<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Only the 2nd time in our roughly 12 years together. Can't complain too much I guess.

I drove my Monty to work yesterday. Cranked right up in the morning and had no issues on the way there. But when I tried to start her at the end of the day she wouldn't start. The starter motor is getting plenty of juice. It's turning the motor at normal speed but the engine won't start.

I know its silly to say "my car won't start. What's wrong?" but I do have some specific questions.

Some info first:
I have had intermittent hesitation or momentary losses of power over the last 4-5 months. Usually just barely noticeable. Check Engine light has been coming on for about the same amount of time. Code is "Throttle Position Sensor / Idle Speed Switch". I wouldn't think this is related to my current problem.

Again, don't think this is related but...when I was testing the TPS (VM measured resistance within normal range) I unplugged the connector to it. I realized as I was troubleshooting my no-start that I never plugged it back in. I plugged it in and tried to crank again. No difference. I thought maybe the ecu had freaked out trying to compensate for no signal so I disconnected the neg batt terminal to reset the ecu. No difference.

So now my newbie questions:

1) Even with all the repeated start attempts I could not smell fuel anywhere. Even took air filter out and couldn't smell fuel in air intake hose. This is a fuel-injected engine, is fuel smell from engine flooding something I should be able to detect? I know that applies to carb'd engines but does it apply here?

2) I suspect a global problem with either ignition system or fuel delivery system. What's the best way to narrow it down?

3) Any other things I should check? I checked ignition wires, sured up all vacuum lines and connectors I could find.

Thanks for any suggestions and sorry for the long post.

-Ray