Hope not to make this too long, if I get long winded, please forgive me as I'm new to this forum. Here goes.......
I was researching an issue on the Catera forum where my '99 Catera would crank, but not start. A previous post suggested that the crankshaft position sensor (CSP) needed to be replaced.
So, I went to the dealership and purchased a CPS for $45.00 (+ tax). It was pretty simple to install with the exception of dealing with tight spaces.
Once installed (at 1130 hrs), it cranked up immediately and the Check Engine light went out. Everything was fine until 1600 hrs. I was preparing to leave the petrol station when the car wouldn't start!!!! I had to sit there for about 45 minutes before I could get it started again.
Once it started, I headed straight home. And, once again, the Check Engine light was on. I took a quick look underneath to ensure I had the CPS on both ends plugged in and secured. I wondered if the CPS I had purchased may have been bad initially.
Here's the latest update on my '99 Cat issue............................
I was able to get it started and ran it up to AutoZone for a scan. It came up with a P0603 troubleshooting error. Further delving revealed that this code was referring to a "Keep Alive Memory" error.
The guy at AutoZone said that I would have to take it to the dealership to have it reset. So, I put my emotions in check and went to the dealership with error code in hand.
When I arrived at the Service Department, I briefed them the symptoms (crank but won't start), what I did (installed a new CPS), and the results (runs for a little bit, then quits). When I queried them on the error code, you would have thought that I had shined a bright spot light on a herd of deer grazing in the darkness. One of the service guys recovered just enough to do a quick check and tell me that either I need to have a "Idle Relearn" done on the car (cost -- about $73.00) or possibly the Electronic Control Module (ECM) needs to be replaced (cost -- about $300.00 to $400.00).
Quite naturally I went for the first option to perform a idle relearn. Hopefully, that's all that is needed. I will know more once they call me when it's done.
BTW: If in case the ECM has to be replaced, is there somewhere I can get it at reasonable cost? And, are there any instructions on installing it myself?
Thanks in advance. Best regards.