1998 Grand Voyager: Different *no start* problem

1998 voyager, 3.3, 212k, NY winters

My no start scenario differs from most of the others I have read here. My dash is alive, gauges are all working, engine cranks great. I have previously thought it only happened on rainy days, but it has been dry for 2 days and it just happened again.

It only seems to happen when it has been sitting in the driveway for a day or so. Never had a problem on the same day that it has previously ran. The only other oddity with tonights problem is that it did start, but only for a moment, ran a little rough, then stalled when I put it in reverse.

After it sits for an indeterminate amount of time it will start normally and run great.

Thanks,
Matt

Several possibilities. Check for spark by inserting a screw driver in a disconnected spark plug wire, crank the engine and touch the screw driver to the valve cover or any heavy metal. Should see a bluish spark. To check for fuel either connect a fuel pressure gauge to the test port on the fuel rail or depress the plunger in the test port. Should see 49 psi or fuel spirt not dribble out of the port. Be careful.

If there's no spark you could have a bad ignition coil, PCM or a bad crank or camshaft position sensor. No fuel indicates a bad pump. Do you have and know how to use a multimeter? Can you hear the fuel pump (in the tank) turn on momentarily when you turn the key to "on"? Is the service engine soon light on or have you seen it come on lately? When rolling down the highway does it run great or do you feel hesitation or jerking? Do you smell raw gas? Has your gas mileage changed lately?

Thanks for replying. I was intending to check the spark tonight, hopefully I'll have time to get there. Not sure I yet have a fuel pres gauge, but I'll do the squirt test or see if I can bum one from a friend. As to your other questions:

Multimeter availability/skills: yes

Hear the fuel pump: no, but I can't normally hear it. I'll stick my head under and have someone else hit the switch.

Engine light: no

Highway hesitation/jerking: no, but it does hesitate a little sometimes on leaving a stop... but that's all I have noticed

Raw gas smell: only a little after lots of cranking when it doesn't start... not surprising

Gas mileage: haven't checked it lately, thought it seems to have slipped a little... though there has been much A/C use

Thanks again,

Matt

Okay, So diagnosis seems to be easier than I thought. I figured it for some sort of electric/electronic problem given the intermittent nature.

I have zero fuel pressure...

Guess that answers that.


Thanks,
Matt

I take it you put a gauge on it? Before changing the pump make sure you're getting power to the pump. Could just be a relay or wiring. One old book trick is to smack the tank with a mallet. It does work and I have read of it being a permanent fix in rare cases.

yeah, I should have mentioned that the 'whack it real good' method worked... doesn't instill great confidence, however :-) . Thanks for all your input.