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Elusive starting gremlin

Posted: Fri Jul 02, 2010 2:52 pm
by Frankie1029
Where to start....I have a 2004 Vibe GT and well, my car won't start. My car lost power after I turned it off. We've replaced the fuel pump and it still didn't start. Then we pulled each spark plug, all showed signs of fuel and confirmed spark. Any thoughts on what could be wrong with my car or could someone come take a look. I've had two cerified mechanics look and everyone is stumped!

Re: Elusive starting gremlin (Frankie1029)

Posted: Fri Jul 02, 2010 4:48 pm
by star_deceiver
Timing? PCM? Plugs gapped properly? Fouled injectors? Weak starter?How many miles are on the car? Have you tried bumpstarting the car?Or perhaps a good kick?

Posted: Fri Jul 02, 2010 11:24 pm
by Frankie1029
Starter is good, timing and plugs were fine before. I pulled the plugs and they were wet, but still had plenty of spark. Could it be the MAF ? What are the other two vacuum sensors on the intake ? Jump starting and push starting both do not help, it's not even sputtering. Just cranks.

Re: (Frankie1029)

Posted: Sat Jul 03, 2010 3:49 am
by lovemyraffe
If it was the MAF you still should be able to start the car. Do you have a CEL or codes?

Posted: Sat Jul 03, 2010 4:49 am
by Frankie1029
Update: had it running for a few seconds after cleaning off the plugs. Then it put out a bit of blue smoke and died again. Responded to throttle input. Does this still sound like it could be a timing issue?No CEL's. Car has 92034 milesThank you for your replies !

Re: (Frankie1029)

Posted: Sat Jul 03, 2010 5:26 am
by keithvibe
being we have timing chains doubtful that is the issue, unless you just had some major engine work done then yes it could be a possiblityquestionwhen did this start? was it all of a sudden? gradual hard starts?what do you mean by lost power? did the battery die? did your alternator die?

Re: (keithvibe)

Posted: Sat Jul 03, 2010 2:22 pm
by star_deceiver
A faulty crankshaft position sensor could cause this. But the blue smoke... What does the inside of the intake manifold and throttle body look like?