Hi all,

My 98 has been in underground storage for about two weeks now. Prior to this, the check engine light came on and off once, I thought nothing of it.

I went to check up on it today and drive it around for a bit. I started the car, so far so good. Then I reversed it out of the spot. Before putting it on D, I put it in N and gave it a little revv. As soon as my foot went down on the pedal, the car died. I couldn't get it to start again. I called it quits when "Check VSC" appeared (meaning the battery is almost dead).

Any ideas? I can't really tell if the check engine light is on since it's always on before you start the car.

Thanks CL

 

go to autozone, borrow their OBDII tester (or w/e local parts place you have in ca) and check the codes with the car in ACC not start. you normally dont HAVE to start the car to read OBDII codes.

 

Pullthe ECU fuse, and try again. Also sounds like a weak battery.

This happend to me many times after the car sits for a long time. It would idle very low as well.

 

ECU fuse or EFI?

I just went back to get the car again.. switched the key to the on position, guages were kind of dim, Check VSC on display. The car started, but almost stalled a few seconds later. After about a minute, it seemed normal. Then I turned it off. Tried to turn it back on with no luck.

I pretty sure the battery isn't too good, but could that really cause the car to stall?

 

Definitely the battery. Swap it out.

 

no, once the engine is ON the battery isnt used, now if the battery AND the alternator decided to die together, then it would be a problem.

methinks theres an underlying problem aside from the battery.

 

Start by buying a new battery , then i would go form there. If the battery is pretty much toast it will give you an intial charge but the alternator will have a ***** to charge it so it will keep failing unless the engine is idled over 1200 rpm for 10 minutes to atleast get to 13volts.

 

Actually, it is. The battery serves a main source of ground. Try unplugging your battery once the car is started, you will feel weird jolts every time you use any accessory within the car.

I had the same symptoms as the OP described, and changing the battery solved the problem completely. In any case, it seems like your battery needs to be replaced anyhow. Clean the terminals while your at it.

and I meant ECU/ECM... not EFI.

 

Update: I had a chance to throw in a new battery a few weeks ago and all checked out fine... back to normal.

 

good good

 

Puredrifter I think you are wrong.. I bet it is the battery in this case judging by what he is describing. Grin