Okay, please don't think I'm crazy... having a lights, radio, fan, windows, power seats all work fine moment but my car will not start... not even get to the point where it will try to crank... This happened on Friday, had something after work out of town so just had husband pick me up and left my car here over the weekend. He dropped me off this morning to try to trouble shoot what was happening and... it cranked right up, twice! It was VERY hot Friday afternoon (Mobile, AL) and this morning is was pretty cool out... now I just went out at lunch time to "make sure" it wasn't going to leave me sit again this afternoon, and 92 degrees and no start... same thing... all lights, beeps, radio, fan, everything electronic works fine...


After reading some of the forums over the weekend was convinced it was either a soldering issue or the RCM, but now that it cranked fine this morning, not sure... any suggestions?


It's a 2005 manual with 76k miles. No issues... did replace the Crank Shaft Positioning Sensor about 2 months ago (result of the Check Engine light) but its a daily driver and haven't seen anything weird happening since then... this was out of the blue... Put your thinking caps on Crossfire Peeps, hubs said this is strike two (left me in my work parking deck about 3 years ago with a SKREEM/Pump issue). REALLY don't want to get to three strikes before he makes me get something not nearly as cool, automatic trans and probably 4-door. Help!

 

You mention the fan, but you don't make it clear what you are saying. So, try this the next time it refuses to crank:

1) Turn key to "Start" and observe that it wo'nt crank.
2) Let key return to "on" and wait 30 seconds.
3) Is the engine cooling fan running at 'warp' speed? (You will hear it, no question about it).
4) If the fan is running very fast, the engine control relay on the RCM or a solder connection on the RCM has failed.
The answer here is to send the RCM to Dj and let him replace the relay and reflow the solder connections.

 

Thanks Pizzaguy... did not notice the 'engine' fan running overly fast... it was just the passenger compartment 'fan' I meant (for heat/air) as it had been on when I last ran the car, it started blowing right when I 'tried' to crank it up... So, hubs is coming to my work location when he gets off... could the RCM or the solder connection allow it to crank intermittently (thus the early morning false "everything is fine now" double crank up and then lunch time no-go)?


Thanks for the troubleshooting... With these cars, I've found it the specifics that count when trying to find your fix. I appreciate it!!

 

 

Yes , it is that's why Pizzaguy new how to help you out. Send your RCM to tighed1 an he'll repair it, for about $35. Or buy a new one for $135.

 

Yea, the relay and the solder connections can result in intermittent operation. There are a few things it could be, but most often it is the RCM and DJ can fix it.

 

Who's this DJ guy anyway lol!?

These guys are right. It appears that the engine control relay isn't making contact (thus the fan spinning out of control).

Email me at tighed1@hotmail.com and ...


Send your RCM and $30 (cash, money order, check) to:

DJ TIGHE
3601 Pinnacle Ct
Sierra Vista, AZ 85650

I'll inspect, redo bad solder joints, perform the Me So Horny mod (horn works w/o key) and replace the Air Pump relay (and the Fuel Pump relay if needed). I will then test your RCM in one of my cars. Then I mail back the RCM to you via USPS Priority Mail (2-3 day). In most cases I get the RCM back in the mail the day after I receive it so yer looking at about a week total. If you want the package insured please include an additional $5. FYI, In the years I have been doing this 3 have been lost in the mail.
If you ship to me via a method that requires a signature it will extend your waiting time as I will have to go into town to sign for the package.

Leave all fuses and plastic cover on RCM.
Please email your address to me also.

 

Thank you DJ (and all others!)


Absolutely would have trusted you with the panel... hubby was only too happy to see your detailed post on the fix and break out his soldering iron to remedy the situation... All is good this morning


One thing we were able to do JUST in the event it helps anyone NOT have to pay to have your vehicle towed until you can initiate the fix yourself or send the panel off to DJ was to jiggle the panel (connected still within the slot a bit while having the key in the on position and clutch engaged and get the relay to connect to start the car to get it home... While I was nervous to drive it the 8 miles to the house wondering if anything else would leave me sit... hubby said it would be fine and followed me home... once in the driveway I let him do his magic.


He said the issue with it starting in the morning (cooler) and not then in the afternoon (much hotter temps) might just have been the expansion of the plastic within the casing causing it to connect/not connect... no idea on that one but all is well with my Crossfire and I VERY much appreciate all the help!

 

In the 70's and 80's, the Motorola Micor series of controllers suffered the same issues. The problem was the manufacturing process, how they fabricated the circuit boards and did not allow for expansion due to heat.

It need not be the PLASTIC expanding that does it, it can be the boards themselves. Also, the vibration in the mobile environment does not help.

I noticed that my car (a late 07 model) has what looks like a higher quality board in the RCM. My car has had not one issue with the solder connections on the RCM. I think they learned along the way - and I do not believe anyone who has put in a replacement RCM has ever had an issue since. BUT, I could be wrong.

 

My '07 has not had many of the problems mentioned. It is slightly different from earlier ones.