intermittent starting problems
 

Hi I have a '96 3.8l base model camaro. I am having random times where it will crank but not start but 10 minutes after it will normally fire right up. It has brand new spark plugs and wires, coil packs, icm, ignition switch. I also know the fuel pump it kicking on because I hear it when I turn the key to on and let it do its thing before starting.

Also having random times where ill be driving and it will start acting like its misfiring and doesnt want to go over 2k rpms and it is rough randomly as well at low rpms like taking off from a stop light not sure if this has anything to do with starting problem. tps sensor has been replaced. any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

have you had it scanned for trouble codes. do that and let us know what if anything comes up, stop by the local parts store, they should be able to scan it for you.

It came up with these:

P0441 EVAP system No Flow During Purge
P0135 Heated Oxygen Sensor (Bank 1 Sensor 1) Heater Circuit

According to the guy at oreilly neither of those codes should cause any starting issues.

lol, evap is the venting for your gas tank,,, next time it does it take the gas cap off and see if it starts. what order did the codes come? sounds like you have a short or bad connection to the 02 sensor. better check it out. should be the driver side forward sensor. look for melted or damaged wires or sensor for that matter.

haha well i guess that just another thing that shows ya not to trust the guys in those parts stores. next time it happens ill have to try taking off the gas cap and will be replacing some sensors tomorrow. hopefully this will take care of the last of my issues im ready to start working on the inside and getting power windows right. i recently purchased my car used and ready to see it looking and running nice.

Welp I got the new o2 sensor in and changed out the dry rotted vacuum fittings and cleared the codes. Car was still choking so I loosened up the aftermarket gas cap that the previous owner had on and so far it's running like a champ. Ill probably find a oem gas cap and see if that helps there and hopefully won't have to replace anything else in the evap system. Thanks for the suggestions.

lol, well it should run pretty good with all the new parts. if yours were pretty old the new 02s should get you improved mpg.