1995 DeVille random starting problem

amd2nr · #1 (**permalink**) 05-06-08, 03:26 AM

Hi all!! Im having what I would call an unusual problem with my 4.9L 95' DeVille. My car picks semi-random times to not start up. The starter turns over just fine but the car just does not start. So clearly I would not think that it was the starter or any charging components that are causing the problem. If it is the cars first start of the day (ie. the car has sat for 8 hours) it always starts fine. But if later on I let the car sit for a few hours and try to start it (especially if its hot outside) it tends to not start. But if I then leave the car after its not starting up for 15 to 30 minutes it usually starts up without having to wait any longer.

The check engine light does intermittently come on and here are the codes that I am receiving right now and what they mean according to the website this forum referred me to (which really does not tell me much not being a mechanic).

I039 .......................................... Loss of Road Sensing Suspension Data
I052 .................................................. ..... Keep Alive Memory Error
P012 (E012) .................................................. No Distributor Signal
P039 (E039) ..... Torque Coverter Clutch/Viscous Converter Clutch Engagement Problem
P052 (E052) .................................................. ..... PCM Memory Reset

If anyone has any ideas of what the problem might be I would greatly appreciate your help because I am certainly puzzled. My only possible guess is the distributor because of the error that I get or maybe some strange electrical problem. Thanks in advance!!!!

Tommy Deville · #2 (**permalink**) 05-06-08, 03:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amd2nr

Hi all!! Im having what I would call an unusual problem with my 4.9L 95' DeVille. My car picks semi-random times to not start up. The starter turns over just fine but the car just does not start. So clearly I would not think that it was the starter or any charging components that are causing the problem. If it is the cars first start of the day (ie. the car has sat for 8 hours) it always starts fine. But if later on I let the car sit for a few hours and try to start it (especially if its hot outside) it tends to not start. But if I then leave the car after its not starting up for 15 to 30 minutes it usually starts up without having to wait any longer.

The check engine light does intermittently come on and here are the codes that I am receiving right now and what they mean according to the website this forum referred me to (which really does not tell me much not being a mechanic).

I039 .......................................... Loss of Road Sensing Suspension Data
I052 .................................................. ..... Keep Alive Memory Error
P012 (E012) .................................................. No Distributor Signal
P039 (E039) ..... Torque Coverter Clutch/Viscous Converter Clutch Engagement Problem
P052 (E052) .................................................. ..... PCM Memory Reset

If anyone has any ideas of what the problem might be I would greatly appreciate your help because I am certainly puzzled. My only possible guess is the distributor because of the error that I get or maybe some strange electrical problem. Thanks in advance!!!!

I would start with the p012, you may need a new coil pack, I'm fairly certain there is no pick up coil in those motors.
not sure what would cause the PCM to reset other than disconneting the battery, that could have somthing to do with the p012 & the PCM defaults to a "factory" setup for lack of a better term, than the PCM has to re-learn everything. but have the coil pack checked, if that doesn't help maybe the distributor shaft itself is bad.

As I re-read the post, check the fuel filter, & fuel regulator, could also be a fuel pump on its way out.

amd2nr · #3 (**permalink**) 05-06-08, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tommy Deville

I would start with the p012, you may need a new coil pack, I'm fairly certain there is no pick up coil in those motors.
not sure what would cause the PCM to reset other than disconneting the battery, that could have somthing to do with the p012 & the PCM defaults to a "factory" setup for lack of a better term, than the PCM has to re-learn everything. but have the coil pack checked, if that doesn't help maybe the distributor shaft itself is bad.

As I re-read the post, check the fuel filter, & fuel regulator, could also be a fuel pump on its way out.

Thanks for your fast reply. I just took the cap off and from it looks to be in good shape. There are no cracks and very little corrosion on anything metal so Im guessing it has been recently replaced. The coil pack however looks like it could be older. I have a multimeter so can I test it myself? I am using the Haynes manual for my car and it tells me how to test the ignition coil but dont really understand what it means by infinite resistance.

amd2nr · #4 (**permalink**) 05-06-08, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tommy Deville

I would start with the p012, you may need a new coil pack, I'm fairly certain there is no pick up coil in those motors.
not sure what would cause the PCM to reset other than disconneting the battery, that could have somthing to do with the p012 & the PCM defaults to a "factory" setup for lack of a better term, than the PCM has to re-learn everything. but have the coil pack checked, if that doesn't help maybe the distributor shaft itself is bad.

As I re-read the post, check the fuel filter, & fuel regulator, could also be a fuel pump on its way out.

I just thought of something else. When I turn the key to the position right before actually starting it I hear what sounds like a compressor kick on for a few seconds, and I dont think it has anything to do with AC. Could that be the fuel pump?? And is that bad if I hear it?

**Ranger** · #5 (**permalink**) 05-06-08, 10:58 AM

That could be the ELC compressor or the fuel pump. The fuel pump would be much quieter.

Tommy Deville · #6 (**permalink**) 05-06-08, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ranger

That could be the ELC compressor or the fuel pump. The fuel pump would be much quieter.

I concur with Ranger.

amd2nr · #7 (**permalink**) 05-06-08, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ranger

That could be the ELC compressor or the fuel pump. The fuel pump would be much quieter.

Should I be able to hear it though??

**Ranger** · #8 (**permalink**) 05-06-08, 05:24 PM

The ELC compressor is normal to hear. Fuel pump, sometimes if you listen closely.

krimson_cardnal · #9 (**permalink**) 05-06-08, 05:28 PM

Compressor does a system check at start up and you should hear it coming from the rear passenger side of the car. If you start having suspension issues and you don't hear the compressor some thing's up. Have you inspected the battery terminal connections and the battery itself, the PCM reset and the I039 could point to that. They need to be up to the task. If in doubt pull the terminals and clean them and the clamps well before reconnecting. K_C