We need those most recent code numbers from a scan DJ.
Without them, we'd only be guessing from a list of possibilities a mile long.

Tell us about what mileage is on the vehicle, maintenance history, what kind of oil, what climate (location) what you've done to date in more detail. "Plug were burned" (for instance) doesn't say much.

 

Max,
First of all thanks for the reply. As far as the codes, the only code I know for sure was P0011. I have a print out from Auto zone that has that code on it, but it is a print out for that code, for every other make but suzuki. The code overall says it has to do with the camshaft position. The other print out that I cannot locate, said something about mass air flow sensor, and a o2 sensor (lean bank, if I remember right?)
I do know that the gas mileage was getting worse, and while running, it had a bad smell to the exhaust. Not like a fuel smell, but maybe more like rotten eggs.
There are about 69000 miles on the odometer. It is equipped with an oil life indicator, and has been changed pretty regular. I take it to an oil change place here in McKinney, TX. Not sure what brand, but I it is synthetic only. No work has been done to it since we bought it new.

That night after church, it was running very rough, with no power, like it was out of fuel. I checked the air filter, and it looked almost new. While trying to start it, and while being pulled home, I started getting a charging system warning, and eventually the battery was dead. I tried to charge the battery, but it would not last long. I ended up getting it tested, and found that it was bad, so I bought a new one. Installed it, and still would not start. I thought it could be the starter, but it seems to turn over. I checked to make sure I was getting voltage to the starter with a test light, and I am. I started to take out the starter to have it tested, but could not get to the nut for the power wire, plus I was outside on the ground, and the temp was in the 20's here at the time.
I checked to see if I could hear the fuel pump come on when the key was put to the ON position, and I could hear it while under the car at the tank.
I pulled a couple of the plugs, and saw that they were black on the ends, and installed new ones. After installing the new plugs, I checked to see if they were getting any fuel to them, and the couple I pulled are. It was suggested with one plug out to put a very tiny amount of fuel in to the cylinder, and then installed the plug, and see if it does any better. I did that, and had the same results, which is why I am saying it is not getting fire.
I have looked at every fuse/relay that I thought could be related to my problem, but did not find any bad ones. I looked under the hood at that box, and also the one that is on the front passengers side of the center dash area.
Can a sensor keep it from starting?
Can the starter actually be bad? When attempting to start it, I turn the key on, and like I said it seems to be turning over, but it continues, even while not trying to crank it. I guess that is the electronic ignition?

Still stumped,
DJ

 

I'm conflicted as to whether the engine is turning over on the starter as normal?

I thought it could be the starter, but it seems to turn over

Can the starter actually be bad? When attempting to start it, I turn the key on, and like I said it seems to be turning over, but it continues, even while not trying to crank it

Please just tell us what you hear and see (2nd person needed) when you place the key in "start" position. Does the engine rotate over and does it SOUND normal during that process, and simply won't start in other words? :huh:

Codes. You hint to various ones, one of which (Cam Position Sensor) will keep the engine from starting. The others (02 and Mass Air Flow) will affect performance.

All I can suggest for you to do at your level is to ensure a proper battery charge, belts are in place, fuel is of sufficient quantity and quality and to check all vital liquids for proper levels. After that, you need local and competent mechanical troubleshooting expertise. Someone capable of pulling the full error codes, interpreting them, and to pursue in locating / correcting the problem.

Doing this long distance (in this case) probably isn't going to get to the heart of the problem, and you back on the road.

 

Max,
This is DJ,
Still not starting. One code was P0011. Do you know what that code is for? Did find out it's getting compression, and fire, and fuel cause the new plugs don't look new anymore, and are not dry. I took a plug out and had someone try to start it, and there was movement in the cylinder.
When trying to start it, it does not sound right though. Even when releasing the key, it continues to try to start. Is that normal? Also since I put in a new battery, are all the codes gone?

Thanks for all your help!

 

One code was P0011

P0011 "A" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)

Tells me that the CPS (Cam Position Sensor) is bad OR the cam / timing chain has jumped time.

CPS's don't have a high failure rate. And with only 69K and reported good oil change maintenance performed on the engine, I'd hate to think that you have timing chain issues already. Things ARE pointing in that direction though.

When it died...were there any clattering, clacking or banging noises associated with it's last breath (indicating the cam chains or sprockets let go)?

new plugs don't look new anymore, and are not dry

Sounds like there is fuel there but no spark or adequate compression. Suggest a cylinder leak-down test or at least a compression test of all cylinders to confirm.

Even when releasing the key, it continues to try to start

Whoa! That appears that a set of start circuit switch contacts are fusing shut! This most often occurs in the starter solenoid, and occasionally with the starter circuit relay or ignition switch. ALL of those faulty switching instances can be caused by long duration starting attempts of the vehicle though.

Also since I put in a new battery, are all the codes gone?

Yes.

 

Good to hear from you again Max,
As far as any noises, there were none that I remember.
I started it, and it was running terrible, and the engine was vibrating. It did not have enough power to even move, no matter how much acceleration I gave it.

When I tried to drive it, it would barely go. We decided to pull it home, and during the pull, the battery died, so no more lights. Got it home, and it has not started since, even after getting a new battery, and changing the plugs.

The continuous "trying to start" issue I mentioned, come to find out is what it is supposed to do. It continues to try to start for a few seconds even if the key has been released.

I contacted a place that I brother in law has had work done by, and I will be loading it on a trailer tomorrow to drop it off. I am praying it is only a sensor causing it not to start.
I was afraid that the codes were gone for good, but at least it will be somewhere that has equipment to check things out.

I don't want to take to a dealer, fearing that there are several things wrong, that I will not be able to afford to get fixed. Right now I just need it to start, and then I can go from there.

DJ

 

Fingers crossed.

The continuous "trying to start" issue I mentioned, come to find out is what it is supposed to do. It continues to try to start for a few seconds even if the key has been released.

That is certainly odd.

 

for sure!
As for the engine continuing to try to start, it only does it a few seconds, if it was not successful, then stops.
I was just reading a major "debacle" as you called it, concerning someone with timing chain issues, and all the hassle with Suzuki, and the dealer. I am for sure keeping my fingers crossed it is a sensor issue now. It sounds like Suzuki has a big problem with this motor. Also it seems this motor is in other makes of vehicles as well that are having similar issues.

DJ

 

It sounds like Suzuki has a big problem with this motor

That case of his is certainly out of the norm. And as is internet / forum typical, we routinely hear only about the odd / problem instances, as opposed to all of the folks that enjoy many miles of trouble free driving.

Any make or model vehicle will have the occasionally bizarre tale of mechanical failure. And who is to say that problems like those don't stem from owner inflicted lack of maintenance, collision damage after effects, or pure neglect, even at the hands of a previous owner!

 

Exact same problem with 2007 xl7 not starting

I bought the xl7 new in 2008 at a substantial discount from a Suzuki dealership in Iowa. It has 98,000 and is doing exactly what djdrummer described, even the "bizarre" symptoms such as the engine continuing to crank for about 2 seconds after the key is released. However, I have something djdrummer did not have...codes..please help!
P2101 - Throttle Actuator Control Motor circuit range/performance
p0201 through p0206 - Injector Circuit open (This is for a cylinders)
p0480 - Cooling Fan 1 Control Circut malfunction
p0443 - Emission Purge Control valve Circuit

Oh, have followed maintenance schedule religiously!!!!

Thank you!