96gxe5spd

iTrader: (1)

I drive a 96 gxe with around 220k mi. In the last couple of weeks it has become very hard to start. It turns over good and fast, it just doesn't catch and when it finally does it blows a cloud of black smoke out the tailpipe and misses for a couple of seconds, then drives perfectly fine. I read the codes and I get code 0302 for an EGR fault, as well as a knock sensor and MAP sensor code which I have had for years. I talked with a local repair shop and they suggested replacing the plugs, since they probably have better than 50K on them, I pulled a couple of them and they are in good shape as best I can tell, but the electrode has a grayish white color.

I realize there is a lot that needs fixing on this car, what should I go after first to fix the starting problem??

joecraps

Before you go and spend some cash check your ground points - clean with some sand paper and tighten as necesary.

Remove battery and follow the negative battery lead. You will find a ground point near the base of the battery holder and it will then proceed to another point on the starter moter/engine - I forget exactly but just follow the wire.

I had a similar starting issue before I did this -cleared it up and the engine runs more smoothly.

96gxe5spd

iTrader: (1)

Thanks I'll check that out. Any other suggestions?

96gxe5spd

iTrader: (1)

bumpity bump

MikAus

Don't get freaked out, but the greyish white color may be coolant.

If it's got a slight head gasket leak, coolant maybe seeping, into the cylinder,and blowing out of the tail pipe. Thus hard to start, and then runs fine.

Another GOOD sign is that coolant level should always be the same, in radiator and reservoir.

When engine is cool, take your radiator cap off, and race the engine a couple of times. if it bubbles up, or spits up, that's not good.

Also I don't know whether a MAP code is the same as a MAF (mass air flow sensor code).

If it is clean the MAF with electrical contact cleaner, including all connectors, and ground connections.

ALSo just like Joe said above, remove batt terminals, and clean contacts on batt and on car, with the electrical contact cleaner.

Good luck !!!

NYC32798

iTrader: (3)

I'm dealing with a similar problem. My starter hesitates once or twice before it finally cranks normally and starts. It also lets out a puff of black smoke but it's nothing to worry about. While your cranking it, the injectors are spitting fuel into the engine and when it finally sparks, it burns the fuel the injectors spit out while you were cranking it and thats what the puff of black smoke is. Remember: black = fuel, blue = oil, white = coolant.

njmaxseltd

iTrader: (19)

Clean your throttle body and IACV.

96gxe5spd

iTrader: (1)

I got in there and cleaned the contacts, no effect on starting. I jumped in the haynes manual and looked up the procedure for testing the EGR system. After establishing that the valve was not acting, I decided to check it the valve was getting a vaccum signal from the control solenoid by removing the line from the EGR actuator. Well, the hose broke under the force of me pulling on it (high miles=brittle rubber) and I was dreading the task of replacing that piece of hose. Then I started the car to check for vaccum on the hose and it started FINE!! . It wasn't getting any vaccum anyway, but removing that hose fixed the start problem. Luckily I don't have to get emission tested, it starts fine and drives good like this. I would suggest trying this to anyone having similar problems.

I will check out the head gasket situation in a few days. Thanks for the help!