1997 Isuzu Hombre Vehicle is hard to start

SOOPER SKOOL

MEMBER
1997 ISUZU HOMBRE
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
200,000 MILES

Hi all,
My Hombre is having problems starting. I have recently moved from Florida to SW Louisiana. I drove it here with no problems. However, the weather here has been much cooler than in FL (low 20's). At first it was only in the mornings when it was coldest and now it is anytime. When it would start, it would first clank real loud as if there was no oil (or low oil) in it and lope as if it were missing, then everything would gradually smooth out as it warmed up and I'd be on my way after letting everything come up to temp. About 6 months ago, I had a tune up, 3 valves replaced (along with all the proper head gaskets), the radiator, water pump and thermostat replaced all at the same time. The Check Engine Light has always been on and I have not put a scanner on it yet (although I know I should). At this time, when it does run, the C.E.L. Will go from steady on to blinking. I think I have it narrowed down after reading some of the threads in this forum, but I would like to hear your take on it.
Thank you for your consideration and time.

5 Replies

MATHIASO

MECHANIC
1,209 POSTS

HELLO Sooper Skool

The MIL lamp will blinks once per second because the misfire is actually occurring.

The only way to know for sure what is causing the MIL lamp to come on is to plug a scan tool into the system and read the diagnostic fault code(s) to find out what is going on.
Auto zone or Auto parts could help you scan the system.
Once you have the code(s), get back to me.

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Saturday, January 16th, 2010 AT 9:50 AM

SOOPER SKOOL

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I was able to get the vehicle started using the 'ol gasoline on the rag trick. I then took it to auto zone and had them put a scanner on it. The scanner was saying that my TPS was bad and it had 2 other 'pending' trouble codes. One for a miss and another for the cat. I went ahead and replaced the TPS and everything went fine for about 2 days (with the exception that there was a slight miss when the engine was cold). Now, it just turns over and doesn't start even with shooting starting fluid in the intake. I would hate to think that the plugs are bad, but I guess I'll be yanking those out to check them.

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Monday, January 18th, 2010 AT 1:28 PM

MATHIASO

MECHANIC
1,209 POSTS

Hello Sooper Skool

I wish I could have codes about misfire and cat.
the engine did not start when you shoot starting fluid in the intake, that tell me the problem is not the fuel pump but spark or compression.
Right now the engine is flooded.
you must start the engine with the gas pedal down. Keep cranking, the engine may start.
if it does not start, remove the spark plugs ,if they are wet ,mean there is no spark, check the crankshaft position sensor.
here is what you need to do.

# Turn the ignition key OFF .

# Unplug the sensor electrical harness and check the terminals for corrosion and damage.

# Check the sensor wiring harness wires for continuity and repair as necessary.

# Attach the sensor harness making sure it is firmly engaged.

# Using a Digital Volt Ohm Meter (DVOM) set on the DC scale, backprobe the sensor signal terminal (terminal A) with the positive lead of the meter and backprobe the sensor ground terminal (terminal B) with the negative lead of the meter.

# Have an assistant crank the engine and observe the meter.

# You should have approximately a 5 volt reference signal pulse. If not the sensor may be defective.

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Monday, January 18th, 2010 AT 11:39 PM

SOOPER SKOOL

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I went ahead and pulled the plugs on it. Everything looks good. No fouling. Plugged everything back in and it cranked up. It was a little hard at first but it eventually fired after about the 3rd try. I then drove back to autozone and had them check the codes on it. It still read the same. They asked if I had disconnected the battery to reset the computer after replacing the TPS. I had done this so they reset it from the scanner and the check engine light went out. I drove it to work and the light hasn't come on yet. I haven't checked the crank sensor yet as I am at work now where I am able to check the forum and emails. I will see what its going to do when I get off and check the sensor. I'll let ya know how it goes.

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Tuesday, January 19th, 2010 AT 9:56 AM

MATHIASO