Starting Issue

[cruiser69]

I have a 2002 GT 3.8L with 90k on it. About twice a week lately it will not want to start. It cranks fine and then dies. If I keep my foot on the gas for a few minutes it all of a sudden idle fine and runs fine. Could my fuel pump being going out? Let me know if anybody has any ideas. Thanks.

[olopezm]

Try cleaning the IAC valve first with throttle body cleaner, carbon builds up on the plunger and causes a hard time starting the engine.

Holding your foot on the pedal does not helps anything with the fuel system, AFAIK when you do that the PCM detects it and causes the system to stop spraying fuel to avoid a rich fuel mixture in the cylinders.

A bad fuel pump problem could be possible if you have to prime the system (turn the key on and off) several times before cranking the engine in order to build enough fuel pressure on the lines. This could also indicate a bad Fuel Pressure Regulator, remove the vacuum hose running to the top of it and inspect for any fuel dripping from it.

Oscar.

[cruiser69]

I just replaced the IAC and fuel pressure regulator in February. I will check them, but I would hope they are not bad yet.

[richtazz]

With the car off, try disconnecting the MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor and then start the car with it disconnected to see if it stops. Your symptoms are one of the first indications a MAF is failing, and when they do this, they don't neccessarily trip a CEL or code. If it runs better this way, the MAF is the issue. If nothing changes, it's time to get a fuel pressure gauge and see if you fuel pressure is within spec.

[Scrapper]

Originally Posted by cruiser69

I have a 2002 GT 3.8L with 90k on it. About twice a week lately it will not want to start. It cranks fine and then dies. If I keep my foot on the gas for a few minutes it all of a sudden idle fine and runs fine. Could my fuel pump being going out? Let me know if anybody has any ideas. Thanks.

i would put a can of seafom in gas to clean your injectors it's a cheap way to see whats taking place on your car idling you can get it at autozone,advanced about any parts place even rual king. you can try to clean maf sensor it may be what he said also iac need cleaning? one more thing the cat might be plugging up?

[cruiser69]

I unplugged MAF and no change. What should the fuel pressure read when I test it?

[richtazz]

Book specs are 48-55 psi key on/engine off, with a 3-7 psi drop with the car running and the fuel pressure regulator vacuum line attached. In the real world, we've had members with pressure as low as 40psi and having no issues.