Intrigue won't start, engine error codes

[bs13690]

My Intrigue is having an issue starting. If the car is sitting for a long while after stopping, it will start right up. But if it has only been sitting for an hour or so, it will not start.

The engine does not crank, you just get the clicking or buzzing sound. After waiting a while, it will start but the Service Engine Soon light is on.

I got the error codes P0335, P0340 and P0385 when I checked them. These codes are related to the crankshaft circuit and camshaft bank.

Would these cause the starting issue? Are they necessary to replace?

Thanks

[burijon]

I'm guessing you have the 3.5 engine. Sounds like a heat issue with one or all of the sensors. Once it's cool enough is starts okay. Yes they do need replacing as your computer is compensating with default settings if it can't read the sensors. Crankshaft Position sensor is the number one thing that always goes bad on all Intrigues. I have replaced mine twice in 100k. Both were Delco parts. I bought the cheapy one last time as it doesn't seem to matter whether you buy Delco or not. GM quality I guess. That sensor is under your starter. Get it from http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,ca...,parttype,7196 . Like I said I bought the cheapy and it works fine. I checked all your codes and they all indicate Crankshaft sensor.

If you have a ratchet set you could replace it in about an hour having never done it before. Once you take off the starter take off the plastic cover to the fly wheel. This will make it much easier to reinstall as it takes some wrangling to get the starter back in just right. One bolt holds on the Cranshaft sensor. Disconnect the battery first!

Good luck!

[bs13690]

Thanks for your reply.

My mechanic is going to replace it tonight, hopefully.

Just to verify, would the bad crankshaft would cause a "no crank" issue? My mech seemed to think that it would turn over, but wouldn't start. I guess all cars have their little issues but I wish I would have known all these Intrigue problems before I bought it. It did run like a champ for 4 years, but I have had to replace the speed sensor and ABS recently.

[burijon]

True it should still crank(turn over). That sounds more like the Passkey system or the key cylinder needs replacing. Many posts about that here.

I have only had my Intrigue not start one time in 5+ years of ownership. After disconnecting the battery it started fine. Keep an 8MM box wrench in your center console at all times for that just in case scenario.

Post back and let us know the verdict once your sensor is replaced. It helps build confidence in others reading these posts.

[panzer dragoon]

I would Tech2 (the $5k GM scanner) this car at your GM dealer. I would replace that ignition switch first if the Tech2 says it's is bad -then go from there.

If the car has the ability to start I would schedule a service scan with your GM dealer and drive it in. The Tech2 was made for diagnostic crap like this.

Have you ever got any OBD2 codes before this? (Service Engine Soon = SES or Service Vehicle Soon =SVS lights?) One would think a faulty camshaft and crankshaft position sensor would be throwing out a few codes every so often.

Crankshaft Position sensor $60-100 (moderate difficulty)
Camshaft Position Sensor $40-60 (fair easy)
Ignition Switch $150? + (a pain to put in)

GM Tech2 diagnostic $60-$100 (easiest to do + may save on a few parts)

-this sounds like an ignition switch issue to me if that is a good charged battery in that car. You can buy a good car battery charger for $50.

[bs13690]

We took the dash apart last night and snipped the wire. We could not get the wires to unplug. At any rate, since then the car has started without any problems. The Security light is on, but who cares? Thanks for all your help.