accent GT not starting... occassionally

[jh_on_the_cape]

Our 1997 Accent GT doesn't start sometimes. It cranks, but won't start after many long cranks... then I will leave it be for a while... 10 minutes or so. And it starts first try and runs fine.
Then the CEL will be on and the OBDII code says bad O2 sensor. But after a day or less the CEL goes off. It's a $135 dollar part that I bought but then returned when the CEL went out.

car has 100k on it and is the DOHC 16V. No one knows anything about those engines around here.

I really need the Hyundai to be reliable... can anyone out there help me in solving this? I am imagining some sticky solenoid or valve? maybe starter solenoid? I did the air filter and plugs. Fuel filter? I have never done the PCV valve, but I cannot see how that would affect starting.

Could it be the two kiddie seats in the back that the GT cannot tolerate?

[Ant]

I have the same car no problems. I have changed the pvc valve a few times and other maintenance though. How much maintenace on this car? Check your manual and get a chiltons and/or haynes book. Most small maintenance actions you can perform yourself with these books & tools saving you $$$, plus it has a troubleshooting section.
Goodluck!

[jh_on_the_cape]

Thanks. I do have the haynes manual. we change the oil every 3k and did the big 60k service. the only thing i didnt do for the 90k was the PCV valve.

The issue is that it doesnt start sometimes, not that it is dead. This makes troubleshooting a bit... troublesome.

While it is a great car, I long for a 4 door!!! Kids... I would love an elantra GT. the trouble is that this car just keeps on ticking... and the resale is zero.

[Ant]

hahahaha I hear you I was in the same situation earlier this year, looking for something to replace my wifes 95 2dr. I went to a dealer here and they told me they were 0 balance on Elantra GT's (BS, I went later and saw many on the other side of the lot).

I went ahead and purchased a 2002 Astro van. I am glad I did, lots of room for the 5 of us.

[kylemorg]

I had exactly the same problem with my '96 Accent GT... I believe it was the cam position sensor that failed.

Sometimes I'd jump in the car and it would fire up normally. Other times, I could let it crank for minutes and it wouldn't start... The way I got a CEL was to roll start it one of the times it wouldn't start by cranking the starter -- then the dealer got the CEL code and knew what to replace.

Good luck!

[ASperilla]

1)Crank angle sensor Stuffd
2)Feul Pump Pressure low(Stuffd)

[jh_on_the_cape]

I recently replaced the CPS (crankshaft position sensor) and it solved the same problem recently.
Hmm... fuel pump pressure. Do these cars have a fuel pump relay or solenoid? A sticky solenoid could be the problem for not really wanting to start sometimes. Or maybe as you say just a worn out fuel pump. How tough a job is it to replace the fuel pump? Does it sit inside the gas tank?

I am running a tank of gas now treated with techron which would hopefully clean out the fuel system a bit.

FYI for accent owners: I replaced the CPS with the aftermarket (Kia) part from autozone and it didnt really work 100%, it kept giving the same CPS failure code. after MUCH trial and error the hyundai dealership determined that i needed to use the actual hyundai part. he showed me that the hyundai sensor was just slightly longer than the other one so it received a better signal.

So get the hyundai CPS and no other.

[alc]

I had the same problem and it was my cam and crank position sensor. I didnt get a CEL until i tried to roll start my car.

[kylemorg]

If you aren't going to replace anything without getting a CEL, try what worked for ALC and me:

Park it where you can roll start it (assuming it's a manual) every time when possible. Then, the next time it won't start, leave the key in the on position and roll-start it. I'll bet it will throw a CEL if you roll-start it that your local auto parts store can read.

I think the cam position sensor is easy to replace. I think it bolts up right on the end of the valve cover -- at the end of the front (exhaust?) cam if I remember correctly. Of course, I don't know if it's the same sensor as is on the SOHC 1.5L Accent engine, though, so you might either have to order one or find a 1996+ Accent GT to scavenge or order the part.

I don' t know about the crank shaft position sensor...

[jh_on_the_cape]

Is the cam position sensor different from the crankshaft position sensor?

The original code was 'CPS sensor', and it is in fact very easy to change. One bolt and one wiring harness. It is right on top of the engine to the right.

In any case, it has been starting... knock on wood.

I will try to pop start it next time it doesn't start.