[Bordolini]

I just bought this car recently and it was running fine until today. It is 2000 model 9-5, 2.3 turbo, manual trans. with 120k. This morning it started fine, I drove it to work (about 15 minutes drive) and left it there for about an hour when I had to use it again. I had a hard time getting it started but after maybe 10 seconds it did start somehow. Drove fine, came back and let it sit for next 2 hours. Then I couldnt start it at all. It turns over but no start. I left it there and came back with the towing truck half an hour later and guess what- it started just fine, no need for towing. Battery is fine and so are the alternator and starter. There are no warning lights on the dash or on the sid, everything is clear, it runs great (when running that is ).
Any thoughts?

 

[Cambio]

Many people have been having starting problems recently. Do a search for threads already posted in this section. Also, my 2 cents:

How much gas do you have? I have noticed that whenever my car gets to 1/4 tank it really has a hard time starting.

 

[mjlee]

How much gas do you have? I have noticed that whenever my car gets to 1/4 tank it really has a hard time starting.

Seems like you might want to have this checked out. I've never heard of this being normal on any car.

 

[Cambio]

Well I mean "hard time" as in maybe 5 seconds of cranking as opposed to the instantaneous start with a full tank....

 

[SahhhB]

I recently had the exact same problem (with my 2000 5-speed too!!!) as what you are describing. It was the air intake temperature sensor that had gone bad, and it took a few weeks for the CEL to come on in response to this. At the shop, the sensor was reading -30°F when it was actually 75°F!!!!! So the ECU was trying to start the car as if it were in entirely different conditions, affecting things like air/fuel mixture and who knows what else.

 

[Chris 9-5]

Problems with low gas point to a fuel pump issue, I had these problems until it was changed.

The Crankshaft position sensor is a possibility, as is a dirty throttle body

 

[sjfc 1884]

from what you described i would say it is the crankshaft position sensor.the syptoms you describe are the exact same as what was happening with my car and it turned out to be the c.p.s

 

[Bordolini]

thanks for quick replies!
Here is what happened this morning: It started fine and just when I was ready to take off (about 45 seconds later) it died. No start now..
So, what option is cheaper, crankshaft position sensor or air intake temp. sensor? or there isn't much diff.? I can clean throttle body myself and I really hope it isn't the fuel pump.

 

[Chris 9-5]

How old are the plugs, are they the correct type?

 

[Bordolini]

plugs are 2 months old (I replaced 'em myself when I bought the car). I cleaned throttle body today and replaced air intake temperature sensor, no help, everything is still the same. I will have the crankshaft position sensor later today, keep you guys posted on whats going on after I install it tomorrow.
thanks!

 

[Chris 9-5]

Sorry just to recap, there is no check engine light on, is that right?

 

[Bordolini]

Correct, no check engine light or any other warning lights are on...I just had it started half an hour ago, drove it around then on the highway doing 90 mph, runs like a dream but once I got home and turned it off I couldnt start it again hehe...I will replace cps in the morning, hope it helps...

 

[Chris 9-5]

I hope so too, it would make sense as the CPS doesnt give a CEL, so fingers crossed Please let us know how you get on

 

[Bordolini]

I replaced the CPS today, so far so good...thanks everyone!