'01 LS - double start needed

I am having a problem starting my 2001 impala LS. I turn the key and it seems to start and then dies. The second start always works. Other than the startup it runs really well.

Is there something I should be checking out?


Here's the new parts lately:
new air filter
new PCV
new fuel filter
new spark plugs
New Tranny filter/fluid

56,000 miles

sounds like a possible slow oil pressure sending unit. The car will shut off if no oil pressure is sensed after 3 seconds. After the first start up, the sender starts to send a signal, and the car will stay running.

sounds like a possible slow oil pressure sending unit.

Thanks Richtazz,
would there be any indications of this being bad besides the car shutting off?
Also, is that the same thing as a "oil pressure switch/sender" found here:
http://www.partsamerica.com/PartDetails.asp?SourceArea=&SourcePage=SEARCHRESULTS&MfrCode=GPS&MfrPartNumber=OPS112&PartType=417&PTSet=A

it is the same switch, The only other indication would be either a slow reacting guage or the oil light (if equipped), staying on after the engine starts.

Well, I don't have an oil pressure gauge on my dash. But, my oil light isn't on. Would it throw a code that I could confirm with a code-reader?

Do I need to drain my oil to replace that sending unit? I'm guessing so. Of course, I just changed my oil yesterday.

you don't have to drain the oil to replace it. You might lose a tiny amount while changing it, and the light won't always stay on when they start to go bad. It's not a computer related switch, it grounds the relay to keep the fuel pump running, so a scan tool wouldn't help

Is there a way I could short the wires to see if the car wouldn't die?

I never did replace the sending unit, mostly because I never got around to it.

I can now more accurately describe the situation:
It only needs the double start when the car is warm, but has been sitting for maybe 10 minutes (give or take a few). If I just shut if off, and then restart it, it never does the double start. If its cold, it doesn't double start. It only needs a double start when the engine is still warm, but has been off for 10 min - an hour.

When googling, I found http://www.misterfixit.com/fuelrlay.htm
hopefully it is the fuel relay. I will test it and post back if it is fixed.

My car does somewhat the same thing, but it doesn't stall out, When it's cold it starts right up, but when it's warm, and it doesn't do it all the time, when i start it warm it takes 5 seconds for it to start. Where is the fuel pump relay at? It's a cheap part, might as well try and replace it to see if it works better.

Let me know,
Mike

Its on the front passenger side right above the wheel. If you have day running lights with the same relay #, just try swapping them.

It didn't fix my problem. I am in the process of replacing the oil pressure switch as richtazz suggested. Unfortunately, its not an easy part to come by. I had to order it. If you replace it, make sure you compare the old one with the new one. My old one has 2 terminals (2 wires) and the new one (listed for my engine/year) only had one. I had to order one with 2 terminals specifically. I will let you know if it works out.

Ok, let me know. How much is the part worth, and how hard is it to replace? I'm open to anything at this point. So any suggestion is welcome...

thanks
mike

I replaced the fuel oil sending unit. It didn't change anything. I didn't tighten it nearly as much as I should have, and it leaked oil all over my driveway. Its pretty hard to get to, you have to remove the front passenger wheel and use locking pliers or something narrow like those. theres only enough room to turn it about 1/16 of a turn each time before adjusting the pliers, and turning it more. (You can see why I didn't tighten it enough.)

so did you tighten it and try it again? How much was the part? I'm stumped on why my car starts the way it does. I took it to the dealership today and let them look at it. They noticed the problem too, but they have no idea why it's doing it. They thought it might be the fuel filter, but i replaced it not all that long ago. Then they asked me about the plugs and wires, replaced. So i have no idea why either. My car also has a little bit of a miss to it when it's idleing. I have no idea what to do with it. I will probably just help it along until something breaks and then go and have the warranty fix it. I have also noticed a lack of power too....what the heck is wrong with this car????

mike

Yes, I tightened it. It fixed the leak, not the double start. Now I just feather the gas pedal when I start the car.
I don't think mine has a lack of power, its pretty powerful actually.

Hmm....well I went to start my car after it was warmed up and it kept turning over and turning over...i didn't think it was going to start. It seems like the plugs are slowing starting to fire until the engine catches up and starts. I have NO CLUE what is wrong with it. I have replaced what i think would cure the problem. Plugs, wires, fuel filter. That kind of stuff. Any ideas on what else i could replace? I'm going to be a impala master machanic by the time i sell this thing...when and if....

mike

my parents brand new 05 impala does the same thing. I am pretty sure its just something to do with the computer itself. Usually happens when its off just long enough, like when you get gas for it. There really is nothing to worry about, most newer GM 3800 cars I have driven do the same thing.

bermis519,
Have you had any luck figuring out what is going on? I have the exact same problem with my 2001 Impala. It seems like when it is cold it will start, when it is somewhat warm, then it has problems starting, and the only way I can get it to start sometimes is to give it gas. If you find out what is wrong, I would be very happy to know.

I took my car to the dealer and they had no idea what was going on. This is very frustrating, especially since it is my wifes car and she gets frustrated quickly.

Thanks

I have a lead on replacing the fuel pressure regulator. I will let you know if it works out.

Fixed. It was the fuel pressure regulator. $70 (parts only, installed it myself)

The old one was leaking gas into the vacuum line. It makes sense if you think about it. If the car is just shut off and then restarted, not much gas leaks into the vacuum line. If the car has sat a real long time, the leaked gas has a chance to evaporate. The only time it impacts the starting is when enough gas has leaked into the vacuum.

To test if your fuel pressure regulator is leaking just take off the vacuum hose while the car is running and tap on the nozzle with a screwdriver. If gas comes out of the nozzle it is bad.

my next suggestion to both of you is the fuel pressure regulator. Check fuel pressure at the rail and see if you have enough pressure. IF not, try pinching the return line. If the presure shoots up, then the regulator is bad. IF it still is low, you may have a bad fuel pump.

not sure who "both of you" is directed to. But replacing the fuel pressure regulator fixed all my problems.

my 2000 impala had the same problem...

it's actually a recall on the fuel pressure regulator.. got that replaced and works great now.....

Mike

my impala was not a part of the recall. The new regulator seems to have fixed it though.