meternerd

Went to start it for wifey. It started but immediately died. Tried a dozen times....same result. Cold outside. 30 deg. Checked fuses, no code when connected after it died with the key still on. I finally got it started by holding the throttle to the floor. Ran rough, then revved up but still rough, then smoothed out and is idling and running fine. I haven't turned it off yet to let it warm up. Afraid wifey will get stranded if it happens again. Ideas? I had a CTS go bad a few years ago, but this acts differently. Would a fuel pump just start working after it fails? Hate to just start throwing parts into it........ I just got back from trying it again after it warmed up. Started fine. No codes. Weird......

meternerd

I looked at the ECT sensor and it's been leaking, so I'm picking up a new one tomorrow. Hopefully that's the problem.

georgeb944

While it might be the CTS, if that doesn't make it better, it could be the first signs that your fuel pump is ready to fail. If you have more than 150K miles/300K kilometers, then it would be time to replace the fuel pump anyway.

meternerd

It was the ECT. New one from NAPA for $12. Lost no coolant at all. Last time it failed it wouldn't start when hot. This time when cold. But an easy fix anyway. Just be sure the old O-ring is out before you put in the new sensor. Mine was really stuck and hard to see. Used a little silicone grease on the new one.

AR15Texan

Great that you fixed it for $12.00. But why exactly does the computer kill the engine because of a faulty sensor? Can the battery be disconnected and reconnected to enable a limp home mode?

the_duke

No you cannot disconnect the battery and enable a limp mode. If the ecu thinks the coolant temperature is different than what it really is it will not provide the correct amount of fuel and the car will not run.