Just inherited this car and have one major problem with it. Two times now it has refused to start after having been run earlier in the day. The engine will turn over and one or two cyls will fire but that's it. Then the ECL will come on.It has refused to start one time after sitting overnight and another after being run about 60 miles then sitting for about 3 hours. Ambient air temp was between 60-80F and dry both times.

I have visually inspected under the hood and all fuses, wires, hoses and connections appear OK. When the engine is running normally it is very quiet and has plenty of power. Idles normally. On a hunch I checked the battery voltage which is 12.7V unloaded and 13.7V when being charged by the alternator.

The first time it happened I reset the ECL manually and it didn't come back on after the 60-mile trip until the next time it refused to start.Now, several hours after the 'problem' itagain starts normally and the ECL is off.

I'm really puzzled. Anyone have ideas?

TIA
John

 

What are the codes in the computer causing the Check Engine Light (CEL) to go on?

 

I don't have a reader yet so haven't been able to tell. I'm headed out to get one today and will advise. Thanks for the reply.

 

Here are the codes I found: P0081, C0301, C0300, P8001

I haven't been able to find a definition for any of them.

 

P0081 is the code for a problem with the Intake Valve Control Solenoid Circuit (bank 2)
P0300 is the code for a general engine misfire but doesn't tell you what cylinder.
P0301 is the code for a engine misfire in cylinder #1.
P8001 are you sure that's correct? I can't find this code.

 

I'm sure those codes are correct. Thanks much for the definitions.

Where did you find the definitions? I've looked all over and couldn't find reference to any of them. Neither could my auto tech buddy at a very good local shop.