02 Impala not starting right! Please help!

My 02 Impala is not starting right away when I turn the key. It tries to start for 3-4 secs and then fires up. Occasionally it dies right after it starts, but usually it stays running. When I have been out and about and driving it, it will start just fine some of the time. It's when it sits more than an hour that is struggles. We took it to GM about 8 mos ago and got new plugs/wires, fuel filter, air filter, cat converter (recalled) replaced. They found no engine/transmission codes and said this happens sometimes with these cars. Basically said with high miles it can be normal (at the time there were about 120K on the car). Took it in this last Friday for routine oil change, and also had them do a fuel system cleaning...no change at all. ):

Went to another shop 2 mos ago, they hooked it to the computer-no codes at all. They said it could possibly be the fuel pump, but said they can't promise us anything & want over $600 to fix it. The mechanic basically said not to replace the fp cause they have seen this before on Impala's and it doesn't fix the problem. There are no signs of fuel pump failure as it doesn't cut out at all and it has been doing this for over a year. It always starts, just not right away.

Yesterday I took it to a parts store to have them use their computer to test the starter/alternator. The computer said low battery/charge and therefore he could not even continue with the test. The battery is only 5 mos old. I remembered that the little light above the rear passenger door has been stuck on for a few weeks. I came home and took the bulb out and I hope the battery will recover on its own cause I don't have a trickle charger or another car.

Do you have any ideas about the starting issue? I am a girl so you'll have to use easy terms! Thanks for any help!

The first thing I would do is check fuel pressure. If it drops than pull the vacuum hose of the fuel pressure regulator and see if it is leaking (you can do that right of the bat if you want). If it is leaking that would be a really good start since there shouldn't be any raw fuel coming out of the pressure regulator. These are a fairly common item to fail on most GM vehicles.

Sometimes you may have to wait a few minutes and/or turn the key on and off a couple times for enough fuel to build up and leak out.

The first thing I would do is check fuel pressure. If it drops than pull the vacuum hose of the fuel pressure regulator and see if it is leaking

Can you tell me how to check the pressure? Do I need a special tool? Where is the vacuum hose located? Sorry to sound stupid...:confused:

I googled it, sounds easy enough, although I don't have a gauge...Checker here I come! So if there is leakage from the hose, I would need to replace the fuel pressure regulator?

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j293/airjer/AF%20Stuff/31fuel.jpg

Pull off the vacuum hose (yellow) and look for fuel. Sometimes you'll need to turn the key on, wait five seconds, and repeat a couple of times. Sometimes it helps to start the vehicle and let it run for a bit. It will be fine with the vacuum hose of the regulator if you want you can plug the vacuum hose with a golf T.

If any fuel comes out of the nipple it is bad! No need to get a pressure gauge until you have figured out if this part is leaking or not.

I went back to the auto store this morning, and they re-did the test for the alternator and starter. They are both fine, no issues there. However, the battery was still showing only 53% charge, and they advised me to get a new one. I replaced the battery again (it was under warranty) and it did not help at all.

Thanks for the great picture. My car has the 3800 V6, but I was able to locate the fuel pressure regulator based off this picture. I ran the car a couple minutes, removed the vacuum hose, and there was absolutely no gas leaking from the nipple at all. I left it running and felt it and it remained dry the whole time.

At this point, I assume I need to invest in a pressure gauge? Those guys at the auto store are going to get sick of me!

To add to my problems.....

I filled my car last Friday. I reset the trip odometer at that time. This morning, I realized that I had only traveled 99.3 miles, and my gas gauge is under half a tank. Something is seriously wrong if I am only getting 11 mpg! Could this point to the fuel pump?

The saga continues...

Took it to a third mechanic, and he claims the injectors need to be cleaned. I just had that done, but he says they didn't do the same type of cleaning that this shop does. Again, he said nothing really pointed to the fuel pump. I am so confused. I do know that this 11 mpg thing is not making me happy. I think maybe its time to send her down the road! Too bad trade in values suck!

Doe's this car have a MAF sensor, that needs Tobe cleaned or replaced?
How about the throttle plate?
If battery is low, take the battery to the auto parts store for a free charge, otherwise
you could put too much demand on you alternator.
11mph, the engine is getting plenty of gas.
The best way to clean injectors is taking out and let the diesel shop do the cleaning & test the flow rate.

Doe's this car have a MAF sensor, that needs Tobe cleaned or replaced?
How about the throttle plate?
If battery is low, take the battery to the auto parts store for a free charge, otherwise
you could put too much demand on you alternator.
11mph, the engine is getting plenty of gas.

I am not sure about the MAF sensor...will have to check on that. The battery was low last December, so we bought a new one. Then I took it in to have the alt/starter checked last week, and they told me the battery was bad. So I replaced it again. And yes, there is definitely lots of gas going somewhere! Its frustrating! I don't even have the damn thing paid off yet! Are these things something I can do myself or do I need a mechanic to do it?