Just Bought CPS, Still Won't Crank.

[moerome]

Earlier on this forum, I was researching an issue where my '99 Catera would crank, but not start. A previous post suggested that the crankshaft position sensor needs to be replaced.

So, I went out to the dealership and got a CPS for $45.00 + tax. I was pretty simple to install with the exception of dealing with tight spaces.

Once installed (at 11:30 am), it cranked up immediately and the Check Engine light went out. Everything was fine until 4:00 pm. 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.

Could it be that the CPS I bought was bad from the git go?!?!?!? Please advise. Thanks.

[moerome]

Here's the latest update on my '99 Cat issue............................

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 ran down to them the symptoms (crank but won't start), what I did (installed a new crankshaft position sensor), 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.

BTW: If in case the ECM has to be replaced, is there somewhere I can get it at a reasonable cost, and are there any instructions on installing it myself?

Thanks in advance. Best regards.

[moerome]

Okay, it ended up being another crankshaft position sensor replacement. Since I had purchased the previous from them, it was still under warranty. However, before I could tell the dealership that I would pick it up and put one it on myself, they had already installed it. Hence, I ended up paying for labor. At least it wasn't something worse.