2001 Suzuki Vitara Won't Start

Tiny
WBBENSLER
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 SUZUKI VITARA
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 85,000 MILES
No Engine codes, runs good but if I idle at a light or stop for gas, the car won't re-start. If I wait 10-15 min it will start normal. The engine turns over very good, using short starts, it may fire once or twice and stop. I have changed fuel and air filters and replaced sparks. It is a 2.0 ltr with fuel inj. I have some more power on acceleration after maintenance. I have tried to clean electronic connectors. I asked local Suzuki Dealer and he said it was the Mass Air controller that is located in the Throttle Barrel. Well I stopped lisening to him when I found the Mass Air mounted in the Air filter box. Help
Thursday, October 8th, 2009 AT 5:12 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
SERVICE WRITER
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,123 POSTS
Try this:
When it doesn't start. Pour a cup of ice cold water on the cam sensor in the back of the cylinder head and see if it starts right up. If true, put new cam sensor assy in it. It may heat soaking and loosing cam sensor signal not allowing vehicle to spark.

You can also try a hairdryer to heat it up when the engine is cold, but may not get it hot enough.
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Friday, October 9th, 2009 AT 7:55 AM
Tiny
WBBENSLER
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  • 3 POSTS
With your suggestion I found the cam sensor and used contact cleaner on the contact. I would like to add some info on the first time this started to act up. I had an hour ride in a pouring rain, on I40, and when I stopped to get gas, it didn't want to start and when it did I only got out onto the 4 lane street and it stalled again, I check the eng compartment for water and didn't see anything that cought my attention. After 10-15 min standing, it started again and I had no additional problems in the next 1/2 hour to the house. This is why I cleaned the contacts. Today I drove to town and made several stops and got gas and drove home and let the car idle for about 5 min, stopped it and then restarted it again with no problems. It will take me a few days to prove to myself the it is in fact fixed. I have my fingers crossed and I want to thank you for putting me on the course you did. I will keep you posted.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/419233_Bill_in_woods_1.jpg

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Saturday, October 10th, 2009 AT 3:10 PM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
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Great to hear about the success!
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Sunday, October 11th, 2009 AT 6:53 AM
Tiny
WBBENSLER
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I have used the vehicle for a few weeks now and I still have a problem.
I am carrying a Gal of water and will try that next time.
At lower RPM 1500 the motor stops and starts again within 1/2 second. It will do this 5-6 times in 15 seconds.
It is an immediate stall and back on.
Still looking.
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+1
Monday, November 2nd, 2009 AT 7:48 AM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
  • 9,123 POSTS
With the change of runnibility after cleaning it, I would be inclined to replace the sensor at this point.
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Monday, November 2nd, 2009 AT 5:42 PM
Tiny
TJFARMS
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Did you ever findd the problue I am having the same thing happen to me
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Sunday, April 4th, 2010 AT 1:13 PM

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