Alright, so my car started perfectly until about 3 weeks ago. All of a sudden, it would crank the engine and try to turn it over, but NOT start it. I came on here and read up on the symptoms and possible solutions. I used an OBD reader and got the error code P0341 which was the camshaft sensor. I purchased a new sensor and just replaced it on the front of the engine easily.

The car STILL wont start properly, but it attempts to crank the engine over for a few seconds then stops. The engine will start randomly, but not start randomly when I turn the key.

Does anyone have any ideas as to what in gods name is wrong with this thing?

 

Relay Control Module...would be a good start... just punch that into the search feature and you will find a "sticky" telling you about the repair...

 

i just has this problem two weeks ago, with my 04, it was the starter relay sensor for my car.

 

i don't think its the Relay Control Module at all, because the engine cranks and TRIES to start. If it was that, it wouldn't be trying to start at all.

So you replaced your starter relay sensor and it now starts no problem?

Also, my car is a 2004 coupe, red.

 

then the crankshaft position sensor could be the culprit...good luck....

 

sorry it was the crank sensor , i had the term wrong in my head, had to go get my receipt. now is starts perfectly.

 

It's not the crankshaft position sensor either, otherwise my engine would be dieing while driving around. Once it starts, it runs fine like nothing ever happened.

 

ok . good luck, when i would start my car, it would act like it was the ignition was sticking at times and would never turn over, then i would wait for 20 minutes and then i would act like nothing was wrong, then when driving the car would just shut off, i havent had the problem since. let us know how it goes.

 

That's the thing though, mine doesn't die while driving so it's not the crank sensor. It gave me the camshaft sensor code, so I changed the sensor and still no dice. I'm at a complete loss to what this could be :|

 

Don't know if you looked into it.. but the RCM is an easy 10 minute check. Really just wanted to make note that it has been mentioned.. 30 cranks with no start = skreem module lockout.

 

Well, from what I've noticed it does start after anywhere from 1 to 5 cranks.
Still though, I really like this car, but it's incredibly embarrassing when I pull up to get gas in the tank and the damn thing wont start properly at all :\

 

Oh! Red, that is the problem right there. Solved.

The Relay Control Module has more than one relay and it may turn over but not start.

Anyway, can you hear the fuel pump when you turn the ignition switch to 'ON' position only? If not it could be a fuel pump problem, no fuel = no start.
If you do not hear the fuel pump and then turn to the starter position and it does not start, you have probably found the problem.

Your symptoms have been in three posts, your car does run when it starts up just fine but you said that in the third post.
Please list all the symptoms, maybe there's more to come.

 

Ok so let me make a list of the symptoms here.

The fuel pump works when turning the key.
The car attempts to crank the engine, and it does for a good few seconds before giving up.
The car takes a few tries to start the engine and have it ACTUALLY come to life. Usually between 1 to 5 cranks.
Starter works fine, it does crank the engine.
Changed camshaft sensor because it gave me a code p0341, which is the sensor apparently. No dice.
Car will still not start properly and takes a few tries to start.
Once it starts, everything works fine and theres no issues.
Engine does NOT die while driving, so it cant be the crankshaft sensor, right? <----- this is what ive read on this forum
Engine DOES attempt to start, so it cant be the relay control module, right? <---- same as above

 

Red cars.. redheads.. didn't anyone warn you?

Okay back to reality.. I was thinking right along the lines of 180's post. "almost" sounds like it's not getting enough fuel pressure initially? Do you waite till the pump quits building pressure when the key is turned on before going to the start position? And if I'm not mistaken in what I've read the fuel filter has an overpressure bleed-off..not sure how often those may go kaput (German for bad).

 

You lost me with that one lol
So the fuel pump actually builds pressure at the on position? I thought it kicked in right when you start the engine. Should I try turning the key to on, wait a bit, THEN start?

 

Ah.. I think we've drilled to the nerve of the problem .. I always turn my ignition to "on".. let it sit a couple seconds..you can hear the fuel pump building pressure (spooling up if you will)..then roll over to the crank position. Now if that is the problem.. don't just go cruising.. get back with us here.. lol.

 

I'm going downstairs RIGHT NOW to try that method and see what happens. If it fixes the problem, then I should totally send you the replaced camshaft sensor as a trophy that you've helped solve this.

Anything else it could be, in case this attempt proves fruitless?

 

Yes the fuel pump turns on immediately upon turning the key to the "ON" position and will run about 5 seconds.
I also will wait the 5 seconds before I crank the engine over just as a routine since I had my fuel pump and filter replaced.

 

About the only thing that comes to mind.. would be the filter itself. If your like me.. you have no real idea of anything done prior to your ownership. I would ask how many miles, but that's not the only factor sense one tank at Billy Bobs catfish bait and gas could clog a filter..

 

..... GOOD GOD MAN!!!

I turned it on 4 separate times, and it start ALL 4!!!!!!!

Waited about 3 to 5 seconds each time for the pump, then I cranked the engine and it jumped to life like it was about to eat a lion!!

I will have to try this in the morning as well, when the car is cold and not still slightly warmed up though just to make sure. If this works, then you sir, are a god!

Also, my little fiery beast is running on 43,200 miles right now.