on the way home that the temp gauge was fluctuating from normal to cold while the engine was warm. I have changed out the temp sensor with a used one that I had laying around from the original engine and it is solid at the normal temp now. I have a trip in the morning and will test it out further but am confident that was the problem. Something that I had not thought about at all.

Thanks,

Chris