Car sometimes dies or won't start?

Question

I drive a 1995 chevy beretta. If I drive it too long (go to the store, turn it off, go some where else, turn it off, etc in short periods) it'll start dying at stops or it just won't stay started. It will turn over, but sometimes it'll immediatly die. When it does this, I have to just leave it be for an hour, after an hour it'll start no problem.

I've talked to 2 mechanics and both agree it sounds like my computer. However, I tried two computers and when I put them in my car it won't even start. It's just dead. I'm trying to find another to try (I go to junk yards) but if this 3rd one doesn't work I'm going to assume it's not the computer...

Any ideas though? I'm willing to try anything!

Answer 1

You might me using 2 much battery power causing the car not to start or you may have a faulty battery.

Answer 2

It sounds to me like your car might be overheating.  Try looking into anything that will make it overheat.  Also try buying a new computer if you can, I wouldn't trust too many computers from junkyards.  Why else would they be there?  It might be a common problem for that car.

Answer 3

check the pcv valve, do a tune up. if it doesnt help, try to have an electromechanic plug his computer at your car, to see if it shows a code. they would charge you like 50 bucks just for checking it, and they might tell you what is wrong for real. also check your battery terminals, for good connection, and clean them if necessary.

Answer 4

There are a couple of things I want you to try. Both must be tried while the vehicle is giving you the "no start" condition.

The first thing I want you to try is, when it doesn't start or starts and dies, leave the key in the on position. Open the hood and grab the harness going to the injectors and sensors. Start twisting and wiggling small sections of it at a time. While you are doing this listen carefully for relays or injectors to click. Don't be impatient. Do little sections at a time. Working throughout the engine harness. If you here a relay or injector clicking while doing this, attempt to start the car. If it starts, then you have a problem within the engine/PCM harness. Before you run out and buy a harness, look carefully at the grounds. Make sure ALL grounds are clean and secure. Then make sure there are no bare spots in it touching metal where the harness might have rubbed on something. If it all looks good then you must decide if you want to take apart the harness and attempt to trace the problem. Or simply replace the harness. These engines have been known to have engine harness problems. They will drive you nuts!

Now the second thing I want you to check, or you can check this first. It is a little easier. When your engine is in a no start condition, hook up a fuel pressure gauge while attempting to start it. Do you have adequate fuel pressure? 35-44psi? If not you need to find out why? Are you getting power to the fuel pump when cranking the engine? If you do, then you have a failing fuel pump.

Answer 5

check the bolts on the top of the battery . sometimes if they are loose it will cause it to die , and the metal needs to be in contact at all times