I didn't check the sparks, but here are the codes. I was able to get her started last night by holding on the gas while starting and then pumping it about 10-15 times. After that it started up rather easily, but wanted to stall immediately after if gas was not applied. Based on the symptoms and the codes I beleive either the other coil pack is done or I need to replace the CPS sensor. I'm leaning towards the sensor. Your thoughts?


PO300 Random/Cylinder misfire detected
PO341 Camshaft Position Sensor A- Bank 1
CKT Range Perf
PO340 Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Malfunction

 

The last coil pack I changed was on 2/3 so I suspect 1/4 is the problem.

 

Also recently I have went from about 30 MPG to about 20 MPG. Would this be caused by the ECTS?

 

I'm not sure if the S series has a camshaft position sensor.I don't think it does. I have had the code pop up a few times but I've never replaced one. Crankshaft position sensors go bad occasionally, but when they go, they're gone-it's not usually an intermittant problem.The ECTS can cause lots of problems-hard starting being one of them,poor fuel economy another. They are reasonably inexpensive. If yours is the origional it is getting ready to go so replace it with the newer style brass unit. The origional units are made of some sort of composite material that eventually cracks and then fails. I don't think a bad ECTS would set a random cylinder misfire code, so I think you are on the correct track by replacing that other coil.

 

Does sound like a bad ECTS -- replace this first -- it will make the rest of the troubleshooting easier and will save wear on the starter....

Indeed s cars have no CAM position sensor -- your codes indicate an issue with the ignition (big surprise there). The random misfire code is not especially good, and means the ignition system can't determine which cyl or cyls are misfiring --

1) Pull all the wires off the coils -- have a friend crank the engine -- watch for a spark (arc) alternately between the two posts on each coil tower -- they should both be there and should be about equal in strength -- if not, the weaker one is the bad coil. Note that the coils ground through the mounting bolts so be sure these are clean and firmly attached.

If the coils pass the above simple test, install a new set of wires and plugs (stock NGKs gapped at .040). Clear the codes, then try to start.

If the above does not solve the problem, re read the codes when the SES sets again and post here and well keep working on it. I don't want to get too far ahead in guessing since ignition stuff is not terribly cheap.
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As for CRANK postition sensor (CPS), in my experience these sometimes do flake out if they are dying, causing untraceable sudden stalling and irreproducible no start conditions....if you have spark to start the car than the Crank position sensor is doing its job....for now anyway.....

Checking for spark on all four plugs will also likely shed some light in the right direction

 

I had no spark on spark plug #1 which was the coil I replaced. It is also a brand new spark plug. I hadn't read your most recent replies so I went ahead with replacing the crankshaft position Sensor. Picked up a new one at autozone for $16.99, installed, and boom we have ignition. No problems with startup at all now. It's right behind the starter underneath the car. Problem solved. My gas mileage has not returned to what it once was so I think I will replace the ECTS with the brass version next weekend and see what happens. Thanks for your help.

 

glad to be of assistance. You'll enjoy the mileage that comes with your replacement ECTS. Be sure to replace the connector too (dealer only part)