The top
ten reasons that I see vehicles coming to Ace Automotive for no start problems
- Electric fuel pump failure /fuel filter restriction
One of the most common no-start
problems I have seen in recent times is the failure of in-tank electric fuel
pumps, primarily due to lack of proper scheduled maintain on the vehicle owners
part of not having the fuel filter changed at the proper intervals, sure some
fuel filters can cost approx. $100.00 and up to replace several times a year
but in some vehicles such as late 90s Jeep Gran Cherokees replacing the fuel
pump costs nearly $800.00! How many times do you want to pay that? Also another
cause for premature fuel pump failure is allowing the fuel level to get to
below ¼ tank and below for extended periods or running completely out of fuel
running out of fuel allows the electric fuel pump to run "dry" which
nearly immediately ruins the pump. Vortec Design GM engines 4.3L, 5.7L with the
CPI fuel injection system the CPI unit fails in many different ways; the
plastic tubes leak, the "poppets get plugged, the fuel pressure regulator
leaks.
- Timing Belt Failure / Timing belt tensioner failure
Timing belts are designed to last
approx. 40,000-60,000 miles under normal use not changing the timing belt
before it "breaks" can result in expensive engine damage in some
vehicles, such as Honda, Acura, Nissan, and Mitsubishi. Always have the timing
belt changed a little before the recommended change interval and check the
tensioner replace if questionable. Timing belt tensioner failure is common.
- Distributor Failure / Including Ignition control modules
Mid 80s Gm 4 cyl. V-6s Most all
GMs with Electronic distributor 4, cylinder, V-6, V-8 1988-1998) 80s / 90s Ford
TFI ignition (grey module bolted to outside of distributor) Ford Pick-up
assemblies inside the distributor I have seen many distributor failures on
Hondas especially due to bearing failure.
- ECM/ PCM Failure (computer)
- Primarily on mid 80s GM products with 2.8L engines and "W" in the 8th position of the VIN #
- Alternators
Most problem alternator I have
seen is the CS130 /CS130D on some mid 80s GMs for the CS130 and on later GMs
the CS130D on like 92 and later makes like Gran Am, Gran Prix, etc.
- Crank / Cam Sensors
Late model 92-93 Chrysler
vehicles with 3.3L engine Caravan, Voyager, Mid 80s GMs 2.0L crank sensors 2.5
L crank sensors Mid 80s- early 90s GM V-6s crank sensors 90s Jeeps 4.0L engines
cam/ crank sensors Mitsubishi Galant 4 cyl engines crank sensors (failure due
to balance belt failure and broken belt cuts sensor wires and damages sensor)
- Batteries/ Cables /Clamps
Many neglected corroded Batteries
find their way to our facility; Batteries do not last forever! Poor Maintenance
practices cause many many battery failures which often leads to other problems.
- Electrical Problems
Ford ignition switches, in
escorts in the early 90s the electrical portion of the ignition switch will
separate inside, some ford ignition switches have been known to cause fires!
- Miscellaneous
Vehicles
out of fuel due to inaccurate fuel gauges
Engines
locked up due to lack of oil
Plugged
Exhaust systems (catalytic converters
Teeth
missing or worn off the flywheel cannot turn the engine over
Bad fuel
injectors