Top ten reasons I see vehicles coming to Ace Automotive with no starting issues
- Electric Fuel Pump Fault/Fuel Filter Restriction
- Timing Belt Failure / Timing Belt Tensioner Failure
- Distributor Failure / Including Ignition Control Modules
- ECM/PCM (computer) failure
- Mainly found on mid 1980’s GM products with 2.8L engines and “W” in the 8th position of the VIN#
- alternators
- Crankshaft / Cam Sensors
- Batteries / Cables / Clamps
- Electric problems
- Miscellaneous
One of the most common no-start issues I’ve seen in recent times is the failure of the in-tank electric fuel pumps, primarily due to a lack of proper scheduled maintenance by vehicle owners for not changing the fuel filter at the proper intervals. , sure some fuel filters can cost approx. $100.00 and up to replace several times a year, but on some vehicles, like late 90’s Jeep Grand Cherokees, it costs almost $800.00 to replace the fuel pump! How many times do you want to pay that? Also, another cause of premature fuel pump failure is allowing the fuel level to drop to less than ΒΌ tank and below for extended periods of time or running out of fuel completely. Running out of fuel allows the electric fuel pump to run “dry,” which ruins the pump almost immediately. . Vortec Design GM 4.3L, 5.7L engines with the CPI fuel injection system, the CPI unit fails in many different ways; plastic tubes are leaking, poppets are clogged, fuel pressure regulator is leaking.
Timing belts are designed to last approx. 40,000-60,000 miles under normal use and not changing the timing belt before it “breaks” can lead to costly engine damage on some vehicles including Honda, Acura, Nissan and Mitsubishi. Always change the timing belt a little before the recommended change interval and check the tensioner replace if questionable. Timing belt tensioner failure is common.
Mid 80 Gm 4 Cyl. V-6 Most GM w/Electronic Distributor 4 Cylinder, V-6, V-8 1988-1998) 1980s/90s Ford TFI Ignition (Gray Module Bolted to Outside of Distributor) Ford Pickup Assemblies Inside the distributor. I’ve seen a lot of distributor failure on Hondas, especially due to bearing failure.
The most troublesome alternator I’ve seen is the CS130/CS130D on some mid 80’s GMs for the CS130 and later GMs, the CS130D on 92 and later like Grand Am, Grand Prix etc.
Late Model 92-93 Chrysler Vehicles with 3.3L Engine Caravan, Voyager, Mid 80’s GM 2.0L Crankshaft Sensors 2.5L Crankshaft Sensors GM Mid 80’s Crankshaft Sensors Early 1990s GM V-6 Crankshaft Sensors 1990s Jeeps 4.0L Engines Mitsubishi Galant 4 Cyl Cam/Crankshaft Sensors Engine Start Sensors (failure due to balance belt failure and broken belt cutting the sensor wires and damage the sensor)
Many corroded and neglected batteries arrive at our facilities; Batteries don’t last forever! Poor maintenance practices cause many battery failures, which often leads to other problems.
Ford ignition switches, on early 90’s escorts the electrical part of the ignition switch will separate inside, some Ford ignition switches have been known to cause fires!
Vehicles out of fuel due to inaccurate fuel gauges
Engines blocked due to lack of oil
Clogged exhaust systems (catalytic converters
Missing or worn flywheel teeth cannot turn the engine
Faulty fuel injectors
But I have NEVER seen or heard of a car that will not start or run poorly due to the brand of gas being used!
randy harkins
Owner, Ace Automotive Technician
11924 Pacific Hwy Sw.
Lakewood Wa, 98499
253-691-6206
[http://www.aceautomotive1.com/]
