[NoRtHErN_CaDdY_bOy]

I'm driving a 1990 Sedan Deville with 102,255 miles and a list of headaches. First off, I replaced the alternator, radiator, thermostat, egr valve, egr solenoid, harmonic balancer, water pump, fuel injectors, and recently gave this girl a tune-up. When I'm driving the car (stepping on the gas) this car runs with the best of em, but when I slow and stop for example, at a stop light, this car shakes and feels like its going to "die" on me. When it's idling the car shakes and runs rough. Thats if the car even "feels" like starting that day. Recently, when I go out to start the engine the car does nothing. The lights on the dash come on, the lights all work fine, the battery (yellow optima) has been checked, yet the car doesnt turn on. Then after cursing loudly at this "girl" and calming down, trying to start the car it turns on like nothing ever happened. I can't even drive this car because its unpredictable when/if the car will even start. I have an alarm with an automatic start, sometimes the alarm doesnt work properly and I'm thinking maybe the automatic start connected to the starter may be whats causing this problem. Also, going back to around 90,000 miles, the car started after turning the key 2-3 times. So I need help with this car . What could be causing these problems I have? Is this car even worth waisting my time and money on? If everything was based on looks then this car would be worth every penny. But if the problems ahead for this car are more than the car itself then off to the automobile cemetary for me :crybaby:

 

[Ranger]

You need to be more specific. When you say, "doesn't turn on", do you mean it doesn't start or doesn't even crank?

 

[NoRtHErN_CaDdY_bOy]

When I say "doesn't turn on" I'm saying the car doesn't start. When I raise the hood and try and start the car I can hear "tick - tick - tick" repeatedly. Then after an hour or two I'll go outside and attempt to start the car again and the engine will come on.

 

[Ranger]

Anytime you have aftermarket electronics add to these cars that is suspect, especially if the problem started right, or soon after instalation. If not, then by "tick, tick. tick" I assume it is not cranking. That sound is the starter solenoid engaging the pinion to the flywheel but there is not enough amps to turn the motor. Many times a battery will test good but when put under a load it fails so if it was not load tested, that is the first place to start.

Next is the cables. Corrosion on the contacts or under the insulation will wreak havok. Inspect them closely. If that all turns out ok, then you may have a bad starter.

 

[NoRtHErN_CaDdY_bOy]

Your post was very helpful thank you very much. I have two more problems, one, when I come to a stop and the car is idling it shakes and runs rough. The shaking feels almost like its going to "die" on me but then I step on the gas and the car runs smooth again.

Is there a possible cause to this "runs rough" while idling problem?

Second, I have the Fuel Data Center set to Range so I can see the total miles, when I'm Idling those miles drop, for example, the miles displayed could be 275 and while idling those miles decrease by 5 miles every couple seconds until I step on the gas.

Is there a possible cause to this car consuming alot of fuel while stopped/idling?

Thanks for your help guys.