2002 Wouldn't start and then it did...

I parked my car and left it for my wife and she said it wouldn't start. I didn't have time to look at it but 2 days later, I got in it and it started right up. OK, I did try to start it that same day she told me and it wouldn't start. I'm guessing it is the fuel pump???
One day last week, while driving home, it almost stalled on me doing 67mph. My check engine light was flashing (emissions alert) and then it drove fine. Now here I am a week later and I'm afraid to take it anywhere. Has anyone had similar problem and could it be fuel pump or is there a selinoid I could get at without dropping the tank...???? Any help I'd appreciate. Thanks in advance.

Rob

This has happened several times with my wife's 2000, although it never stalled at 67mph and there were no engine lights. In all the cases, when it wouldn't start, I told her to put her foot to the floor, hold it there and crank the starter. Each time it started. Somehow it seemed to flood itself like an old carburetor car. Yours may be an entirely different problem, but you might try this. May work for you.

Get it scanned for history or pending codes, post back results.

I parked my car and left it for my wife and she said it wouldn't start. I didn't have time to look at it but 2 days later, I got in it and it started right up. OK, I did try to start it that same day she told me and it wouldn't start. I'm guessing it is the fuel pump???
One day last week, while driving home, it almost stalled on me doing 67mph. My check engine light was flashing (emissions alert) and then it drove fine. Now here I am a week later and I'm afraid to take it anywhere. Has anyone had similar problem and could it be fuel pump or is there a selinoid I could get at without dropping the tank...???? Any help I'd appreciate. Thanks in advance.

Rob

The first thing to check the the battery and ALL connections. The battery may be original and could be 7 years old. The connection cable to the floor pan next to the battery may be corroded. Park the AC to off with the key ON. Then clean the connection there. There are also connections under the hood in the fuse block and a ground cable to the starter and motor (I haven't found mine).

A couple of posters somewhere on line said when the battery started dropping voltage strange symptoms occurred.

This has happened several times with my wife's 2000, although it never stalled at 67mph and there were no engine lights. In all the cases, when it wouldn't start, I told her to put her foot to the floor, hold it there and crank the starter. Each time it started. Somehow it seemed to flood itself like an old carburetor car. Yours may be an entirely different problem, but you might try this. May work for you.

I would check the fuel pressure regulator.

Thanks for the responses. This car is as clean as a babys' bottom in a bingo hall. (not during Bingo)
No corrosion anywhere. The fuel pressure regulator or pump itself seems to be the direction I'm headed in. Now just to find out where it is. :naughty: Feel free to chime in. Is this accessable throught the "trap door" ???

Rob

First do what Maxwedge suggested, the pressure regulator is on the fuel rail (on the engine) and there is an access panel in the trunk for replacing the fuel pump,but again get the codes or you may be replacing parts you dont need.

While it is best to check for codes DTC's first, nothing within the fuel system (except EVAP) will log a DTC. A simple fuel pressure test would be the best diagnostic procedure for testing the condition of the pump & regulator. If the diaphragm in the regulator is leaking, you may have signs of raw fuel in the vacuum hose going to the regulator. Next time it will not start, test fuel pressure & spark.

I actually had a recall notice for my fuel regulator for my 2000...the symptoms mentioned were very similar - with the exception of backfire and possible fire at the end of it (this was with repeated attempts to start).

I did my pump - it was accessible through the trunk - but it's tight and you need to be careful with the rather delicate float during removal and re-insertion of the pump.

Definitely check the regulator first though...save you a lot of trouble if its not the pump or filter.

Your may not believe this but the car has been running fine for the last 2 months. I haven't done anything. NO codes come up and it has been running like brand new. The only weird thing is I smell fuel at times and have no idea where it's coming from. I'm getting 24.7 miles to the gallon. I'll keep you'll posted.

Rob