car only starts when i press on the gas while cranking (FIXED!!!)

[Sagaris]

Dont forget to check the idle switch/TPS. If the idle switch isn't engaging, the engine will provide more fuel than it normally would and more air (opening the throttle) is required to get combustion when the engine is cranking/cold.

[Killacortes]

Dont forget to check the idle switch/TPS. If the idle switch isn't engaging, the engine will provide more fuel than it normally would and more air (opening the throttle) is required to get combustion when the engine is cranking/cold.

How do I check for a faulty idle switch/tps sensor?

[Sagaris]

I prefer to use a continuity tester (a mode found on many inexpensive multimeters), otherwise you can use a test light or an ohm meter.


I believe pin 2 is for the idle switch, 18 is for ground and 3 is for the full throttle switch but it has been a while since I tested one of these and may be wrong.

Test for continuity (meter will beep if there is continuity or a test light will illuminate showing that there is a connection) between the idle switch pin and the ground pin, if the switch is good, it will have continuity between those 2 pins with the throttle closed. The full throttle pin and ground pin should have continuity at or near full throttle to indicate that the full throttle switch is working.

Check for continuity multiple times, some switches work intermittently such as one I had that had continuity 1 out of every 6 times or so.

Also

The switch can be working but not engaging due to it being out of adjustment. There are 2 torx screws on the bottom of it which allow you to make a slight adjustment. The throttle body must be removed to make this adjustment.

[5Toes]

Sounds like my car. I figure it was vac leaks

[Killacortes]

well started it up today drove around ran fine. parked it idled down and died. fuel pump is making loud noises so i asked a buddy if i could pull his off and try it on mine and hopefully that fixes my problem.

[canadiankid]

Im no expert on e30s, but most cars throttle past 80% while cranking cuts all fuel. An old trick to starting my sunfire when it flooded(spark plug issue).

[JA1991]

Maybe the fuel pressure regulator?

[Killacortes]

Well heres an update. I swapped out fuel pumps and fuel relay from a running car and i car started right up. Drove around a little bit hammered down on the gas ran fine, then i come to a stop sign, starts idling down and dies! fuck! then same issue starts only when i stomp on the gas and wont stay running.

Im no expert on e30s, but most cars throttle past 80% while cranking cuts all fuel. An old trick to starting my sunfire when it flooded(spark plug issue).

I think you might be on to something. I will make sure im getting good spark next and swap out the coil.

[canadiankid]

Ya, mine was the coil packs, but I was getting rid of the car soon at the time and was too lazy/cheap to replace it. It would flood while cranking sometimes, so hold the gas pedal all the way down, it cuts fuel, spits it out the exhaust, backfires and starts. Sunfire was a 97' I would look into whether the e30 does the same thing. All newer domestic cars have that feature.

[bastianshaw]

battery?

[Killacortes]

Ya, mine was the coil packs, but I was getting rid of the car soon at the time and was too lazy/cheap to replace it. It would flood while cranking sometimes, so hold the gas pedal all the way down, it cuts fuel, spits it out the exhaust, backfires and starts. Sunfire was a 97' I would look into whether the e30 does the same thing. All newer domestic cars have that feature.

got a coil from a running car and all is well! thank you!