Hard/No Start After Sitting - Bad CPS Wiring Splices

Electricalintermediate✓ OP Confirmed

Problem

7MGTE engine was extremely difficult to start after sitting for a day or two, sometimes requiring 15-20 seconds of cranking. When it did fire up, it would sometimes die 7-8 seconds later. The car drove perfectly fine once running.

Hard to start after sitting for a day or twoCranking for 2-20 seconds before firingEngine would fire up then die 7-8 seconds laterNo spark found on spark plugs during troubleshootingRan and drove normally once started

Root Cause

The CPS (Crank Position Sensor) wiring had poor splices from a previous owner or shop - wires were only twisted together and wrapped in electrical tape with no solder, adhesive, or proper connectors. The unreliable connections caused intermittent loss of the crank signal, leading to no-spark and hard-start conditions.

Confidence

High confidence — Original poster confirmed this resolved the issue

View Original Thread →Posted August 2024 on SupraForums.com