Recent issue - No Start

[johnovision27]

First off, I apologize for not doing much research into this, however I'm pressed for time.

The issue has been getting more and more frequent from once every 10 starts to every other start.
I keep getting a CEL "CAM position circuit malfunction, but I don't feel that is the issue because it's been working fine every other time.

At start, the engine cranks no problem, but when it starts it feels as if it's only firing on 2 cylinders, needs gas to run, and will shut off after 5 seconds.

2 of the spark plug wires are burnt on the ignition coil side, so I've cleaned up the contacts with sand paper. Everything else is still in solid condition.

Even with the wires making clean contact, it's still only firing on 1/2 of the cylinders.

normally to fix this issue, i pull out one of the spark plug wires (can't recall what one atm), disconnect the CPS, plug the spark wire back in and wiggle it around a little, then plus the CPS back in and BAM! back up and running.

Other ideas? I'm thinking perhaps a bad coil as it looks as if the plastic is melting around the contacts, and possibly new wires.


Cheers.

 

[Chaosweaver]

I had the same issue, ended up being the transistor.

 

[johnovision27]

on the ignition coil?

 

[jmartinez1228]

If your cel is telling you there is a CAM angle sensor problem then you should probably start by swapping that out with a known good one and see what happens. That sensor tells the engine where it is in it's cycle if I'm not mistaken. If it's not functioning right then it needs to be changed before you start pulling other stuff out.

It could also be something wrong with the coilpack so I'd start looking for some used ones to try out before going out and buying a new one. Those things arent cheap.

 

[GRAVEDIGGER]

I'd start with new plugs and wires and see what happens.

 

[johnovision27]

plugs have 4000k on them. So, they should still be good.
Reason I think it's the coil is because the contacts from the wires are burnt black. Then again, that could be from a poor contact causing a spark and burning... but the melting of the individual input holes? not a lot of melting, but enough to notice.

 

[GRAVEDIGGER]

Again, I would replace the plugs and wires. At least get new wires and regap the plugs. You should also use some dielectric grease at the ends to help minimize the risk of spark flashover caused by moisture.

 

[johnovision27]

Ah! dielectric grease! good call. I'll give that a shot

 

[johnovision27]

So everyone is aware, I just hosed the ignition coil connectors and the transistor down with some contact cleaner, and seems to of solved the issue for the time being.

 

[johnovision27]

Just as an update, I plugged in a spare coil pack and transistor I had kicking around, along with the stock wires and still had the same problem.

I'll move on to swapping the spark plugs and start hunting down a new cam angle sensor.

Other options are greatly appreciated.

Cheers

Just as an update, I plugged in a spare coil pack and transistor I had kicking around, along with the stock wires and still had the same problem.

I'll move on to swapping the spark plugs and start hunting down a new cam angle sensor.

Other options are greatly appreciated.

Cheers

 

[johnovision27]

A new CAS seems to of solved the problem.

The condition with the old one got pretty bad, but would still start after a while.