frustrating intermittent starting problem - 89 voyager

[Critch]

Hi - I'm new to this forum, and happy to have found it.

i own an 89 Voyager, and it is possessed with a strange problem. Every now and then, without rhyme or reason, it won't start. It turns over fine and sounds healthy, but it doesn't catch. When this happens it usually won't start for an hour or more, and if I fiddle around and keep trying eventually it will start, but for no apparent reason. Sometimes (but not lately) all that was required was for me to move the shift all the way to the right (into drive) and back to park and it would start - but that has stopped working and may have just been superstition or coincidence on my part. When it does startt (90% of the time) it does so smoothly and runs great.

I have had two unsuccessful and expensive assessments and "repairs" for this problem, neither of which solved the problem - a new fuel pump and replaced the 'relay switch."

This problem happens very infrequently (maybe once or twice a month) but when it does, it is incapacitating, and I am often at the point of having it towed and decide to "try just one last time" when it starts, or I have it towed to the mechanic and it starts there, and he needs to see it WITH the problem happening to assess it.

Another symptom - the air conditioner hasn't been able to maintain it's freon charge either, and shortly after being re-filled l;oses its ability to cool - again, without explanation. perhaps they are connected?

Please help - it is going to leave me stranded, I know it.

[89ltd]

what size engine do you have??/

[Critch]

Originally Posted by 89ltd

what size engine do you have??/

Thanks for the response - it is a 2.5 L, 4 cyl Turbo

[89ltd]

I would replace the hall effect pick-up coil in the distributor, I have had that problem before. Its something you can do yourself. I checked my manual and you don't have to remove the distributor, just the cap and rotor. Let me know if you need any help.

[89ltd]

as far as moving the shifter around, it would indicate a faulty neutral start switch, but since the engine does turn over, that wouldn't be the problem.

[Critch]

Thanks so much - I'm going to try to find it. Can it be found at any generic auto supply store?

[89ltd]

yes, common part and common problem, hope this helps you out, its happened to me before and that is where I would start. Just ask for the pickup coil in the distibutor.

[Critch]

OK - bought and installed the part without a problem. So far so good, but I'm not out of the woods until it starts consistantly over time. Are you fairly accessable through these posts? By the way - I'm from Toronto!

[89ltd]

I had the same problem with an 88 , thats what was happening to mine, I changed the pickup coil only after the starter relay, computer, coil, auto shut down relay etc, I am on here at least once a day or so, Windsor , Ontario. If there was a test for the pickup coil in my manual I would give you the info but there is nothing for the turbo. Good luck. How often did the van not start before???

[Critch]

I can't answer the question accurately, but I would say every 20 - 30 times I go to start it when i go somewhere, it behaves this way. I sit around a bit, fiddle with the gear shift, try it some more, sit around some more, call AAA, get frustrated, try again, wait for AAA, try it again, and for no reason (after more than an hour) it has usually started again, although I have had it towed and then it started when the tow truck left. This has been going on now for over 6 months.

I have never tried a test of simple starting and shutting off repeatedly in my driveway, because it seems that it always starts if it was just shut off. the times it doesn't start are after it has sat for a few hours.

thanks - does this sound familiar?

[89ltd]

yes, very much the same, when it starts , it starts and runs fine, or it will not start at all.

[Critch]

And are you saying that this problem stopped when you relaced the Pickup coil?

[89ltd]

yes it did.

[Critch]

Hi again,

So it happened again today. Wouldn't start. Sat around, prayed, cursed, took a walk, tried again, wouldn't start, made some calls, tried again etc etc etc and one time it just started, like nothing had been wrong. Then I stopped for some food and it started again fine. It likely will for a few more days, and then I'll go through this all again.

So, I'm still stumped. Any ideas?

Thanks

[89ltd]

Have you ever changed the ignition coil? If you could check to see if there is spark when it won't start , it would help a lot. When it won't start, disconnect the coil wire from the center of the distributor cap and hold it with insulated pliers, with the metal part of the wire 1/4" from any good ground while somebody turns the engine over. There should be a good blue spark.