95 SL2 won't start

PawnofChaos · #1 12-14-2009, 05:08 PM

Started rough last Thursday and hasn't since. She turns over and sometimes fires. Sounds like she wants to start but then sputters out. I've changed the plugs and verified that all four are firing. Seems to be getting plenty of fuel. I have noticed a drop in MPG over the last month or two. Is it running rich and why? 195,000 miles. Newer raidiator, starter, battery, gaskets down to the block. Does burn oil. (like most)

PawnofChaos · #2 12-14-2009, 05:27 PM

Upon further reading, it sounds like a bad ECTS. What do you think? Where is it at if bad?

Ruley73 · #3 12-15-2009, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PawnofChaos

Upon further reading, it sounds like a bad ECTS. What do you think? Where is it at if bad?

If it's never been replaced, it's very likely the ECTS. Look on the driver's side of the cylinder head and you should see two sensors. You will probably need to remove the air intake hose for access to them. The top one is the one wire temp sending unit that is used by only the temp gauge. The bottom one is the ECTS with two wires. When the ECTS it can cause a wide variety of symptoms problems. It requires a deep-well 13mm socket to remove. Use a dab of RTV silicone on the threads if there isn't any thread sealant on the new sensor.

PawnofChaos · #4 12-16-2009, 06:03 PM

Thanks for the quick response. I had already gone ahead and changed the ECTS (very fine crack) and got it running. Runs well but seems to idle awfully low, has stalled once but started right away. I also have an intermitent SES light as well. Any suggestions? I plan on having the code checked tomorrow at the local auto parts.

Ruley73 · #5 12-16-2009, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PawnofChaos

Thanks for the quick response. I had already gone ahead and changed the ECTS (very fine crack) and got it running. Runs well but seems to idle awfully low, has stalled once but started right away. I also have an intermitent SES light as well. Any suggestions? I plan on having the code checked tomorrow at the local auto parts.

What's awefully low? A DOHC M/T should idle at 850 RPM in neutral, at a stop (w/o the applying the brakes), without the A/C on, after the engine is completely warmed up (at least ~3/8 on the temp gauge). A DOHC A/T should idle at 950 RPM under the same circumstances.

Regardless, find the SES light code and go from there.

RC1488 · #6 12-16-2009, 10:44 PM

Clean your throttle body.

Drive the car around. See if your idle changes

PawnofChaos · #7 12-22-2009, 01:28 PM

All is well again. Drove it around for a day or so and the rough idle is gone. Does idle low (400-500) when warmed up and in nuetral (5 speed). Has not stalled since the rough idle went away. Cannot get the occasional SES light read as I'm being told by several auto part stores that they can only read codes on 96 and newer vehicles. Connector changed in 96 they say. Well anyway, thanks again everyone for your time and help.

RC1488 · #8 12-29-2009, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PawnofChaos

All is well again. Drove it around for a day or so and the rough idle is gone. Does idle low (400-500) when warmed up and in nuetral (5 speed). Has not stalled since the rough idle went away. Cannot get the occasional SES light read as I'm being told by several auto part stores that they can only read codes on 96 and newer vehicles. Connector changed in 96 they say. Well anyway, thanks again everyone for your time and help.

Thats to low and giving you missfires. Clean your throttle body including the IAC. I've posted videos here for it before, so use the search button. If you can't find them Ill repost them.

You can also check the codes with a paper clip. Again I've posted instructions for that

POST REPLY TO THIS THREAD