My car only starts sometimes

1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER

300,000 MILES • 2.4L • 4 CYL • 2WD

TWOFOUR

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1 POST

I put a new starter, new crankshaft position sensor. half the time it'll turn over the other half it won't.. all the lights are on its power. I'm stumped. Tested of the sensors there's power. would this be a computer problem or theft system?

Dec 17, 2019 at 3:44 PM

SCGRANTURISMO

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
4,897 POSTS

Hello,

Possibly. I would double check the electrical connector going to the Crankshaft Position Sensor[CKP] and the Ignition Control Module [ICM] for any damage or unwanted resistance. Also check the wires from the CKP to the ICM for damage or unwanted resistance as well. In the diagrams down below I have included the engine management wiring diagrams and the guides for how to find unwanted resistance in an electrical circuit by the voltage drop method. You will need to use a Digital Multi Meter [DMM] to go through these guides, so here is a link below explaining how to use one, if needed:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

Please go through these guides and get back to us with what you are able to find out.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros

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Dec 17, 2019 at 9:46 PM