Hello,

I have a 1992 Lumina APV with the 3.8.

The car starts when it is cold, but once it gets warmed up the car just dies.
You can turn it over but it wont start up again until it is completely cool.

I got a code 17 out of it, but my haynes book doesn't even mention that code.

I found a site that says a code 17 is "PCM did not detect any spark reference pulses within 240 fuel control reference pulses (80 crank revolutions) while engine was running below 1200 RPM."

So, is the crank position sensor bad?

Thanks in advance for your help
Dale

Hello,

I have a 1992 Lumina APV with the 3.8.

The car starts when it is cold, but once it gets warmed up the car just dies.
You can turn it over but it wont start up again until it is completely cool.

I got a code 17 out of it, but my haynes book doesn't even mention that code.

I found a site that says a code 17 is "PCM did not detect any spark reference pulses within 240 fuel control reference pulses (80 crank revolutions) while engine was running below 1200 RPM."

So, is the crank position sensor bad?

Thanks in advance for your help
Dale
More than likely the cps, but to verify get a scanner on it and see if you have cranking rpms, if none replace the sensor.

As Maxwedge says. SOme more details for the record:
www.avigex.ca/xport/dtc17.jpg
NOtice that this signal is also known as the 18x signal and is buffered (amplified and shaped) in the ignition module before being sent to the PCM. A dead buffer in the ignition module can also be the culprit (this is what happened to me with the 3x buffer recently). CPS was good but the signal did not go past the ignition module. So no signal at PCM entry does not really tell which is the source of the problem...but the heat sensitive characteristics you describe is indeed common of CPS failure.

Thanks for the help guys.

Before seeing these posts I determined it was the crank position sensor by sprayed water on the harmonic balancer when it was warm and wouldn't start. After about 2 minutes of cool water the car would fire up.

I got the part but found out on Sunday that I don't have a puller to pull this it off :banghead: :banghead: . In fact, I couldn't even get the bolt to break loose, so I dropped it off at the local shop. He has it ready for me now.

Once again thanks for the replies.
Dale