1997 Gc--slow starting

[dad47]

My daughter has a 1997 Grand cheroke and it runs fine once started. Problem is it cranks for probably 10-15 seconds or more before it starts up.

Plugs look good wires seem to be firing ok.

Kinda acts like it isn't getting gas to the carb.

It's a 4.0 6cyl and I'm baffled.

Any tips would be appreciated.

Thanks much Dad

[bringselpup]

Sit in it quietly. Turn the key to on, don't start it. Do you hear the fuel pump buzz from the back right away?

If you don't sit and wait for it. You're saying it starts after 10-15 seconds. Wait it out. After that time does the fuel pump then buzz? If it does then hit the starter, does it start right up then?

[sreilly77]

Originally Posted by bringselpup

Sit in it quietly. Turn the key to on, don't start it. Do you hear the fuel pump buzz from the back right away?

If you don't sit and wait for it. You're saying it starts after 10-15 seconds. Wait it out. After that time does the fuel pump then buzz? If it does then hit the starter, does it start right up then?

bringselpup is right it sounds like something funny with the fuel pump. the fuel pressure in the fuel rails is probably not holding which is a sign your fuel pump is on its way out. do what bringselpup said and see if it starts up normally.

[dad47]

Cool thanks guys I'll give her a call and get her over here to try this out. I'll let u know.

Dad

[msdz]

I have a '94 the does the same thing, I need to turn the switch and let it sit for a couple of seconds before attempting to actually start. Pressure is not holding which I also read it could be just a simple O-ring gasket that is not seating properly, causing the leak off. If I take the pump out though, I will probally just replace wiith a new. Hate to take the time and effort to just replace the O-ring and 2 months later the pump does go out, that would be my luck.

[bringselpup]

Sorry you two but where I'm headed is PCM not fuel pump.
I don't know why but it seems that when the computer starts to go it doesn't tell the fuel pump to do that initial priming for pressure. It's more complicated than that, there is more to the whole start sequence in the computer because you can't make the vehicle start even if you go in the PDC and manually make the pump run for a sec.

I just know from having done one myself. The crank crank crank and then the vehicle starts is the first sign. What really happens is the PCM finally fired the fuel pump while you were cranking away you just didn't hear it while cranking the engine. At first you'll wait only 10 or 15 seconds but it will slowly get longer and longer.

Just sit in the vehicle and turn the key to on and if you don't hear the fuel pump almost instantly just wait. The computer will eventually wake up and you will hear the pump go. Now turn all the way to start and if it's the PCM the vehicle will start right up.

[jeeper186]

Sorry guys, But I have run into this one as I own a 97. This is the only year that they used a fuel pressure regulator on the top of the fuel tank. It is not inline on the fuel rail. When it starts to go, it will take awhile before it fires. Yes it is true that it could be other issues, but this is the most common for the 97 grands. Check for pressure in the fuel rail after it is turned off. most likely it will not have any, when the fuel pump primes before start, it needs more time to get the pressure up, and to bypass the problem regulator. I hope this helps.