Hard start

[DGP1985]

Alrighty, I've looked around and I don't think I've found anything similar (or actually a solution) to my problem.

About 1 or 2 month ago, my car started to have a hard time firing-up, cold or hot engine doesnt seam to affect.

It takes about 3-4 seconds with the ignition on for the engine to actually start.

That's the only problem with the car so far, it runs smoothly, acceleration hasn't changed and it doesn't idle in a wierd way.

Latelly the following has been changed:

- Spark plugs
- Spark plugs wires
- Battery
- Fuel filter
- Rear O2 sensor (going to do the front one soon, but I don't think it's related to the problem)
- Added some injector cleaner last time I gassed up

If I shut off the engine and start it a few minutes after (for exemple when I go gas up) the engine seams to struggle to get to 1000 RPM at the beggining but runs smoothly after I give it a bit of gas.

I'm guessing it could be a fuel pump related problem but I just wanted to get some opinions before actually getting the new pump and installing it (kind of on a budjet so I'm trying to avoid "useless" repairs)

Well, if you went through all of this......thanks! I hope some1 can help me out

[muff34]

I`d get the fuel pressure checked and also check the fuel pressure regualtor. Just guessing that you have no SES light showing . You also post what engine you have and mileage to help others help you

[yhandor]

Kinda like whats wrong with my car..........

[DGP1985]

Yeah getting the fuel pressure checked was the next thing on my list...
And yep, no lights or whatsoever are ON

And yeah, I don't understand how I forgot to mention that....lol
It's a 1999 cav 2.2 OHV engine and there's about 128000 km on it

[DGP1985]

well...went to try to get the fuel pressure regulator and so far no luck in 2 car part dealers....seams like I'm going to have to go to the dealer....

Unless someone knows a good website for parts....(I'm in Canada so...autozone doesn't work for me )

[DGP1985]

Originally Posted by muff34

I`d get the fuel pressure checked and also check the fuel pressure regualtor. Just guessing that you have no SES light showing . You also post what engine you have and mileage to help others help you

Right on target buddy, thanks :P
I ended up getting a FPR at the dealership and the guy actually gave me a discount (guess I look broke or something...lol)

Finished changing it a few minutes ago and the engine starts just fine now, thanks a lot

[inafogg]

glad everything worked out for you & thanks for posting the fix

[DGP1985]

Errr, guess I said everything was fine a little too fast....lol

Took the car out twice today and at the end of the day it was still doing the same thing....

I find it kind of wierd because after installing the regulator it started normally...

Guess it could be the fuel pump or the injectors maybe....any other thoughs?

[Spyder3K]

I'm gonna throw one outta left field here and wonder if your map sensor is being fidgety.

And the only reason why I threw it from left field is that the FPR runs that vacuum line to the throttle body and who the hell knows anymore... the MAP sensor, along with vacuum leaks, just suck between 2.2 and 2.4L. lol

[DGP1985]

Yeah I though about changing it too...I'd rather change all the "cheap and easy" parts rather then buying a fuel pump or new injectors....

[muff34]

How is it on the highway,does it waffle if you mash the gas?? get the fuel pressure checked before you start changing the "Cheap and Easy " parts. Hows the air filter? maybe she can`t breathe..........lol. wanna spend some cash go to GM and get the Good injector cleaner . 18 bucks

[DGP1985]

well, I'm doing the repairs myself and I asked around before changing parts....and it might sound wierd but I still enjoy working on my car :P lol

Anyways, the air filter was replaced about 2 month ago with a clean one and it's still clean (from the looks of it)

And besides the start, the car doesn't act wierd at all, expect maybe on idle it's a LITTLE rough, but barelly noticeable (RPM don't seam to change that much) and highway is just fine

[muff34]

Originally Posted by DGP1985

well, I'm doing the repairs myself and I asked around before changing parts....and it might sound wierd but I still enjoy working on my car :P lol

Anyways, the air filter was replaced about 2 month ago with a clean one and it's still clean (from the looks of it)

And besides the start, the car doesn't act wierd at all, expect maybe on idle it's a LITTLE rough, but barelly noticeable (RPM don't seam to change that much) and highway is just fine

not weird at all ,more power to you . if you have a Haynes manual read up on checking the injectors and see if that helps

[yhandor]

To all of you who gave your suggestions and help, thanks! I finally got it fixed, did it myself, it was the Fuel Pressure Regulator. Went and snagged a used one, installed it myself, and car works beautifully again! I never thought it would be that because mine was brand new jsut over a year ago and is still shiny and not rusted.......oh well, things break! Just wanted to post to let anyone with similar problems know, check that, it was the last thing I thought it would be.

[DGP1985]

All righty....new development!...sadly enough I doubt it's for the best. Yesterday the car started to make a whirring comming from the underneath the back of the car...thus...I'm guessing my fuel pump is officially dying on me... unless it's something else, anybody? lol