96 C4 need help
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 4
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96 C4 need help
I recently purchased a high mileage 96 C4. It ran fine for six days and I drove it at least 500 miles. When I started it the car had the symptoms of a misfire and while driving onto an entrance ramp, the motor died and now it refuses to start. I assume it is a problem with a fuel pump, fuel injector, or fuel pump relay but really have no clue. Any input with ideas for the issue or fixes are welcomed.
Last edited by Alex Randolph; Apr 20, 2014 at 11:30 PM.
Racer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 429
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From: Nassau county Land of high taxes
I recently purchased a high mileage 96 C4. It ran fine for a six days and I drove it at least 500 miles. When I started it the car had the symptoms of a misfire and while driving onto an entrance ramp, the motor died and now it refuses to start. I assume it is a problem with a fuel pump, fuel injector, or fuel pump relay but really have no clue. Any input with ideas for the issue or fixes are welcomed.
What codes did it throw?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Riverside County Southern California
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I recently purchased a high mileage 96 C4. It ran fine for a six days and I drove it at least 500 miles. When I started it the car had the symptoms of a misfire and while driving onto an entrance ramp, the motor died and now it refuses to start. I assume it is a problem with a fuel pump, fuel injector, or fuel pump relay but really have no clue. Any input with ideas for the issue or fixes are welcomed.
Don't do the nOOB thing and start assuming things. The fact is that you don't know. These LT engine have a weird "mood", and magically it goes away.
To start ensure all ignition wires are completely plugged all the way in.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 4
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Need more info. How many miles? Do you have any documentation on when was the last time the PO performed preventive maintenance?
Don't do the nOOB thing and start assuming things. The fact is that you don't know. These LT engine have a weird "mood", and magically it goes away.
To start ensure all ignition wires are completely plugged all the way in.
Don't do the nOOB thing and start assuming things. The fact is that you don't know. These LT engine have a weird "mood", and magically it goes away.
To start ensure all ignition wires are completely plugged all the way in.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 15,344
Likes: 4,009
From: Texas
Sounds like the time I had the rotor fail in the Optispark. No codes, just died.
Pretty easy to check all the fueling items.
- Fuel pump should run for 2 seconds when you turn the key to "run"
- A fuel pump gauge verifies pressure at the fuel rail and if it holds
- A noid light verifies the injectors are firing
- Pull a wire and verify spark during cranking.
It's a car. Basic troubleshooting applies.
Pretty easy to check all the fueling items.
- Fuel pump should run for 2 seconds when you turn the key to "run"
- A fuel pump gauge verifies pressure at the fuel rail and if it holds
- A noid light verifies the injectors are firing
- Pull a wire and verify spark during cranking.
It's a car. Basic troubleshooting applies.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,061
Likes: 214
From: Epping NH
The dealership ran the diagnostic and said it didn't bring up any codes despite the light being on.
But I'm thinking bad optispark, although on the 96 because they are vented then are a bit more durable that older optisparks.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: H-Town Texas
How did the engine "die"?
Did it stumble and miss and gradually quit? Or did it just instantly quit all at once?
Typically a stumble then stall leads me to fuel, and an instant shut off leads me to ignition/electrical.
While this may not always be true, it is a general guide.
Did it stumble and miss and gradually quit? Or did it just instantly quit all at once?
Typically a stumble then stall leads me to fuel, and an instant shut off leads me to ignition/electrical.
While this may not always be true, it is a general guide.
