Hi guys, wow I need help badly. Well, I have an 03' Tib (4 cyl) 104,000 miles.. what happened yesterday evening was weird. I took my son to Tae Kwon do class today. No problems at all. Class ends, I get in my car.. start it up, pulled out of my parking spot.. and BAM! Just dies on me. I put it in park, than neutral.. tried to start it up, and nothing. Its cranking over, but won't start. I did verify that all the belts are spinning when I try to start it. So, I pushed in a parking spot. Come back later on in the day.. hook up my jumper cables with my wifes truck thinking its just the battery, and still won't crank over. So, I get home at 11:30pm, I had a buddy help me and towed it home. Luckily I'm off work the rest of the week. Any ideas guys.
Also did verify the fuel pump is turning on. I heard it kick on when I go to turn the key to accessory. I would Imagine it has nothing to do with the fuel.

Could it possible be a bad Crankshaft position sensor? One minute the car runs fine, than the next it dies and won't even crank over to start back up? ideas?

Ok, futher research I did this morning.. before I buy a sensor... I tested spark plugs for spark, check good.. so I assume the coil is good also... Fuel pump turns on when I turn the key forward, battery is staying charged, alternator good... not sure what else I can try.. before I just say screw it and buy a new crankshaft sensor.

Thanks guys,
Mike


Will the Crankshaft position sensor automatically throw a code? I have a code reader and It didn't kick any codes out.. does this rule out the sensor than?

 

Was the timing belt replaced at 60,000 miles? If the timing belt went, your in for a big repair bill.

 

All my belts seem to be spinning when I crank on it. I didnt take the cover off the timing belt to see if its spinning but I would imagine it is if the others are.. ill check in a about 30 mins.

 

ok well the cover is a pain in the *** to get off. I got some bolts out, enough to pull it back and check out the gear and belt. Belt looks good and no broken teeth.. So I guess thats a plus anyways..

 

You still haven't answered my question. Was the timing belt changed or is it original?

The external belts turn with the crank. Just because they are spinning doesn't mean the timing belt didn't break.

 

No It has not been changed. There are 104,000 miles on the car. I pulled the cover back and had my wife ctryto start it, I was watching the timing belt move. From what I could see, It seemed to look pretty good.

 

i suggest doing a compression test. with 104k it could have some missing teeth that could cause it to go out of time. it could also be a broken cam (i've seen that scenario before a few times)

my gut tells me a timing belt, though. (but i could be wrong...)


df

 

Look at the tach needle while cranking.... does the needle rise ot show rpm when cranking ?

Typically do not find the P-0335 code till sensor replaced and engine runs again..

 

Thanks alot for the replys guys... well, the garage mechanic called me up and said they ran a compression check, and there is none. Said that the engine is will probably need a rebuild.. thoughts? I was just laid off to, when It rains it pours out! Unreal. I think I'll just tow it back to my garage and start tearing it apart. I'm clueless but a buddy of mine says he thinks we can do it. Don't feel confident about it but I can't really afford spending 5 or 6 grand on a new motor. I'm still tryin to pay the original loan off.

I can't seem to find any links to a tear down and rebuild, If anyone has any would be a great help. This is a first for me. I'm open for suggestions.

 

Did you try an Ignition Module?
You say it will turn over like its trying to crank but just wont start?

If the ignition module is bad, (Can be intermiting) the spark plugs will not get power thus not starting. They have a blister pack resistor in them that will wear out.

An ignition module is about $90 and could solve you problem.

If not, then take it back. Its an easy part swap.

If your not getting any odd noises like knocks and grinding when it starts, its probably not a camshaft or timing belt.

If you think it may be a camshaft, pop the plastic head cover off (about 12 bolts) and look at them (There are 2 camshafts) as they are right on top of the head. If you do this, I would get a new valve cover gasket and spark plug seals for the cover before reinstalling as they leak really bad once removed, and the spark plug seals on the cover dry rot and crack from heat.