Car cutting out once started?

[LogiK]

Hey guys,

Im having issues, I just started my car and it dies basicallya fter half a second.

Put a timing light on it, and its losing spark just before it dies.
Also, after removing the engine and replacing the clutch, when this occurs i've had the engine crank by itself.
Thinking possibly dodgy ignition switch.

Is there anything common to look out for? Its just had a new ignition coil too.

Also, once its started it doesnt die, its fine.

Only happens every few startst oo btw.

Cameron.

[peedman]

What year is it? Could be an immobiliser problem. It will let u start the car but then it cuts out <5secs.

Faulty ignition switch usually doest let u start i.e. u turn the key and nothing happens so i doubt its that but its cheap to replace so u can change it and see if anything happens.

Get it scanned for codes would be the first port of call methinks.

[rayray086]

I had the same problem when I first got my car - turned out to be ignition switch. Being made of plastic, it's prone to damage, especially if you have a heavy key chain or a bunch of keys that dangle from your car keys. Sometimes niggling it into the right position will almost 100% start the car, but it's a really cheap and relatively easy fix, so do this first. Wouldn't hurt.

A bad crank angle sensor can also do this when the wire insulation is starting to wear away (doesn't apply to early Mk3 GL with the 2E engine, only the later ADY or AGG engine codes). It's plugged onto the engine block next to the oil filter housing near the coolant pipes and the wires often touch them - you can imagine after 10+ years of service, they would be hardened and brittle now. Mine got to the stage where the bare wires were totally exposed, and the car would rarely start and if it did, it would misfire often cut out when running.

[LogiK]

Tis a 96. OBDI. Engine code ADY.

[rayray086]

Yep, what I have too. Just to follow up from the potential crank angle sensor problem, here's what my sensor looked like after I pulled it out:



This caused me to breakdown on Parramatta Rd @ Camperdown at peak hour during the APEC meeting week a few years back. Good times.

[LogiK]

I guess you buy the sensor no wires and just extended them all again?

Easy to change?

[peedman]

Nah u can only buy the whole thing, it comes as sensor + wire + plug. To change it u need a small hex tool (cant remember which size) and u need to take the front engine mount off to get to it.

Takes prob bout 20-30mins max. Get one from gsfcarparts.com as they will have the correct one for you and are hella cheaper than dealer or local.

If u need an ignition switch i might have a new one lying around for u (bought spares) but i need to have a good look first.

[jjj]

Hi All,

This may be a bit late for this, but worth a shot
Would the crank angle sensor be the reason my wifes car stops in the middle of intersections for no reason, but then starts after 5 mins?
We have gone to various mechanics and dealers and they are only guessing now
I've seen in another forum Relay 109 being mentioned but I think this is for deisel engines

Cheers

[rayray086]

Could be mate. I had the same problem with mine, sometimes just randomly cut out, then I can start it again. What model and year is your Mk3?

[jjj]

Hi There,

It's a 1998 GL