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[x1xv45]

Problem is random refusal to start up. Turn it over 4 or 5 times and usually its fine after that, but sometimes it runs like on one cylinder, awful, but a restart and it's fine. Its happened maybe 4 or 5 times in the last few months, but yesterday it took a lot longer to get it going (today fine again). After a search here I got that its a crank sensor problem, except on 2.2 its probably cam sensor. Which one is it - what should I look for in the ecu settings that would pinpoint the issue?

[PhilRich]

Look for any of these codes to pinpoint your specific problem, but from your description it sounds like Cam Sensor. If money is tight then ask if anyone has a known good one in the Car Parts & Bits for Sale section of the Forum, otherwise the GM part no. is given below. Only buy a GENUINE replacement as a Pattern sensor will be a waste of time & money. HTH

Cam Sensor..: Part No. 90520850


P0335   Crankshaft Sensor Open Circuit   
P0335   Crankshaft Sensor Incorrect Signal
P0340   Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit No Signal
P0340   Camshaft Sensor Incorrect Signal

[henryd]

Problem is random refusal to start up. Turn it over 4 or 5 times and usually its fine after that, but sometimes it runs like on one cylinder, awful, but a restart and it's fine. Its happened maybe 4 or 5 times in the last few months, but yesterday it took a lot longer to get it going (today fine again). After a search here I got that its a crank sensor problem, except on 2.2 its probably cam sensor. Which one is it - what should I look for in the ecu settings that would pinpoint the issue?

2.2 engine needs a code reader on it to read the codes but I suspect its as Philrich has said,although when was it last serviced? ie how old are the spark plugs?,may be worth checking the basics first

[x1xv45]

No faults present in codes (P1070 lean exhaust not present). Plugs are quite new, just cleaned breathers and throttle body and oil change recently. I understood from my searches that cam sensor doesn't always throw up a code, but what about crank sensor, or is that just not something to look it because its a 2.2?

[henryd]

No faults present in codes (P1070 lean exhaust not present). Plugs are quite new, just cleaned breathers and throttle body and oil change recently. I understood from my searches that cam sensor doesn't always throw up a code, but what about crank sensor, or is that just not something to look it because its a 2.2?

2.2 doesn't seem to suffer much from crank sensor but cam sensor seems a common fault on them.

[RobG]

If cam sensor proves to be suspect, got a known good one here (and crank sensor).

[x1xv45]

RobG - that would be great. What can I do to really confirm that it's the cam sensor. In my first post I was sort of hoping someone would guide me to interpret the settings in the ecu - I can see quite a few with my device, but haven't a clue what they mean. Otherwise its swap and hope.

[RobG]

RobG - that would be great. What can I do to really confirm that it's the cam sensor. In my first post I was sort of hoping someone would guide me to interpret the settings in the ecu - I can see quite a few with my device, but haven't a clue what they mean. Otherwise its swap and hope.

What are you seeing?

[x1xv45]

Well, there's a huge list of items under "Measuring Blocks", like Mass Air Flow, Coolatnt Temp, Intake Air temp, Fuel Tank Ventilation, Fuel Trim, Idle speed, Ignition Dwell Angle, Ignition Spark Angle, etc. and the values obviously vary whether the engine is running or not. I don't know which ones could be clues to cam sensor, or what the values signify.

[cnj]

do you not have a diagnostic section on the machine ?

[x1xv45]

Yes, I think "Measuring Blocks" is part of it, there's also Fault Codes, which I reported on earlier didn't find anything useful.

[PhilRich]

Yes, I think "Measuring Blocks" is part of it, there's also Fault Codes, which I reported on earlier didn't find anything useful.

I'm deducing from this that your code reader is the unmentionable (on here) beginning with O and ending in M? If so, the Measuring Blocks will not give any info that definately points to either a Crank or Cam Sensor fault. Unfortunately, if you've ruled out other variables such as plugs, Distributor Pack, battery connections etc; then the most likely culprit on a Desmond is the Cam Sensor. As stated earlier, this does not necessarily throw up a fault code when it fails, so it's a case of replace it and see in which case that nice Mr. RobG is the man to see to save you shelling out more of your hard earned than you need to! Even if the Cam Sensor isn't at fault this time at least you will have a cheap spare for when it is! My 2.2 has had 2 failed Crank Sensors in the past 4 years but the one that was on the car when I bought it was a Pattern part & I replaced it with a second hand genuine from a scrap yard so I got what I deserved The symptoms I got with the failed Crank Sensors was stalling at lights, junctions etc, & intermittent power shutdown on the move!
A faulty Cam Sensor is usually poor starting and manky tickover which rights itself until the next start, until you get to the stage where the car refuses to start at all.

[x1xv45]

Yeah, I was trying not to mention the unmentionable. I think your description pretty well matches my experience, so I'll just try the cam sensor.
RobG - I'll attempt to PM you re: the sensor you have.

[PhilRich]

Don't forget my Commission Rob!

[RobG]

Don't forget my Commission Rob!