Thread: Engine not starting -need help please

The car is a 2006 with 269,xxx miles. Been a great car until recently. Initially the car would shut off with no warning. No check engine light is ever displayed. The diagnostic display states "sudden power loss starter disabled", pull over stop car, wait 5 minutes car starts and drives fine with no issues. Problem increased in frequency to the point is was unsafe to drive. Parked car until I had time to work on it. During that time a door was left open and drained battery. Recharged battery turn engine over and it runs for about 30 seconds with no unusual noises and shuts off automatically. Check engine light does work but it stays on while engine is running. Display readout states electronic throttle body starter disabled. Wait about 5 minutes car will start but will shut off every time at 30 seconds. Any suggestions? I have checked all fuses, all electrical connections, and frayed wires. Upon checking ecm I did notice that it was not sitting in the two holding tabs were it should be. Again help would be appreciated. Thanks

Sorry did not check for errors before posting. Just to reiterate the check engine does not stay illuminated while engine is running

The light does not stay on. That would make my life too easy!!

Have fuel. Have read quite a bit, the crank sensor was an idea. Yes it has had at least 3 basic tuneups (plugs, wires, etc). The only thing I haven't done is clean the throttle body in a bit. Did notice that the last few times I drove it (wife's car by the way) that it took a little gas to fire up. Just a bit of other info the car is mostly original, to the point it still has the same serpentine belt from the get go. I've had one for 4 plus years but if it aint broke don't fix it right?

I am planning on borrowing a scanner from autozo be if they will let me. Will check for codes as soon as I can. Thanks for your help btw. Much appreciated advice.

Warstryker13. Where is the idle screw on a series 3 throttle body?

Thanks Warstryker13 I'll will try that out for sure

Taking the throttle body off tonight when I get home. Will post results either way.

I had a similar issue at least with the car dying, especially when warm. First time I had an issue with the crank sensor I did get a code, replaced it with a budget sensor. I started having issues with the replacement 30k later but I never received a code, but the warmer the engine was the shorter it would run. It was the crank sensor. If you are on your original or aren't sure I'd replace it, but to warn you use AC Delco brand. Do not go budget with engine sensors I've learned that lesson the hard way. Cleaning the throttle body would help to, not sure about the idle screw, but checking the fuel pressure at the rail would help eliminate a bad fuel pump.

UPDATE: Will need another can to finish cleaning. Carbon buildup was unbelievable. Noticed a fluid when removing throttle body and started freaking out thinking air only then noticed it was out of the lower chamber and it smelled like fuel therefor it must be fuel , therfore another positive sign I am getting fuel. Second thing I noticed was a large amount of carbon buildup on the inside of the upper intake manifold. Is it worth the trouble to take it off and clean the UIM? On the throttle body there was a chunk obviously missing due to the bright shining brass surrounded by black buildup. Also noticed a large buildup around a small hole just inside my UIM. What is this hole and if a chunk of buildup fell into it cold this be causing the problem. The idle screw (?) was fine as far as I could tell. Will buy another can of throttle body cleaner reassemble and update later. Thanks again for all your help. BTW I am not a mechanic but nor am I afraid to turn a wrench, but changing the crank position sensor sounds like a task, hope this gets her going again.