[200q20v] Re: Hall Sender/Distributor

[Derek Pulvino]

Jason,

My experience has never left me stranded to date, just frustrated or embassed on a number of occasions.  Whenever I've had the problem, the car did the same thing as it sounds like your experiencing; it would turn over, sputter a little but not start.  It'll usually start on the second or third time cranking it.  Also, didn't reall see any discernible pattern of occuring more in cold or hot weather, or starting the car cold or already warmed up.  The thing that got me pointed in the direction of hall sender was running the fault codes on the vehicle.  If you haven't done that already, it's pretty simple to do, and the procedure is pretty well explained both in words and with pictures on Scott Mockry's web site.  The fault  codes will be displayed with a series of illuminations of the check engine light (if this is installed in your vehicle it'll be on the right hand side of the cluster, and will light up with the key turned on but not running, if this doesn't light up it's a pretty simple matter to get and install a light bulb in the spot on the dash)  Another thing I learned during the process was that if you do decide to take it to a mechanic to look over the issue, be sure they run the fault codes.  I made the mistake of taking the car to my local mechanic who did a fuel pressure check, but didn't check the fault codes, as such, he had no idea what was going on.  I'd say go ahead and check Scott Mockry's web site for the fault code information and procedures and see what you turn up.  If you have any other questions, let me know and I can see if I can provide some additional help.

Derek