1999 Chevy Malibu starts up, dies, then starts fine

[aem1988]

Hey everyone, I have a 1999 chevy malibu that about a year ago started having trouble starting up. I'll turn the key and the engine will turn over but then die back down. I'll turn the key a second time and the engine starts and runs just fine. What could be the problem here?

[inafogg]

Originally Posted by aem1988

Hey everyone, I have a 1999 chevy malibu that about a year ago started having trouble starting up. I'll turn the key and the engine will turn over but then die back down. I'll turn the key a second time and the engine starts and runs just fine. What could be the problem here?

you can check fuel pressure to see if its at proper pressure
install gauge when cold,turn key on engine off to check pressure
you can also prime the pump a few times & see if it starts easier if
a gauge is'nt available.

[rkvons]

Originally Posted by aem1988

Hey everyone, I have a 1999 chevy malibu that about a year ago started having trouble starting up. I'll turn the key and the engine will turn over but then die back down. I'll turn the key a second time and the engine starts and runs just fine. What could be the problem here?

You may have leaky injectors. Do like inafogg says and put a fuel pressure guage on the fuel rail and turn the key to on, but don't start the engine. Then turn it off and see if the pressure remains for 10 minutes or so. If not, fuel is either leaking back into the tank or leaking into the engine. Leaking into the engine will cause those symptoms.

[jpar1983]

Is this a serious issue? As in worth getting fixed?I'm having identical symptoms on my '98. Just changed the fuel filter, some seriously nasty stuff coming out of the inlet side of that when I took it off so that may have been a contributor. Is it more likely fuel injectors? I know I wouldn't dream of servicing those but don't know how much that usually costs. It helps to give it a little gas when starting. It may also help to turn the key to "on" for a few seconds before starting the car, I assume that gets the fuel pump going and restores pressure to the system. I say "may help" because I've only really had one or two chances to test this since yesterday.