1999 9-3 Starting Cold OK - then Stop

In message , Ben writes

Try cleaning the Idle Air Control valve and check all your vacuum lines are intact.

Instructions on cleaning the IAC valve on the NG900 are here (assuming the 9-3 has the same setup):-

Andy

Thanks Andy,

I will do this on the weekend an hopefully it will solve the problem. It can't hurt anyway.

Cheers, Ben

Be sure to change the plugs every 10K with stock NGK replacements. Check the air filter too.

Try running some Techron Concentrate through the fuel system once you get it running.

Check for broken vacuum hoses, the one that runs across the top of the engine to the boost dump valve (whatever they call that thing) is prone to drying out and cracking. It's not a bad idea to buy 10 feet of vacuum line and replace them all at the age of your car. Costs you about $5 and an a half hour of labor carefully replacing them.

Thanks for the suggestions, Bob!

It turns out it's the DI Cassette. I replaced the spark plugs and tested the cassette (upside-down and grounded) and I don't get any spark.

Does anyone have a used Red DI Cassette (B204L engine) for a 1999 9-3. I'll pay the shipping, etc.

Tanks, Ben

They come up on Ebay but they are usually somewhat suspect in terms of use. Check here for new

Thanks for the tip, Bob! I'm currently watching a couple on E-Bay, hopefully will be able to nail one.

Ben

Hi guys,

It was indeed the DI box. I bought a used one off E-Bay, replaced the plugs and installed the new used DI. It started first crank.

Thanks for all your answers!

Ben

p.s. Can the DI Cassette be reconditioned?

Not for it's original intent. But, it makes a dandy desktop paperweight and is a real conversation starter.

:-)

Nope, it's all sealed up with epoxy inside. At least the T5's are. No hope at repair that I could see.

Stay out on Ebay and look for a spare. New ones usually go 70K miles but if you bought used, who knows. There is a date code you can check to see how old it is... but that won't tell you about miles.