Chev Camaro SS

1997 Chev Camaro SS Ignition System Stalling When starting No pattern

Hi I got a 97 ss camaro that will die shortly after starting the car and wont restart for a period of time ? I have replace the fuel filter /ignition control module /and ran a fuel pump test all shows well I am wondering if the optispark might have somthing to do with it or the coil im stumped HELP/HELP/HELP the car has 80k miles on it and my buget is strained.

The first thing you should do is have diagnostic trouble codes checked. Advance Auto, Autozone, and some other chain auto parts stores will check the codes free of charge. Autozone will lend you a code checker for a fully refundable deposit.

Let me know which, if any, alphanumeric codes are found. EG- P0300, P0401, etc. Start with this and we'll go from there.

I have an OBDII and have no codes due to a dead battery and had to take it out and recharge it.the car runs fine for a short time then just starts spittin and sputtering the just dies.acts like the spark just goes away
.

Hello, What is needed is to verify that it is spark that goes away. Have you done that?

If no codes are present but the condition repeats and it is spark that is failing it could be the crankshaft position sensor that is causing the problem.

Don't replace anything until you verify that no spark is what is happening.

Roger

Hi I did a spark check and no spark after the car trys to start it just goes away after it runs for a moment, so im guessing it cant be the opti unless it is the sensor inside? it was mentioned the crank trigger might be bad? and will the coil play a roll in the spark failure it would be nice if it was one of the 2. thanks for you help in this matter.

What engine please? I'm thinking Crankshaft sensor is a strong possibility. Do you have a scanner (not a code reader)?

Do you have the engine wiring schematic?

Roger

Hi it is a 97 Lt1 and are you talking about real time annalyzer? yes I do have one. all I rember is this summer the car was acting erratic doing the spittin and sputtering on the hiway on a hot day and it got progressively worse as time wore on.thank you for your input.

See if when the condition is present you can monitor sensor feedback parameters to determine if you have a signal from your crankshaft sensor. What about the cam sensor?

If you have these signals but no spark you can suspect the coil. However, without these signals a good coil cannot function.

Roger

Hi: I dont have a way to check the sensors because the unit I use is a handheld unit and only gives realtime info while the engine running the car has always had a slight miss when driving in 6th gear and it would die after it got hot it just got progressivly worse as time wore on and now it wont even start it trys for a few seconds but just spitts and sputters I checked for spark and it was non existant after it is started once the car only has 80k on it im at a loss?

Do national auto parts chain stores in your area rent/loan tools? I don't want to throw parts at your car until it starts. That is just not good business. A scanner is needed that will provide sensor performance feedback data.

Do you have a digital multi-meter? With a wiring diagram to guide you the crankshaft sensor can be monitored for a signal while the engine cranks.

Do you have battery voltage at the ignition coil with the ignition ON?

Roger

I ahve a multi meter

Do you have the wiring diagram for the engine?

Is the under hood fuse #11 good? Do you have power to the ignition coil pink wire with the key ON? Power to the crankshaft position sensor pink wire with the key ON?

If you need the engine wiring diagram please provide your email address and I can send you the three page layout.

Roger

the diagram would help me alot my email address is [redacted] thanks a bunch

OK, I'll put it together and send it along. You'll note that laying the pages side by side will provide the full view.

Roger

Hello,

I've re-opened this question at the customer's request.

Mark,
Site Admin.

Hello, What do you need? I haven't heard from you in seven weeks.

Roger

Hi: sorry I have not got back to you I have had issues with a auto parts store over a shipment. Well the car wont even start now what ever it was has completly failed now. I have replace a few things after it completly died and to no avail i replace the coil/crank position sensor and the ignition control module so far (for future piece of mind) and I still am having problems? with no spark could my pcm be causing the problem? and does the optispark just fail completely it went from bad to worse.thank you for all the help. rob

You lost me when you began replacing parts not confirmed by diagnosis to be needed.

Did you receive the wiring schematic? Is it readable?

Is the under hood fuse #11 good? Do you have power to the ignition coil pink wire with the key ON? Power to the crankshaft position sensor pink wire with the key ON?

Please advise,

Roger

Hi:the schmatics where not legable?

I have emailed the drawings as attachments. I hope if you print them you will get a better set of documents.

Roger

Hello,

I've re-opened this question at the customer's request.

Mark,
Site Admin.

What's next for you here?

