Wouldn't start...now it will!!!

PLACE ANY ISSUES RELATED TO YOUR VAN NOT STARTING OR STARTING HARD IN HERE.
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Topic author
huntnfreak
I am merely driving my van
I am merely driving my van
Posts: 16
Joined: Mon Sep 06, 2010 6:09 pm
Location: Pontypool, Ontario, Canada

Wouldn't start...now it will!!!

Post by huntnfreak »

I went to take my 2000 Safari for a run yesterday from cold start. It started perfectly as usual but when I got 100 feet out of the driveway, it quit like someone turned off the key. No sputter or anything. Tried repeatedly to start it but nothing. It was quite foggy out and damp though I've never had an issue with it ever in any conditions. Got it back in the driveway, left overnight with charger on it. Checked fuses under the hood today and found nothing. Got ready to pull doghouse but tried starting it and it fired up without any hesitation. Had planned to start a tuneup for a slight miss that had occurred under a heavy load some time back so I better get on it. Any ideas out there other than the cap or wires? Haven't changed the fuel filter since I got it 2 years back and don't know when it was done prior. Fuel pump runs every time key turns on so not thinking that. Thank you in advance for any info.

LiftedAWDAstro
I have my van tatooed on my cheeks
Posts: 4379
Joined: Sat Sep 09, 2006 3:35 pm
Location: New Haven, NY

Re: Wouldn't start...now it will!!!

Post by LiftedAWDAstro »

I would source a Delco cap, rotor, wires and plugs. I would change the fuel filter too while you are at it.
Current rides:
2013 Toyota Tundra DC 4x4
2008 Dodge Nitro 4x4
2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8S Special Edition

Mileage spreadsheet

Vans owned:
1986 Safari 2.5L 4 speed manual - scrapped
1995 Astro 2WD conversion 4.11 posi, shift kit, DHC rock rails - sold to Skippy
1998 Astro 4x4 D44, D60, NP231, full hydraulic system with 9k# Milemarker winch and snow plow - sold to Lockdoc
2003 Astro AWD all stock - traded for a 3/4 ton truck
2005 AWD, 4.10's - sold to skippy
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Smiliesafari
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Location: Orlando, FL

Re: Wouldn't start...now it will!!!

Post by Smiliesafari »

What Dean said plus a new coil.
1996 Safari SLX Hotair balloon transport vehicle

Topic author
huntnfreak
I am merely driving my van
I am merely driving my van
Posts: 16
Joined: Mon Sep 06, 2010 6:09 pm
Location: Pontypool, Ontario, Canada

Re: Wouldn't start...now it will!!!

Post by huntnfreak »

Well I changed the plugs, wires, rotor and cap. There was some wear on the plugs and the terminals of the cap and rotor had some of the same. Tried to change the fuel filter but only able to crack one fitting but not the other do to rust. I sprayed it with some penetrating fluid and I'll keep working at it. Started the van up and it sounded pretty good but til i get the coil, I wont have extreme confidence in it not operating without issues. Thanks for the advise. Keep you posted.

LiftedAWDAstro
I have my van tatooed on my cheeks
Posts: 4379
Joined: Sat Sep 09, 2006 3:35 pm
Location: New Haven, NY

Re: Wouldn't start...now it will!!!

Post by LiftedAWDAstro »

I bet without the coil being changed, it'll run much better.
Current rides:
2013 Toyota Tundra DC 4x4
2008 Dodge Nitro 4x4
2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8S Special Edition

Mileage spreadsheet

Vans owned:
1986 Safari 2.5L 4 speed manual - scrapped
1995 Astro 2WD conversion 4.11 posi, shift kit, DHC rock rails - sold to Skippy
1998 Astro 4x4 D44, D60, NP231, full hydraulic system with 9k# Milemarker winch and snow plow - sold to Lockdoc
2003 Astro AWD all stock - traded for a 3/4 ton truck
2005 AWD, 4.10's - sold to skippy

lockdoc
I sleep in my van
Posts: 704
Joined: Tue Sep 19, 2006 4:50 am
Location: Plymouth Township, PA

Re: Wouldn't start...now it will!!!

Post by lockdoc »

Just went through the same with my 98 so this may help others. Once I narrowed it down to no spark I figured it was one of four things. Going through the factory manual this is what I went with:
1) Cam Position Sensor. Crossed that off because I found out the van will run without it.
2) Crank Position Sensor. Crossed that off too. I found if the fuel pump runs while cranking, the CPS is working.
3) Coil. Installed a new one. Half mile down the hill I realized it wasn't the coil.
4) Ignition module. This is mounted right next to the coil on a heat sink. After WALKING back up the hill I bought the ignition module and replaced. All is right with the world again. Well kinda. Did I mention the fuel pump and starter?........
Current:
01 AWD - Stock
98 AWD - Stock
Past:
93 4WD - 305 V8 - 5" lift - 31" tires
98 4WD DHC - 10" lift - 33" tires - Onboard air and Hydraulics - Snowplow
92 RWD - 350 V8 - lowered - 97 front clip
92 RWD - 350 V8 - converted to AWD - V6
91 AWD - 350 V8 - conversion van
94 RWD - 350 V8 - sons van
92 RWD - stock - sons van
93 RWD Shorty - project
89 RWD Shorty - parts van
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