This post is furthur to the discussions that I have previously had with Drifter and willwren. I just want to enlighten the rest of you so that maybe you can add your 2 cents.

As you know from my sig, I have a remote starter, one that I particularily like to use. Its a handy little item. Anyway, about a week ago I noticed that if the car has been sitting for a long time (5hrs+) the start up is very difficult. In fact its so bad, that I turn off the car using the remote before it evantually fires up. Bill advised me to stop using the remote and letting the car crank for 10 seconds before firing. Fair enough. Use the key, waited, the car starts, but its far more difficult then the usual "turn the key, car starts". If I rev the car in park, it coughs and dies. I proceed to start the car again...no problem, fires up almost in expectation and eagerness.

I'm currently dealing with Code 41 issues and Cam positioning sensor problem, whereby the cylinders are not firing correctly causing the car to sputter on acceleration however now.....it really sputters all the damn time. Its so bad, that it vibrates like a cheap motel bed at speeds of 60 kmh and 120 kmh (about 38 and 70 mph).

That being said, this is what it cannot be...alternator, car does start...albeit eventually, the starter is fine, lots of juice in the batteria, the voltmeter gage is fine. I only use 89 and up octane....last fill up I used 94 oh ya...thats the good ****!!! The plugs and wires, O2 sensor and fuel pump where changed at the end of January 2003. 2 fill ups ago, I used fuel line cleaner product, its a product that I have used in the past, and it was fine...until now. It could have been bad gas, but its been another fillup since then so the bad gas is gonzo.

This is what I assume it could be based on my chats with Drifter, Tam and willwren:

1. Bad gas
2. Fuel line cleaner loosened some crud and its lodged somewhere.
3. Fuel filter and not getting expected life out of it
4. O2 sensor and not getting expected life out of it
5. Plugs and wires and not getting expected life out of it
6. Dirty TB and intake problems (TB and fuel line was totally conditioned 10 000 kms ago (5000 miles)

So, that being said, the sputtering still continues. Any furthur insight would be greatly appreciated before I take the car in on Friday

Which btw I am having spring servicing...rotation, air filter, PS fluid, brake fluid etc, 180T-stat, coolant temp sensor and brake servicing.

Oh oh...before I finish, at low speeds there is a mild grinding noise coming from the right wheel, i assume its uneven pad wear

K...I'm done.

Thanks BC

On the grinding noise--do you smell anything? Or is it more like a groaning noise?
I'd think if it was uneven pad wear you'd smell the pads burning a bit(also might not smell). I had some weird groaning/moaning noise intermittenly coming from the left side of my front end(never figured it out either). I thought it was the cv joint--changed it and it was still there. BTW--took the car to a mechanic today to get it ready for inspection and I had 2 broken end links, 2 clogged/cracked/collapsed brake hoses, heat cracked rotors blown out rear shock etc --sorry--getting off track here..
Check your frontend for the stuff I mentioned--end links, cv joint--that might be the root of your grinding noise.(can't hurt to check it anyway)

The sound is like a rubbing sound, not really grinding, just a sound due to friction. I had the half shaft totally replaced on that side less then 4 months ago.

So far it seems like all the money I have spent is all the broken items are breaking again

I just had an epiphany....those hard starts that I mentioned....

Its becuase of code 42..electronic spark sensor.....

Where'* that located? On the crank?

Honestly Tony...i wish I knew, I'm hoping the gurus will answer this one, I'm a bit concerned at the pocket impact...

btw...I'm taking care off things with the bank...we'll get our names in the right order, I've been a bit distracted with the car, but I have not forgotton

I hope it'll be cheap for you!! Car problems suck!!