Roger

Hi Had the car running great for 2 minutes then died and would not restart would stumble a after first attempt but tthen nothing? lol it has to be down to a couple things I have power to coil/ecm/cps/(opti) but still no go?I have ordered a new OEM opti just because of all the bad things I have read about them. any suggestions?

Is the distributor wet or show signs of oil at the bottom?

Roger

I have not made it under the car for a while but I will this weekend, it is acting like oil is getting inside the distributor and maybe causing a obstruction on the optical sensor or trigger wheel? I will start to take it down this weekend and let you know what the prognosis is. I just receved a new optispark today so I am looking forward to installing it I also found a little trick for the waterpump I am going to initate, it draws the coolant away from the opti via the drain hole on the pump. thanks for you input .rob

I'll be here...

Thanks,

Roger

I would like to thank to you for your help, it was the opti it was a total mess inside @ 80K. warn input shaft and parts loose in the cap/rotor area ? I think GM should rethink some of there ideas (under the waterpump ??? ).anyway thanks for you support. Rob

1991 Chev Camaro SS Electrical / Lighting Systems Won't Start Happens always Always

having a problem with the starter. the car wouldnt start so I removed the starter and had it tested and it was ok.when I turn the key switch to the start position nothing happens. I hooked up a remote starter switch and now the engine turns over but wont start.

A couple things I can think of... was/is there an alarm system installed? Second i'm thinking the ign. switch. To kill 2 birds with one stone, drop down the steering wheel/column and you will see the ign. switch connected to the column, if an alarm was in prev., there will be another electrical box/connector that connects to the switch, the switch is the piece with the "metal" rod in it, which goes from the switch, up/in to the upper area of the steering column. Good luck

Has you problem been fixed? Any new info? Can you please settle up this account so it can be closed. Thanks in advance

1969 Chev Camaro SS Electrical / Lighting Systems Won't Start Happens sometimes When warm 

1969 Camaro starts when cold. run the car for a while and it will not crank again. Wont even turn at all. interior lights work through. But give her a jump and it starts right up. Is this a starter issue or something else?

Hello, Yes it can be the starter but the battery might have a dead cell or corroded battery cables or terminals as well. Have the battery load tested

Roger

1969 Chev Camaro SS Chassis / Suspension & Steering   

is there any adjustments on the integral power steering. I replaced it and I get wonderful assist when steering to the left but nothing to the right and I was wondering if there was a way to balance it out?

There are no user friendly adjustments.You might want to have a steering specialist have a look at it.Sounds like a valve sticking inside

1969 Chev Camaro SS Engine   

69 Camaro, Small block 350. Auto Transmission.

When I step on it, hard (like you want the rear wheels to spin), sometimes the engine bogs down - works through it as the car goes a little faster - then goes away.

Getting tired of the bogging down. I have had the engine tuned and timed. Plugs look ok. Transmission was rebuilt and is great. Not sure what this could be.

Distributor maybe? Plug wires look good too.

Any suggestions?

Check the vacuun advance in the distributor and the accelerator pump system in the carb. Either one will cause those symptoms,Rnsure the fuel pump pressure is adequate,(easily tested)and ensuse ther is good fuel flow (filter) Once I had a 71 Chevelle come into the shop with a small hole in fuel line, back by gas tank.No leaks, but it hesitated like you described.It was sucking air when the throttle was stepped on.Previous shops replaced distributor, carb. timing chain and fuel pump, without fixing the problem.Then she brought it to me.In her case, the fix was a small piece of hose and two clamps! Good luck!

Thank you. I will print out your response and go through it thoroughly.

That makes sense. I will reply to let you know what I find.

Best regards,

Rob McDonald

1968 Chev Camaro SS Engine Tuning  

On my 396 big block I can't seem to get a for sure anserw for the timing mark alignment for the timing chain. Please help.

Hello, The DOT on the cam gear should be at 6:00 o'clock and the Dot on the crankshaft gear should be at 12:00 o'clock with the ignition timing mark at top dead center.

If you leave the spark plugs out it will make it easier to turn the crankshaft in a clockwise direction to double check gear DOT alignment after two 360 degree crankshaft revolutions, with the chain in place. The chain slack will be taken up and since the cam turns twice the crank speed, it will require two revolutions of the crank for this confirmation of mechanical timing alignment.

Your thoughts?,

Roger

my problem is this. Im not getting the oilling I sould through the lifters and they don't seem to want to stay in ajustment. when i biult the motor the meichine shop told me that with the applying parts i should have about 575hp but i just don't see it any ideas please