[josephk300]

Nieve - never got satisfaction from the dealer. Their best answer seems to be "live with it". I replaced both the crank and cam positioning sensors, and no difference. I also replaced plugs and plug wires as part of the 100,000 mile service - no difference. Car is at 120,000 now. I am back to thinking it could be the fuel pressure relief valve which is part of the fuel pump, which would mean getting a new fuel pump, but the engine runs perfectly fine other than the occasional hard start. Not worth the big bucks for a new pump. I was also thinking of cleaning the throttle body, but it sounds like a real PITA because of disturbing the calibration settings. Plenty of caution on the boards about this. Would love to know what causes the occasional hard start, but might have to let this sleeping dog lie..