Car will start and shut off

ebang · 03-24-2009, 05:49 PM

I have a 1999 3800.....ran great up to now, this morning my wife drove it and came home parked it up....no it will not run...it will start and shut off right away..i can keep it running by pressing the gas while starting it and keep on the gas but as soon as I let off it dies again...something else as time is try to start it up alot of smoke will come out of the exhaust.

I am replacing the plugs and wires hoping that this fixes the problem....

btw: the service engine light does not come on and no other dash light issues.

Anyone have any input.

thanks.

dosintrigued · 03-24-2009, 08:39 PM

I had a similar problem recently. In my case the reason for excessive exhaust was a very rich condition - very easy to smell unspent fuel. By reviewing the engine operation with a scanner, I could see the MAF sensor was reading very erratic going from normal to very high air input continually. MAF sensor was the issue.

Other possible issues were the cam and crank sensors, which may not give codes.

I doubt the plugs and wires will help unless you had some recent work done under the hood.

dtownfb · 03-25-2009, 08:32 AM

it could be the MAF but MAF acting that erratically would definitely throw a code. It's worth cleaning at the very least.

I'm not as familiar with the 3.8L but would a faulty fuel pressure regulator cause this kind of behavior?

Also don't rule out the possibility of an issue with the ignition switch and security system. A faulty cam or crankshaft sensor that causes the car to die should throw a code.

ebang · 03-26-2009, 05:39 PM

ok so it's not the plugs or wires, I changed them but still the same issue, I noticed the engine light on the dash though...how could I get the codes. ..I do not have a code reader and the car will not drive to take to a shop and I really don't want to tow it,...I know with my Toyota Supra..I can use a paperclip as a jumper and get the codes....is this possiable with this car?.....where would the fuel pressure regulator be located?

dosintrigued · 03-26-2009, 11:12 PM

Are you getting the Service Engine Soon light? Only way to get the code(s) is with a scanner or reader. Possibly an auto parts store has this available for loan? Otherwise a friend? It is about $100-120 for a scan tool and less if you just want to read the code(s).

A little more background - how many miles, etc on the car?

The fuel pressure regulator is attached to the fuel rail on front drivers side of upper intake. That could be the issue, fuel pump, maf, or others. If you can keep it running by pumping the throttle it doesn't seem to be electrical (like crank sensor), but mine was electrical (maf) with no event code.

Hope this helps

ebang · 03-27-2009, 06:59 AM

the car has 160,000kms....yeah I can keep it running by pressing on the gas. How an I test the fuel regulator?

dosintrigued · 03-28-2009, 12:15 AM

Fuel pressure regulator is vacuum operated. Pull the vacuum line and check for fuel (leaky diaphram). Any presence of fuel is bad.

Not sure if there is a better test.

Good luck.

ebang · 03-28-2009, 10:30 AM

Ok I see two lines marked "Fuel"with a yellow tape...I pulled both and some fuel spilled out...not sure if these are the vacuum lines or not.

BNaylor · 03-28-2009, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ebang

Ok I see two lines marked "Fuel"with a yellow tape...I pulled both and some fuel spilled out...not sure if these are the vacuum lines or not.

The suggestion was to check the fuel pressure regulator (FPR) not the fuel supply pressure and return lines at the fuel injector rail. See pic. FPR circled in red.

ebang · 03-31-2009, 09:31 PM

ok I got a code reader ....bought used. (Creader for Generic ODB11)..I never used anything like this before but I hooked it up and got a 0101 code..not sure what this means or even if this was correctly read.

LittleHoov · 03-31-2009, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ebang

ok I got a code reader ....bought used. (Creader for Generic ODB11)..I never used anything like this before but I hooked it up and got a 0101 code..not sure what this means or even if this was correctly read.

P0101- Mass Air Flow (MAF) Circuit Range/Performance Problem

Id say replace your MAF sensor and you wont have anymore problems. I believe on the 3.8 it is located on the throttle body, I cant recall though, Its been a while since Ive seen one.

BNaylor · 03-31-2009, 10:05 PM

SII 3800 Throttle Body with MAF, IAC and TPS Sensors

LittleHoov · 04-01-2009, 12:13 AM

I believe you can also unplug the MAF sensor and the car should run well enough for you to drive it somewhere if you dont feel you can make the repair yourself.

But I definitely think you can do it, its simple to remove and replace, almost impossible to mess something up.

I only mention this because I think the car will run with it unplugged, and I figure you might still need to use the car, for example wifey might need the car again.

ebang · 04-01-2009, 07:16 AM

thanks guys, I will try to replace it myself and let you know how it goes..

ebang · 04-01-2009, 07:18 AM

oh...one other thing the code does not read P101 just 0101....is this the same thing?

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