Thread: Engine cranks but won't start

A few weeks ago engine started running rough. "Service Engine Soon" light was NOT on. My CARMD code reader returned a code P0403. I took off the EGR valve, cleaned it and put it back on. The engine was running fine after doing this.
Last night the car started running rough again. This time the "Service Engine Soon" light came on. The engine would stall but it would start again. After cooling down the engine will no longer start. It cranks but will not start. CARMD is returning code P0403 again. Battery is good, fuel pump is priming, ignition is producing spark.

Any ideas?

Sounds like maybe an electrical issue. One thing you could do to troubleshoot the egr is disconnect it and block off the exhaust and intake sides on the manifolds and see if it runs ok

Originally Posted by BillBoost37

I would google the code and learn about it. I think it's a pissed off egr pintle, but didn't look it up.

P0403 Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Solenoid Control Circuit = PCM

Thank you all for your answers and input. I've taken the EGR valve off and cleaned it. The pintle is clean and moving freely. I've also cleaned the MAF sensor because I had read this could cause a no-start situation.

I'm curious as to why it would retart after stalling and would run rough, but after cooling down it refuses to start. And would a faulty EGR valve prevent the engine from starting?

Just bought a new EGR valve and installed it. (I was going to do this anyway in the near future due to the re-appearance of the P0403 code - So I've done that earlier than planned.) With the new valve fitted there is no change. Engine still will not start.

UPDATE : I found a break in one of the vacuum tubes going to the TB. Fixed that and the engine started and idled for 10 minutes without problem. Took it for a test drive and everything was good until I got two miles down the road. The engine started running rough while I was stopped at a red light. Then it stalled and would not start again. I'm getting the same code from the CARMD (P0403) but the "Service Engine Soon" light is now off. Got towed home by AAA and I now have a charger hooked up because I deadened the battery trying to get the engine started.
If anyone has any thoughts please let me know.

Ok - here's the latest.
I disconnected the MAF sensor. The engine ran for a few seconds, surging and then died. Didn't get a chance to take the vacuum line off the fuel pressure regulator to check for suction because the engine won't start again.

I was checking over all the vacuum lines and noticed what you can see in the attached picture. It looks like there should be something attached here but I can't see anything that looks like it fell off.

Originally Posted by BillBoost37

Nope..that one is normal. Should have a foam block over it..but rarely do you see them.

Thanks. That explains the remains of foam I found stuck around it.

I'm going to replace all the rubber parts on the vacuum lines because they are all old and some look like they're about to fall apart. I got everything I need to do that for less than $10 at Advance so that's worth doing. I'll let you know what happens.

Yes - I'll do that in the morning when it's light and the rain has stopped.
I've been reading around a few other threads and, as was mentioned by dsmuts, the CPS has been raised several times. From some of the comments made the symptoms sound very similar to mine in that when try to start the engine it will not start unless it has been sitting for a long period - then it will start and run for a short wile before dying again, at which point it will not start again. This seems consistent with the CPS failing when the engine heats up and working normally again when the engine cools down.

Your thoughts?

Yes the crank position sensor will give those symptoms drive for awhile then when the vehicle is hot it will die. Let it sit for a few minutes then it will restart after sensor cools. had this happen to me

Sorry forgot to mention i replaced this about 5 years ogo. Iam having another problem now were the car will not start then eventually starts and the radio locks out. Anyone have this problem with there G/P also mine is a GTP.