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97 metro wont at random times; runs fine normally but every once in a while it just won't start
Topic Started: Nov 18 2016, 01:31 PM (320 Views)
jrspike
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Hi guys, I've been researching stuff on this forum forever and I just can't seem to figure out what's going wrong with it. I've done so many things. My problem is that every once in a while with no rhyme or reason it won't start. Then, later in the day or the next day, it will. This has been going on for the last two months and I can't figure out what it is. it will always turn over, so it's not the battery or the starter. I just replaced the fuel filter last night, and when I did that I checked that it was getting plenty of pressure from the fuel pump, and it gave a hearty squirt. After I changed the fuel filter it didn't run but then a few minutes later it did, but then this morning it won't run. I've spent hours checking for loose wires, cleaning electrical connections and grounds, still no luck, the cap and rotor are pretty new, as well as all the spark plug wires and spark plugs, I've done a lot of other things too I just can't remember all of it.

Sorry if that information isn't in an order that makes sense, hopefully you guys can see what I'm missing.

Edit: OF course, I just realized the mistake in the title now that I posted it, sorry guys, I accidentally a word.
Edited by jrspike, Nov 18 2016, 01:32 PM.
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freegeo
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You need to figure out what it is not getting when it will not start. Not getting gas or a no spark condition? Doesn't sound like it would be a compression problem.
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MR1 Kingsbury
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fuel injector... This is a common symptom.... sometimes it'll run just long enough to get you a couple miles from home
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jrspike
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Okay so I was able to get it to run for a few seconds and sputter out by putting a little fuel directly into the throttlebody, That would suggest that I have spark, right? I also shined a light into the throttlebody while a friend tried to start it and put on the gas, and there was no squirting fuel. Now how possible is it that the fuel pump works but it's just weak? or it's working intermittently? or could it be that there's something in the tank plugging it up? I'm wondering why I would be able have it work last night, and be able to turn the key and have it squirt fuel, but still not be able to get any fuel now.

PS: I can turn the key and hear the fuel pump.
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jrspike
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MR1 Kingsbury
Nov 18 2016, 02:08 PM
fuel injector... This is a common symptom.... sometimes it'll run just long enough to get you a couple miles from home


Is this something that commonly runs intermittently before going out completely?
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jrspike
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again, it runs totally fine when it does run, but then it just doesn't run at all.
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Crvett69


when you first turn the key on you should hear a hum from the fuel tank for about 2 seconds. if not fuel pump might be going out
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MR1 Kingsbury
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jrspike
Nov 18 2016, 02:19 PM
MR1 Kingsbury
Nov 18 2016, 02:08 PM
fuel injector... This is a common symptom.... sometimes it'll run just long enough to get you a couple miles from home


Is this something that commonly runs intermittently before going out completely?
Yes... In fact, it may never go out forever. Mine stranded me 4 times before I left it in the driveway, and started it twice a day till i got a no start... Then I confirmed what it was that was not available in the cylinders. fuel.
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scratchpaddy
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Not so fast

Same thing happened to me, too. Randomly cranking but refusing to start. Come back another time, and it starts right up. The fuel pump always ran for 2 seconds after turning the key on, like normal.

You can borrow a noid light set from an auto parts store if you want to confirm that your injector is getting a signal from the computer, but it's most likely the injector itself that's failing. I replaced mine and never had an issue since.

The injector is held on with two phillips-head screws which are Loctite'd in. They can be a big headache to remove. I just pulled the whole top half of the throttle body from a junkyard metro. It makes no difference if it's a 4- or 3-cylinder Metro. I'm not sure how things changed over the years, but automatic '97 sedans are very common in junkyards now.
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MR1 Kingsbury
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yes. I think a good soldering iron can help with those screws. Heat 'em up for a few minutes but dont melt the plastic.. AND you must make sure the screwdriver is PERFECT fit for the crosspoint screws. I had to use a bit and 1/4 drive ratchet to get 'em out (or twist 'em off)
new injector on ebay is <$35
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ptcapboy


if it were me I would pull a whole TB off an appropiate car in a junkyard rather than the upper half-the gasket that goes between the 2 halves is very hard to find and they would probably charge you the same price anyway-
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jrspike
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Thanks for the replies guys, I'm thinking you're right and that it is the fuel injector because I can always hear the fuel pump when I turn the key. I ordered a fuel injector on Amazon for $60, way cheaper than any of the auto parts stores around here which were $180 or more. It's supposed to be here tomorrow. I'll update you guys on whether or not it works.
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