Hey guys,

I've had this problem of my car not turning over for about a couple of months now. Its happened about 4 times in the last 4 months or so.

Description of the problem: Car will not start. Sounds like its trying to start the car but it wont start. I have a the clifford remote start but i dont think its that. It could be. It does this randomly throughout the day. Its happened at night before, during the day and in the morning as well. The car has 100k mileage and have not had the spark plugs changed. Going to change that soon but not sure if thats the problem as well because for an engine not to start at all, that means that all 6 spark plugs would have to be dead all at the same time. So thats my reasoning for it not to be the sparkplugs but im going to get it changed anyways.

Remedy?: well the car starts up again after about 10 times of trying to start the car. About 20 minutes after the first time i tried, the car will start up.

Any clue what else it could be? Im thinking possible spark plugs but doubtful.

Thanks in advance. Any help would be appreciated.

Ed Lin

 

I would check if the Battery cables are tight, other wise i am definitely clueless!

 

Crank or Cam sensors? Could also be battery cables.

 

I would do the following in order (i.e. go to next step if previous step doesn't solve the problem):

1. Check battery cables for connectivity or corrosion issues at the terminals.
2. Remove the intake tube (from the airbox to the manifold) and inspect inside the manifold. Chances are that the throttle body is dirty and should be cleaned in order to start up right and get the proper idle. bythabay has a DIY video for cleaning the throttle body (go here --> http://www.infinitihelp.com/diy/gsed..._procedure.htm)
3. Replace spark plugs. DIY video found here ( , , )

 

If the spark plugs are worn, it may be hard to initially start the engine.

100K is usually where one would want to change plat plugs. Even if you discover the cause is something else, i would change the plugs

 

alright thanks guys. Im going 2 replace the plugs on monday. Ill also have the throttle body checked as well

Ill keep u guys updated to see what it is.

the battery cables are fine. No corrosion

Keep it coming if anyone else has any suggestions!

Thanks again

Ed Lin

 

Sounds like something more closely related to an issue with your remote start and/or immobilizer to me.

I've had a similar sounding problem in the past, with a car that had a remote start. It was intermittent, but the car would crank and not start. I'd have to try anywhere from 5 to 10 times or so and then, if I was lucky, during one of those tries it would actually get spark and turnover.

Took it to the remote start installers first. They checked everything out and said there's was nothing wrong with their system.

Ended up taking it to the dealer and although they had trouble pinpointing the exact cause they basically replaced everything in the ignition sequence and the problem finally went away for good. For a while I had the dealer talking to the remote start folks; the dealer was just asking questions about how the connections were made and stuff. I don't really think they learned anything helpful because in the end, whatever the dealer did, replacing all that stuff, fixed the problem for good.

I've since sold the car and the records or I'd go get an old invoice and give you a parts list.

 

Did you find the problem.

I doubt it is an alarm problem if the car will start like normal with the key. Sounds more like a battery or battery grounding issue to me.

 

I kind had the same problem. I had to turn the engine two to three time before it starts. I took it to the stealreship and they clean the mass air flow sensor. After that it stated with no problem.