Intermittent Start

[BeNiceToSpiders]

Brand new problem,

My '81 has decided that it doesn't want to start about 50% of the time. (This is a big problem for me, because I know very little about cars and I'm learning as I go.)

In the driveway it starts like a dream on the first turn of the key. But if I drive 10-15 minutes, turn the key off, and try to restart, Nothing.

I get a click, and sometimes a sound that sounds like a motor or something releasing air. It doesn't turn over.

My game plan was to get the battery tested and replace the spark plugs. Any advice would be very welcome.

Thanks, Kris

[pope]

sounds like the temp sensor for the FI system is acting up. Not much else makes the motor flat out die.

[BeNiceToSpiders]

Thanks Pope,

Forgive my ignorance, but what is the "FI" system? Is that the fuel injector?

How difficult/costly is it to replace the temperature sensor?

(Isn't that just the way things go. I just got the last problem fixed and thought I could drive my wonderful little car. Ended up walking home 18 miles in the dark. Went back the next day with a tow strap and it started up first turn.)

[So Cal Mark]

if the starter won't work you either have an ignition switch, battery or starter problem.