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Stall/No start problem

Orinackra

New member
Hey guys, looking for some input. 98 GTP
Car stalled, wouldn't start back up. Would just crank and crank. Got the car towed home, had the battery and alt tested, both good. Car started after sitting for about four hours. Took it for a ride, about 2 miles, all seemed well, but when I pulled in the driveway, and left it running while I cleaned up my tools, it stalled again and wouldn't start back up. I did notice that it drove just fine, but when I was coasting down a steep hill the rpms bobbed between 1000ish and maybe 700ish. Idled perfectly normal. Started up just fine this morning, but I haven't driven it. I have a P0102 for MAF low input, but I've had this code for about a month now, I was just putting it off replacing the MAF.

I think I have it narrowed down to the following:
-bad MAF
-Crank Position Sensor
-Fuel Filter
-Fuel Pump

Anything else I could possibly check? Also, if I start it with the MAF disconnected, will I be able to drive it? I'm trying to figure out why it would start with the MAF unplugged, but not start with a bad MAF plugged in.. if that makes any sense. I'd like to eliminate that as a possible reason for the no start.

And as far as the CKPS goes, I was reading that a test for that is spark to the coils. I definitely have spark at the coils. I haven't been able to recreate the stalling condition to notice if the RPMs drop to zero, but other than the spark, it sounds like a lot of other threads that suggest replacing the crank sensor.

I'm going to have to wait until next weekend to replace the MAF, but I might do the CKPS and fuel filter now to see. Any other insight would be appreciated.
 


Easy test here, unplug the MAF and start the car.

If it starts up and runs fine, then there you go...you found the issue.

Most of the time when the crank sensor goes, your tach with run itself all over the place and end up pegging out at 0, as if the car is off. At least that was my experience with it.

You can get a cheap, used MAF from www.moradpartscompany.com...factory one as well.
 


cool, thanks guys. MAF is unplugged now, it starts, runs a little rough, but I guess that's to be expected. I'm gonna take it for a drive in a little bit. I won't have the new MAF until next week, but I'll report back.

I'm just confused why it would start with the MAF unplugged, but not start plugged in.
 
Ok, so I went and got a new MAF. Installed. Started up. Took it around the block, no problems. Went in the garage for a minute, and it stalled. Started back up, ran for about a minute, then it started to sputter, and stalled. Now it won't start at all. Although, now I'm actually not sure it's getting spark. I did the screwdriver to the number 1 plug while cranking, and nothing. Crank sensor? Oh, and no check engine light now. I don't want to rule out a fuel problem, cause it's getting fuel to the rail (not sure on the pressure).
 


Once it stalls, your pressure may bleed off slow. Older pumps are common for that.

Double check for spark. It might be crank sensor. BTW ... we suggested unplugging...not buying. That way if it ran decent, the suggestion would have been that the maf was bad. However since it stalled again, likely the maf was ok.
 
I wasn't too worried about the MAF. I got one from a junkyard for $25. And I had some sort of problem with the MAF regardless, due to the P0102.

Well, I went outside today, tried to start it, nothing. Put the new crank sensor in.... fired right up. I haven't driven it yet though. I'll probably do that tomorrow. Work + this = tired me.

PS. Mother Nature? More like Mother F-er. Rained all day, and as soon as I put the last lugnut back on, the sun came out. Sonofa--
 
Muaww. Test drive success. Hopefully this is it. It's been running for a half hour with no ill effects. Thanks for all the help gents. Jliss, I think I can swing that. Hell, that's a bargain compared to having to take the car to a shop.
 


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