Hey all, I recieved kind of a big scare after work yesterday. My 93 2.0L (only mod right now is an 1800 watt stereo and Pacesetter Intake) wouldn't start for awhile (no warning lights. Fuel cutout was on, but that's normal when you put the key in... isn't it?). The battery wasn't low becuase the starter turned pretty fast (not only that, but after letting it sit for awhile, I tried to jump it, but still no luck.) So then I disconnected the negative terminal for a couple of minutes (thinking maybe reset the ECU or something), tried it with no luck, and this time the Check Engine light came on. I was about to go in and call a tow truck when I tried it one more time and it started up like nothing was wrong, and ran like a dream on the way home. I haven't had problems starting it since, but I was wondering if anyone has any clues as to what could have happened and what might need to be replaced. When I turned the key, the electrical part was working (sorry for my lack of description, but I'm not the most knowledgable with motors), but the engine would even think about turning over. Any clues? Thanks! -Jaime Torres 93 2.0L Ford Probe I8URV8

hey man, i've had this problem before. it turned out to be a bad connection to my battery terminals. clean off your terminals real good get rid of all the white crap and check the wires leading to the terminals. then use some grease around the terminals and make sure they are tightened real good. but it could also be a weak alternator or maybe you need a new battery. you'll have to test for yourself. if you feel an occasional loss of electric power as you are driving its most likely a loose connection to the battery thats what happened to me before. hope this helps a little

i had that happen to me too.. it would do it every so often.  i just let it
do it for a while and it hasnt done it in like 5 months. i never found out
what was wrong with it.  if it is like my car, it will go away??

derek
93 base
many mods

looking at the engine bay from the front of your car, you should ahve an external coil right next to where the stock air box would be. i had the same problem and it was the coil. cost me $13 for a new one at autozone and 15 minutes to put it in. if that is not the problem, it's your distributor. that will cost a pretty penny. chris THANX, CHRIS HTTP://OURWORLD-TOP.CS.COM/PROBN4LIF PROBN4LIF@... "MUST GO FASTER"

I had that exact same problem with my 93 2.0.  I took it to the dealer and they said "Started fine for us."  The second time I took it in they said they hit the starter with a hammer and it worked fine.  I replaced the starter myself (very easily) and have not had that problem again.  I first thought it was the clutch sensor but now am sure it was the starter.  It was a weird problem.

Charlie-93' 2.0  Some mods.

 

Did the starter SOUND good for you?  My starter acts like it should (it cranks, draws electricity.  Makes the same noise that it does when the car starts and when it doesn't).  Now here's the other complication:  I was driving today doing around 55-60 in fifth gear, and the car just quit out on me.  Here are some "peculiarities" at that moment:   1) It was uphill, so it was in the low 2000 RPMS up hill, not a biggie because it happens a lot 2) I has just put in a CD and the amps were just starting to draw (they were already on, but now they were about to be used).  I have ~1900 watts total and a maximum draw of 130 Amps 3) The negative terminal connector of the battery is snapped, but its held on their pretty tight (has a good connection).   I don't THINK electricity is a problem because the battery connection is fine (all lights work well).  When the car finally started (the battery was starting to drain after having the flashers on for about an hour) I could see the voltage jump up when I rev'd (thus I assume the alternator is fine and working... just overloaded at times :)).  The wires (distributor cap to plugs/coil) are all brand new Bosch Platinum (I think that's what they are called... its the AutoZone guaranteed for life Bosch series), but the spark plugs are old (I have yet to replace them, but plan on it when I finally get a weekend).   I'm going to call an autobody shop and get their opinion/time estimate (I'm SUPPOSED to get a new alternator and batteries and stuff), so anybody have any hints on what I should say to look at?   Also, I have a Pacesetter Air F/X intake, and I still have yet to find where the vaccuum hose plugs into, but the car seems to run (when it runs) fine without it (anybody able to tell me where this thing is?  I've looked and have had friends look, but I don't much understand this description:   "it's on the left and it runs from a couple of steel tubes just about the
throttle and toward the front of the car."   If anyone can tell me approxmate locations (as far as like down from the top of the engine, how far way from retards-know-what-it-is parts such as a distributor cap), I would appreciate it.   Thanks for all your help!   -Jaime

I would feel a little uneasy about people hitting my car with a Hammer !@# .. Especially the starter! aiee.. Bob Harden 1989 Pgt >