Feisty starts but shuts off...

[weirdo creek]

I have an 89 festiva and most of the time it starts and runs fine but recently it started just shutting off. No sputter or chugging just shuts off and won't restart. After 20-30 mins it will hard start and go fine. Then it will start and run fine for a while. The wife says she had it lose power for a split second and go again fine. I never experienced this myself. Any ideas on where to look.

[Damkid]

Feisty starts but shuts off...

Hey a repair help question in the wrong section :thumbright:

I'll move it for you

[weirdo creek]

Sorry bout that.

[Movin]

You have to start somewhere, check for spark next time it will not start..this is leading into is it missing spark or fuel when it will not start.

[georgeb]

EFI or carb?

[weirdo creek]

It is a FI model. And it runs fine most of the time but occasionally just shuts off. It is becoming more frequent lately and is concerning me. A friend of mine said it sounds like the crankshaft position sensor may be failing. Does this sound right to anyone? I would think I'd get an engine light for this and wouldn't be able to start it at all.

[GenevaDirt]

Ignition control module....fusible links on the inner fender by the strut tower...drivers side.

[funky technician]

I have the same year car, fi, this issues is the same as mine it seems, still no solution, i replaced the fuel pump, presure regulator, distributor, rotor cap, button, wires, plugs, coil, coolent sensor, and nothing. next step is the computer i guess

[bravekozak]

The fuel pump switch inside the VAF must be working in order to keep the electric fuel pump running. This is safety feature to shut the gas off if it thinks there is no air flow. Try temporarily bypassing that switch and see if it stays running. Good luck.