Car starts, then stalls (with trouble codes)

[krod233]

Two weeks ago my '02 SL2 threw the trouble codes P0300 (random misfire) and P0341 (camshaft position sensor.. I know my car doesn't actually have one). I had the codes cleared to see if they'd come back since the car seemed to be running fine. The check engine light did come back for a day this past week then went away until yesterday. I went to start the car. It wouldn't start on the first try. Then on the second try and every attempt since then, the car starts, but then after some stumbling, it stalls (it takes about 5-10 seconds usually). Also, I noticed a stronger than usual exhaust and, I believe, gasoline smell. The current trouble code is the P0341 code. Any ideas what could be causing this? The usual recommendation for these trouble codes is checking spark plugs and ignition coils, but could that cause it to stall after starting (especially since it hasn't had any starting/driving problems until now)?

Thanks for your assistance.

[fdryer]

Car mileage? You may have answered your own questions - the engine needing a second start before firing up may simply need new spark plugs (and wires)? Remove them for examination. Spark plugs charts can be found using Google to determine engine health, lean/rich/normal fuel mixtures, worn electrodes, etc.. A mini tune up including throttle body cleaning and new air filter may help.

[krod233]

There are 203k miles on the car.

[nickbrit16]

I'm having the same problem :/

[SL19302]

Originally Posted by krod233

Two weeks ago my '02 SL2 threw the trouble codes P0300 (random misfire) and P0341 (camshaft position sensor.. I know my car doesn't actually have one). I had the codes cleared to see if they'd come back since the car seemed to be running fine. The check engine light did come back for a day this past week then went away until yesterday. I went to start the car. It wouldn't start on the first try. Then on the second try and every attempt since then, the car starts, but then after some stumbling, it stalls (it takes about 5-10 seconds usually). Also, I noticed a stronger than usual exhaust and, I believe, gasoline smell. The current trouble code is the P0341 code. Any ideas what could be causing this? The usual recommendation for these trouble codes is checking spark plugs and ignition coils, but could that cause it to stall after starting (especially since it hasn't had any starting/driving problems until now)?

Thanks for your assistance.

The cam sensor code is due to excessive resistance on the secondairy ignition system, Replace the plugs and wires, No platinum plugs just plain jane copper ones, Inspect the coil towers for corrosion when you remove the wires, The four mounting bolts for the coil/icm module make sure you remove them and clean them as they provide a good ground for the ignition system. The rich problem on startup I would check your fuel pressure, Have you done a fuel pressure test or ever replaced the fuel filter assembly? Your Coolant sensor should be the brass version being yours is an 02 model however it wouldnt hurt to inspect it for an issue....

[krod233]

Update:
We've changed the spark plugs (copper), wires, ignition control module, and ignition coils (after cleaning didn't help) with no change. Now, I'm not sure if the trouble code is related to the stalling situation. We thought we were on to something when we discovered oil on the spark plugs. My car has been a persistent consumer of oil, but I think that is new and will bring it to the shop after I get the car running to look at that.

My boyfriend is going to check the fuel system today. Coincidentally (or not), I had a new fuel filter put in about a week ago with no problems. Things I'm thinking about after doing some research are a bad fuel pump or clogged catalytic converter. Any thoughts?

[SL19302]

Originally Posted by krod233

Coincidentally (or not), I had a new fuel filter put in about a week ago with no problems

That fuel filter is not only a filter but the fuel pressure regulator for the fuel system as well, The regulator is built into the filter and the ONLY filter assemblies that work correctly are WIX and OEM, Any aftermarket brand either the regulator spring is to weak(low fuel pressure) or to strong of a spring (high fuel pressure), The pressure spec is 45-51 at idle, Check the pressure and report back, Higher then spec or Lower fuel pressure can cause engine damage....

[krod233]

The stalling problem has been solved. I finally brought it in to the shop and the fuel pump has been replaced. They said the trouble codes were unrelated to the failed fuel pump. Thankfully, the car's running again and, hopefully, it will live another year or so. Now I just have to wait for the check engine light to come back...

[fdryer]

200k+ miles and new fuel pump makes sense now........Hopefully you'll have this car last another 200k miles.