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[bsr2002]

1997 Aero 3.0, Thought the Van was fixed. Ran well for a few weeks then the other day it started sputtering and barely made it home. Now the engine will turn but won't start.

Here is a list of stuff I replaced:

Idle Air Control Valve
Coil Pack
Spark Plugs
Mass Air Flow Sensor
Fuel Filter
Air Filter
Camshaft Position Sensor

Man! What else do I need to do?!?

Any help much appreciated

 

[BrooklynBay]

Do you hear the fuel pump prime when you turn the key? Do you see a check engine light turn on when you turn the key? Did you check the inertia switch?

 

[bsr2002]

Do you hear the fuel pump prime when you turn the key? Yes

Do you see a check engine light turn on when you turn the key? No, and I also get 0 Codes on the code reader.

Did you check the inertia switch? I don't know where it is?

 

[BrooklynBay]

It sounds like the PCM isn't getting power. Check the PCM relay, fuse, and ground connection. It's very odd that your fuel pump is still working since it needs the PCM to control it. The inertia switch disconnects the fuel pump in the event of a collision. It could trip sometimes.

 

[bsr2002]

I found PCM Relay and replaced it, still the same. Where is the Inertia Switch located?

 

[BrooklynBay]

Behind the passenger's side front kick panel. The fuel pump won't turn on if this switch tripped.

 

[bsr2002]

Behind the passenger's side front kick panel. The fuel pump won't turn on if this switch tripped.

Found it and did press the button. The van still didn't start.

I put back on my old idle air control valve and got it to at least do this.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KprADYCl8fo

 

[BrooklynBay]

Did you use the correct tool to align the cam position sensor? Did you check the vacuum lines for leaks? Did you check the fuel pressure? Is there any gasoline in the line coming out of the fuel pressure regulator? Double check the spark plug cables to see if they got mixed up when the spark plugs were replaced.

 

[bsr2002]

I should have recorded prior, but the idle actually sounded pretty steady for like 3 minutes into and then started sputtering like what is in the video.


Did you use the correct tool to align the cam position sensor? - I'm thinking it was aligned since it ran smooth for 3 weeks.

Did you check the vacuum lines for leaks? - No I haven't

Did you check the fuel pressure? - No, since I thought the fuel pump sounded strong to me.

Is there any gasoline in the line coming out of the fuel pressure regulator? - I don't know where the regulator is?

Double check the spark plug cables to see if they got mixed up when the spark plugs were replaced. - I taped numbers on wires to make sure I didn't do that.

 

[backfrmcolorado]

im not sure with the Aerostars but on my X you have a crank shaft sensor just above the lowest pully. that went out on me in kinda the same way as yurs is. ran ****y then wouldnt start. get under and look... its kinda hard to see tho.
ive also heard of the camshaft position sensor, that completly different right?

 

[BrooklynBay]

The fuel pressure regulator is on the fuel rail near the test port. It is on the passenger's side of the engine.

 

[bsr2002]

The fuel pressure regulator is on the fuel rail near the test port. It is on the passenger's side of the engine.

I tested the FPR as per these instructions:

http://www.2carpros.com/dia/test_fuel_pressure.htm

And did'nt see any fuel coming out. next check the pressure. I know the valve is close to the FPR I just can't see it...more digging

 

[BobWiersema]

This could be unrelated to your original problem, since it ran well for a while.
It almost sounds to me like the EGR is stuck open. Thats almost exactly how a engine will stumble if you open the EGR valve at idle. You may want to check it.

 

[bsr2002]

This could be unrelated to your original problem, since it ran well for a while.
It almost sounds to me like the EGR is stuck open. Thats almost exactly how a engine will stumble if you open the EGR valve at idle. You may want to check it.

I changed out 2 vaccum hoses and actually ran it and took it out on the road for about 30 min. After I turned the Van off I tried to start it again and now turning and not starting...lol. I will check out the EGR valve. How do you check it? Do I take the vac hose off it while it is running? Can the EGR be cleaned?

 

[BobWiersema]

EGR Valve

If its getting stuck open removing the vacuum line wont help.
Your valve should look like this.

So you could disconnect the line from the exhaust and plug the exhaust side.
Or unbolt the valve body and replace the gasket with a home made one without the center hole.

 

[bsr2002]

If it is faulty, can it be cleaned using MAF Cleaner or would I have to replace it?

 

[BobWiersema]

If it is faulty, can it be cleaned using MAF Cleaner or would I have to replace it?

Find out if thats your problem first. Its about a $50 part.

 

[bsr2002]

How do you get to that big bolt at pizza bottom of pizza EGR valve?!? Or would you mind telling me which way to turn it as I'm facing it? So I won't strip it?