fans not coming on/wont start when hot
 

I have a 2003 Hyundai Accent 1.5 automatic. After it heats up to normal temp and is driven for a while 1/2 hr or more and I turn it off, it wont start until engine is cooled off. The gauge is reading normal temp but it is very hot under the hood. After it cools off it will start normally. I am thinking the cooling fans are not turning on as they should. I did get the fans to come on once by cleaning the connectors. But it seems something else is to blame? Any suggestions?

It is normal for the engine compartment to be hot during the summer months.
If the gauge is reading normal then it isn't a problem.
When engine is first started, try turning on the AC.
This should force both fans to turn on.

Engine not starting after being run for a while or heat soaked
usually an indication of a bad electronic component such as the crankshaft position sensor
Check for spark and injector pulse when it doesn't want to start
If both are missing then it is a good indicator that the crank position sensor is faulty
Locate the sensor and pour some cold water in the general area
Try to limit the water to only the area of interest
And not get other wires wet
If it starts up after that then it also points to the sensor

Sometimes I can pour water over starter and it will start. Fans do come on when a/c is on. I poured water on CKS but it didnt start.I have another car that the transmission went. I am taking parts off that as needed. I will probably replace CKS just to eliminate that possibly.

Are you saying that the no start problem you are having is a no crank no start?
Or is it a crank no start?

Different circuits involved with the different no start issues.

When I turn key it sounds like the battery is close to dead. A boost does nothing. The only thing that seems to work is to wait at least 1/2 hr and pouring water over the starter area seems to help that time frame.

No crank no start
the way it sounds ... the starter may be faulty.
Just need to verify the starter is getting powers and grounds when it won't start
This would mean starter is no good.
If it isn't getting power or ground then need to troubleshoot that circuit

Possible corrosion. Clean battery terminals and cable terminals. Trace ground strap to chassis and clean grounding point.
clean terminal of ignition wire going to the starter solenoid. If nothing else it eliminates possible corrosion issue.

When it doesn't want to start, try tapping the starter.
It may help to get it to crank.
It indicates faulty starter.

I have switched out starter twice. The last switch out was with a new starter. So I dont think its the starter. Battery terminals are clean, too. It starts every time when cold. Its after the car has run for a while and is up to temp, when shut off it wont restart until motor area has cooled down. Then it starts up with no problems.

Can you do a starter relay by-pass test?
This would tell us if the issue is in the control side of the circuit or the load side of the circuit

Take a look at the fuse box and pull the relay and the associated fuse
Look for any green crusties, corrosion.
Also, clean battery terminals and cable terminals.
Doesn't matter if they look clean. Can not tell just by looking

When the engine is hot and won't crank, taking a wire from the positive battery post to the starter solenoid should make it crank
You can have the wire hooked up to the starter solenoid post
and touch the wire to the positive battery post to see if it will crank when using the key will not crank engine
If it doesn't then check to see if the heavier cable going to the starter has 12 volts.
If it does have 12 volts then starter is faulty
Is that cable terminal going to the starter clean?

Note: You should not assume a part is good or not good. Test and re-test to be sure. Absolutely certain.

I am busy the rest of week, but will try this sometime over the weekend and let you know. I have already cleaned battery posts and terminals, tho.

switched out cam sensor, crank pos sensor. Cleaned Positive terminal on battery. Doesnt make sense that starter is faulty when it will start cold every time. But that has been changed out too. Today it refused to start at temp again. I left it with hood up and came back after about 45 minutes and it started right up with no issues. I dont know what else I should look at?

You have got to be a little more specific when talking about the no start condition.
When it is at temp and does want to start, is the engine cranking?Or is the engine cranking but just not starting?

Different type of no start deals with different circuits.

Note: Did you clean the ignition wire going to the starter solenoid?
And did you clean the terminal from battery to starter post?

It attempts to crank over like a very weak battery. If I keep turning key to off and try again, it does the same thing. Crank maybe twice then nothing. Again, if I just leave it alone for a while 30-60 minutes and it cools down, it starts right up like there is nothing wrong. Does that explain it better?

Maybe you could try this addl test, You will need someone to observe the results.

With the headlights on, attempt to start the vehicle when hot and normally won't start.
Watch the headlights and see what they do.
Do they go dim, if so battery questionable, cable connection questionable, starter internal problem.
If the lights don't go dim, problem is in starter circuit and .or starter.

I know you stated it has a new starter.
That could mean a brand new one and you keep the old starter
I could also mean you bought a rebuilt exchange starter where they exchanged your starter for a rebuilt one.

When we put 3 starters on a vehicle and still have the same problem , guess what, IT ain't the starter !!!
Of course if you are getting cheap rebuilt starters , unfortunately , you could be getting what you paid for.

If you carefully pour the cold water on specific parts/areas and the vehicle finally starts, concentrate your efforts to that area.
Between what "A Visitor" suggested and the above checks you should be able to pin down the cause.

So, cold it starts up every time.
When hot, it cranks a little. Once or twice then nothing. Like a weak or dead battery.

Sounds like a bad starter. But, having already changed two starters ...
Must do a few more tests.
Is it an accessory pulley that is stuck?
Is the engine hydro locked due to open injectors?
Try swapping the starter relay in the fuse box?
Still need to clean cable terminal at the starter to eliminate that as a cause of this issue.

Well, good luck

Thanks avistor and hanky. I will try these suggestions soon. Life has been busy lately, but hope to be able to try these additional suggestions in the next few weeks and let you know if problem still exists. Also, to clarify the current starter is brand new, not a rebuilt.