Engine cranks but will not start

[Daniel]

Hi,
Very rarely (3~4 a year) I have a "Engine cranks but will not start" condition. If I remove an reinsert the key it starts immediately.
I've recorded some parameters with contact ON last time it happened.

-oil lamp ON
-battery lamp ON
-wipers OK
-blower OK
-power windows OK
-rear defogger OK
-radio OK
-clock OK
-immobilizer LED OFF
-don't had the feeling of fuel pump noise
-error code 53 still there after several successfull starting/driving trips

What do you think about that?
Immobilizer is giving up? But why is LED OFF then?
Key transponder?
Crankshaft sensor?
Not abnormal problem! Chill!

2000 Daewoo Nubira Wagon (europe) 1.6 DOHC
ITMS-6F YAAC


Thanks for reading,

[Puddle31]

Daniel, did you ever have the clogged airconditioner drain that soaked your passenger side floor? Of just get a wet floor on that side for some other reason? If so, I recall that there is an electrical block with one wire prone to corrosion that goes to the fuel pump. I have heard that many people with wet passenger floors ended up with cars that cranked but didn't start, sold them cheap and enterprising people who knew fixed them in 2 seconds! there is a thread on here on this issue i think. it will describe the wire (color and problem) and where the wiring block is. just an idea.

[Daniel]

Hi Puddle31, thanks for this valuable info. The single place I remember having had moisture/water leak inside car was in trunk under spare tire. This is now fixed but I'll certainly have a look at this single wire connector you describe to be sure it's corrosion free. If you can locate it more precisely for my Nubira I'll be thankfull.
I don't know if such a poor contact can trigger a error code 53. But this can be from another problem.

Daniel,

[Trey05Woo]

Error code 53 actually can very well mean there is a fuel system problem. 53 means the computer recognized engine speed, but no start condition. If the computer sees engine speed, then the crank position sensor is working correctly. Ofcourse, this doesn't mean the coil is firing though.

Check for fuel pressure and check for spark, you will find your problem. You need to do it when the problem occurs though.

[Daniel]

Thanks for this Trey, and for your expertise sharing.

I didn't know that this error code can be from a fuel delivery problem. I thinked it was due only from immo problem. I'll check for poor contact at connector that Puddle31 talked about and prolly place some kind of voltage monitoring (LED on dashboard?) on fuel pump power supply.
As mentioned this problem only occurs 3~4 times a year so it could be some time before I post again over it. BTW I haven't a clue how to permanently monitor sparks.

Daniel,