Starting Problems

mikemillionz · March 26, 2006

I recently replaced the headgaskets on my 93 ES. Reassembled everything back to original location. When I started the car it ran at 1000 rpms for about 3 sec then it stalled. Thought maybe there was water in the gas or something so I tried starting the engine giving it gas. Basically when I did that it sputtered and stalled, it didn't idle for a few sec like when my foot was off of the gas.

I checked the vacuum hoses, all seem good. I checked the resistances at most of the connectors and all are within range. I did notice that I did not have the two groundstraps hooked to the IACV. I did not get a chance to connect them because it started raining. I don't know if this would have any affect to the problem I am having. Tommorrow I plan to connect the two ground straps correctly and install a new distributor cap and wires. If anyone has any suggestions or can point me in a direction I would appreciate it. Thanks

mikemillionz · March 27, 2006

Still can't get engine to run without stalling. Took off Iac valve and egr cleaned both of them. Still nothing. Checked the afm and I think it might have an open circuit. Coul this be why my car is stalling or should I look into th fuel injectors or valve timing. Also can anyone tell me how to get a possible code off my car without the engine running? Thank you.

Toysrme · March 27, 2006

Check the timing first.

What is the voltage output of VS on the AFM?

Turn the key to on & push the AFM door open. You'll hear the fuel system turn on & the injectors open briefly as fuel flows back into the return line.

mikemillionz · March 28, 2006

The AFm is definitely broke. Ihave a new one on the way. Also I replaced all the vacuum hoses and cleaned the throttle body IAC valve and EGR valve. Another problem though while I was replacing the vac hoses I broke the red VSV. Does anyone know where to get one? Besides that I checked the timing and the marks were like 6 teeth off. I don't know how that happened because when I put the tensioner on the marks were fine. Tommorrow I will fix the timing and install evevything. I'm going to need a new red VSV though.

mikemillionz · March 30, 2006

Just to let y'all know. Finally got the car runnin.. Replaced the AFM first of all. Thought it was the timing but it wasn't. I guess when I disconnected the battery the the ECM activated some kind of anti-theft system because like I said I would try and start the car and it would die after a couple of seconds. My buddy who is a very experienced mechanic put me on to this idea. He told me to use my remote and lock the car then use it to unlock the car. I did as he said put the key in the ignition and prayed. The car started. So anyone having starting problems this is a simple and no cost first step. Hope it can help some of you. Later

Toysrme · March 30, 2006

The red vsv is the ACIS control. Without it the ACIS flap won't be told to shut @ 4000rpm & you'll be missing around 10bhp, maybe more. Past 4000rpm.

The ECU also advances timing at the same specification which is the "power boost" ACIS-1 through 3 systems feel @ about 4200rpm.

It's also a tiny vacuum leak. Tho not a big deal as the vacuum tank is a one way vacuum source.

I'm glad u got it running, good job! I never new 92-93 did that. I would almost swear they don't, as I trigger my car alarm about half the time I open the hood without using a key first hah!