99 Prizm studders or wont start in the rain

[FoxProGT]

Sup peeps...

I have a 99 Prizm that has a problem starting and staying running when the weather is moist out side. If im able to keep it running for about 10 minutes then it will run smooth but this last rain we had seems to have done it in.

We got rain last week and it wouldnt stay running. I had someone give me a jump and it ran fine for the rest of the day. The next day it was still raining and the car wouldnt start. I tried to jump it but it still wouldnt start. After that day we have had snow and extreme cold. Iv tried to start the car but it just will not fire. I believe on a warm dry day the car will start but we might not get a day like that for awhile.

To clarify the situation and what i had done........

The motor turns over and the engine sounds like it wants to start. The plugs are somewhat new and so are the wires. Iv taken the plugs out to inspect them but nothing seems out of the ordinary. There is no distributor on this car. I unpluged the coils and cleaned the contacts and they are sending spark to the plugs. I have about half a tank of gas that has been treated with Heet gas line antifreez even before we had last weeks rain. Iv checked ignition related fuses and all are in good shape (not blown) The battery and terminals are good and clean.

Anyone have this problem? Any idea whats going on? What should i check for next?

[zythr]

Originally Posted by FoxProGT

Sup peeps...

I have a 99 Prizm that has a problem starting and staying running when the weather is moist out side. If im able to keep it running for about 10 minutes then it will run smooth but this last rain we had seems to have done it in.

We got rain last week and it wouldnt stay running. I had someone give me a jump and it ran fine for the rest of the day. The next day it was still raining and the car wouldnt start. I tried to jump it but it still wouldnt start. After that day we have had snow and extreme cold. Iv tried to start the car but it just will not fire. I believe on a warm dry day the car will start but we might not get a day like that for awhile.

To clarify the situation and what i had done........

The motor turns over and the engine sounds like it wants to start. The plugs are somewhat new and so are the wires. Iv taken the plugs out to inspect them but nothing seems out of the ordinary. There is no distributor on this car. I unpluged the coils and cleaned the contacts and they are sending spark to the plugs. I have about half a tank of gas that has been treated with Heet gas line antifreez even before we had last weeks rain. Iv checked ignition related fuses and all are in good shape (not blown) The battery and terminals are good and clean.

Anyone have this problem? Any idea whats going on? What should i check for next?

Is it burning and/or using a lot of oil?

[FoxProGT]

Originally Posted by zythr

Is it burning and/or using a lot of oil?

Its not burning as much oil as others. i go threw 1qt every 2.5 - 3k miles.

[fishexpo101]

Could be an electrical issue with the fuel pump. That access port is underneath the rear seats - could be a damaged wire that is shorting to ground due to the extra cold/moisture.

Could also be physical damage on the coil packs - might be a good idea to give them quick look over, see if there are any cracks - hit them with some WD-40 (wipe them down afterwards) to help displace any moisture. See if that helps with the starting issue.

Don't forget the plug wires - sometimes they can have cracks / very slight checking on the length of the wire that can bleed off spark power. Same deal - wipe them down, check for damage. Might try adding a little dielectric grease to the boots to help chase off water.

[FoxProGT]

Originally Posted by fishexpo101

Could be an electrical issue with the fuel pump. That access port is underneath the rear seats - could be a damaged wire that is shorting to ground due to the extra cold/moisture.

Could also be physical damage on the coil packs - might be a good idea to give them quick look over, see if there are any cracks - hit them with some WD-40 (wipe them down afterwards) to help displace any moisture. See if that helps with the starting issue.

Don't forget the plug wires - sometimes they can have cracks / very slight checking on the length of the wire that can bleed off spark power. Same deal - wipe them down, check for damage. Might try adding a little dielectric grease to the boots to help chase off water.

For a minute i did think something could be up with the fuel pump, but then why would it only happen with it rains..... didnt cross my mind there could be a moisture issue with the pump too XD ill look into it this weekend. The coils looked clean and in good shape but ill pull them off for closer inspection. Thanks for the reply.