new to the forum & looking for some info on my kids '99 SL1. Got no spark or fuel. Started troubleshooting & looks to be the computer. Left it sit over the weekend & tried it Mon. & it started. Drove for 2 days & now same problem. Any issues with wiring harnesses on these? Service engine light is on for low coolant, not low though & EGR. Kinda long but looking for advise.

 

If you have a cranking but no-start issue again try looking for spark again. No spark at that moment is a sure sign of a failing crank position sensor (behind and above the starter) that may be intermittent as yours is or fails outright. The contradiction here is that the engine will work again but will die at any time. The CPS' sole task is to provide signals continuously while the engine is rotating to allow the ECM to turn on the fuel pump and ignition circuits.


A normal turn of the ignition key to theON/RUN position, and left there, will have the fuel pump cycle on for a few secondsfor youto hear faintly then shut off. The fuel pumps up the pressure and if the key isn't turned to START the pump stays off until START is initiated. The pump will come on but you won't be able to hear it as the noise of the starter masks the faint hum of the fuel pump. Another way to ensure the fuel pump is working is to depress the schrader (tire) valve on the fuel rail. A healthy spray of fuel should come out and covering the valve with a rag will minimize the overspray. If nothing but a dribble comes out then there may be fuel filter clogging problems, fuel relay faulty, or sediment clogging the tank sump preventing fuel flow.

 

Thanks ducky. I had the car towed in today again & when they got it to the garage it started. They put in a used computer. I did listen for the fuel pump & could hear it pump up & stop. Seems like the crank sensor might be it, or a loose connection somewhere. We'll see what happens now.