1996 Camaro starting problem

imager24 · #1 03-08-2005, 04:35 PM

I have a 1996 Camaro with a 3.8 (3800 V6) Automatic Transmission

When trying to start it turns over for at least 5-9 seconds before actually starting up. Once running it runs great has great power, sounds normal all seems fine. Does anyone have any idea what might be the cause for this issue. Or at least a starting point to start checking? I don't want to have to take it to the shop and blow all that cash if it might be something simple. Was thinking possible weak fuel pump, or fuel pump relay issue. But you can hear the fuel pump crank up when ingnition is turned to "ON"

Savage Messiah · #2 03-08-2005, 06:39 PM

plugs? wires? coils?

imager24 · #3 03-09-2005, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by imager24

I have a 1996 Camaro with a 3.8 (3800 V6) Automatic Transmission

When trying to start it turns over for at least 5-9 seconds before actually starting up. Once running it runs great has great power, sounds normal all seems fine. Does anyone have any idea what might be the cause for this issue. Or at least a starting point to start checking? I don't want to have to take it to the shop and blow all that cash if it might be something simple. Was thinking possible weak fuel pump, or fuel pump relay issue. But you can hear the fuel pump crank up when ingnition is turned to "ON"

Plugs, wires have been changed. 1 of the 3 coil packs have been changed and the other 2 tested.

imager24 · #4 03-19-2005, 01:48 PM

Does anyone have any ideas? I had the injectors cleaned aswell and it's no better.

CamarosRsweet94 · #5 03-19-2005, 02:52 PM

Fuel filter? It could be slightly clogged that would explain why it doesn't fire right away. Either that or for some reason it's not getting good spark right away.

quick1996ss · #6 03-20-2005, 03:56 PM

Hello,
I have a 1996 Camaro SS and it is doing the exact same thing. I need to try to start it twice before I can get it to fire up, then the rest of the day it starts up fine. As soon as it sits for a day or two it's right back to the same problem. I had replaced the starter and it didn't help at all. Could it be the distributer?

CamarosRsweet94 · #7 03-20-2005, 11:22 PM

The 96 SS came with a LT1 in it right? If so I know that the opti-spark ignition system the LT1's have were very touchy little buggers, so it could be your problem Quick1996SS. However, I also know that the opti-spark is pretty expensive to replace so I would try other possibilities first to try to locate a possible problem elsewhere.

Xenostalgia · #8 03-21-2005, 02:17 AM

I'm having same problems with the 97 3800II (manual) and i'm going to change out the starter this week and see if it helps it or not.

Xenostalgia · #9 03-23-2005, 02:30 PM

Its in mechanic's shop rightn ow. Havn't found the problem yet but he hasn't called me either so just kinda playing the waiting game. :sigh:

Xenostalgia · #10 03-23-2005, 05:47 PM

Final verdict is: If it still starts up even with a few tries in the morning, but fires up fine after that for the day... Just leave it as is till it gets worse. My mechanic said he can't fix it cause its really not 'broken' since it still turns on, even though it takes a little while to turn on some days.

tc3 · #11 03-31-2005, 09:54 AM

get a fuel pressure gauge and put it on, turn key to prime fuel pump, but dont start engine, check how long it takes to get the pressure to drop down. if it starts loosing pressure soon then its the fuel pressure regulator, 60 bucks...

i think the pressure is supposed to be something around 40 but im not sure... and i know this is a problem with lt1's but not sure about the v6's even though they probobly have the same fuel pressure regulator...

would be easy to replace though, one bolt and a few lines... its the problem with my car, when i prime the fuel pump twice then start sometimes it almost fires right up, if i dont it takes a few seconds...

not sure if this will work but if you listen to the fuel pump priming before you start the engine, you should hear it loud for 2 seconds at the most and then really quiet or not at all, and when the fuel pressure is built up you should hear some other noise when it stops, you will know what i mean when you try it if it works... if you dont hear that then i would guess its the regulator...

Xenostalgia · #12 04-01-2005, 12:19 AM

its kinda working good for me now.

timetowinarace · #13 04-08-2005, 11:03 AM

My '96 with the 3800 starts instantly first thing in the morning or while cold. But,,,,,,,, when warm it will not start at all. runs awsome. If I stop at the store I have an hour wait till the car cools then it starts right up, no problem. turns over rapidly but will not even TRY to fire. No fuel or spark at this point but I don't know which. Guess I should pull a plug and check. (not an easy task on these cars) Any thoughts?

CamarosRsweet94 · #14 04-08-2005, 01:56 PM

Could be your ignition module, usually when they are on their way out they will stop working when they get hot.

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