sc400nube

iTrader: (1)

Hey guys anyone ever had this problem? When I start my car it stalls right after start. It does not do it every time. It can go days without doing it an then bam it does it. I hold the throttle and it stalls. I leave the throttle alone and it stalls. I just crank it about 5 or 6 times and then it runs. Then I rev it up and it's ok. I noticed that when it does do it the car smells like gas for a second. My first thought was the TPS but then I do get any codes. So IAC maybe? Any thoughts?

Kev

lxtauto

It sounds like the engine ECU (computer) is losing memory or the EGR valve is sticking. Did you ever have to jump your car??

sc400nube

iTrader: (1)

No but I did take the battery out to change the head lights the day before this started happening. And the last time I was working on the stereo and the battery went dead but I didnt just it I just put the battery charger on it at a 2amp charge overnight.

Thanks for the relpy!

powerjunky

iTrader: (2)

sounds like fuel pump ecu.......not engine ecu

there is a seperate fuel pump ecu that sounds like it

located in panel under rear window (beside rear bench seat)

hope thats it......anyone?

sc400nube

iTrader: (1)

How do you test/ fix it?

Thanks for the repsonse! All help is appreciated

RedSC

iTrader: (3)

yep, sounds like the fuel pump. My dad was having the same problem, he'd turn it on sometimes and it would start then die, sometimes we kept the car running by pushing in the gas, but after several minuites of holding it if we let go the car would die, afterwards the mechanic came and replaced the fuel pump and the car is running again.

stonewis

iTrader: (1)

I'm with those guys. My first thought was 'fuel pump ecu'... There is a way to 'test' this theory. Use the diagnostic port under the hood and take a paper clip and jump the B+ and FP. This will bypass your fuel pump ecu and make your fuel pump run when the engine is on. But, since your problem is only intermittent, this will only work when it happens. In case you need to know, the pinouts are written on the inside of the cap that covers this diagnostic port.
So, how do I know this? I have a 92 SC400 and mine did the same thing. It was very intermittent then gradually became worse until it hardly ran. That's when I tested it and found out it was the ECU. I ordered one from Gazi and it didn't cost too much. Easy fix and it worked. I haven't had that problem since then.
Hope this helps.
BTW Welcome to CL!

FormosaSC

yea sounds like a fuel problem, one of the things you need to do when you're changing your fuel filter is to take out the fuel pump fuse and start the car, the car will die immediatly just like what you are experiencing. I would check the fuel pump and its fuse 1st.

sc400nube

iTrader: (1)

Guys, thanks for the replys! It has not done it again but when it does I will check the Fuel pump to see if it does run when you jump it. If it runs I would assume it is the fuel punp ECU correct?This car has way too many computers and modules to check when you have a problem.