Car stalls after starting and will not start again until the next day

2005 SAAB 9-3
138,000 MILES • 2.0L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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KELLS7920
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  • 2 POSTS
Hello, I'm having a problem with my car starting up and running perfectly fine at times, but if i shut it off to go into a store and then try to start it back up a short time later, it cranks but won't start. The first couple times it happened i let it sit for a few hours then it started back up with no problems. This last time I let it sit for 24 hours and it still won't start. I took it to a mechanic, and he couldn't find anything wrong with it. He said it's not the fuel pump. It has plenty of gas, we checked the spark plugs, and they are like new. Any ideas?
Apr 14, 2022 at 6:07 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Hi,

One of the most common causes of what you described is a failing crankshaft position sensor. When they begin to fail, oftentimes they are adversely affected by heat.

I realize he checked the spark plugs. However, did he check if there is spark to them?

Take a look through this link. It explains the most common symptoms related to a failing crankshaft position sensor. See if you feel it mirrors what you experience.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-crankshaft-sensor

If it does, when the vehicle won't start, I need you to check for spark to the spark plugs. Here is a link that explains how to do it:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-for-ignition-spark

Let me know if that mirrors what you experience and if you are comfortable performing the test in the second link.

Take care,

Joe

Apr 14, 2022 at 8:06 PM
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KELLS7920
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you so much for replying. It definitely sounds like it could be the CPS. When it first started it would only happen when the car was warm. This last time i was going to take the kids to school, started it up and about 10-15 seconds later it sputtered and stalled and i haven't been able to get it started since. That was 3 days ago. Unfortunately, i am limited on tools so I kind of have to work with what I've got but I will definitely follow that video and try to test the spark later on tonight after work. I'll let you know what happens! Thanks again for your help.
Apr 15, 2022 at 5:22 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Hi,

You are very welcome. I have a feeling this is what is causing the problem.

Regardless, let me know if there is anything I can do to help and what you find.

Take care,

Joe
Apr 15, 2022 at 7:14 PM
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