Problem starting 2000 Intrigue GLS

[steffenk]

I have been having a problem starting my 2000 Intrigue GLS. When the car is warm, the car starts, but the RPM's immediately dip down to 200-300 and the engine stalls. Typically on the second try the RPMs still dip down but then recover to ~1000 and the engine idles fine.

More recently and in addition to the above problem, I need to crank the engine with the starter longer before it starts. I usually need to try starting the engine 2-3 times to avoid holding the starter in the 'on' position for too long.

Any ideas on how to correct this starting problem would be appreciated.

Otherwise, the car is running fine with 40,000 miles.

Thanks.

[kmohr3]

Possible fuel pressure regulator - pull the vacuum line off the pressure regulator and see if any fuel comes out. This would indicate a leaking regulator.

[panzer dragoon]

Are you getting any service lights lighting up on the dash? Even if they immediately turn off? This is very important, because it means there are error codes stored in the car computer that will point to the diagnosis.

Having a 2000 with only 40,000 miles I am assuming that you don't drive it that much. Are you also one of these people that warm their car up for about 2 minutes before you drive it? I am assuming you are an older person.

So the car only stalls once it is warm and when it has been started a second time with a warm engine. --Correct. What is the frequency of the incident? Every time? 1 of 20? How many times has it happened in total?

Or does the car actually stall or studder after it has started up from the cold --at anytime like 2 minutes after start-up. With a high idle at start-up of a cold engine a 200-300 rpm studder or stall might not be that noticeable and may not have the ability to stall the engine with the high idle. So this same condition may be happening when you engine is cold, but don't notice it due to the high idle.

Any stuttering or hesitation when driving around town?


I'm thinking it's more of a cam or crank sensor that is getting bad.

[steffenk]

Thanks for the reply. No service ligths. Recently, the car is being driven more; I have only had the car since May, but the previous onwer used it for mainly short trips. I'd prefer to be younger but still don't classify as old (30). I typically let the car warm up for 20 secs.

If the engine stalls, this always happens within a few seconds of starting. It occurs primarily, not exlcusively, when the engine is warm. Frequency when warm is 80% and when cold 20%. Your reasoning that a higher idle for cold engine could be masking the problem may be correct.

In the last few days, when the engine is cold, I have to crank the engine 2-3 times before it will start. In these cases, it doesn't start and then stall but, rather, just doesn't start. so, this seems to be a different symptom -- perhaps same root cause though.

There is no hesitation or stalling when driving around town.

I know the cam sensor was changed ~2yrs ago. How hard is it change the crank sensor?

Thanks a lot,
Steffen.

[kmohr3]

Don't overlook the FPR, it's so easy to check..... My reasoning behind this is that if the pressure regulator is leaking it may take several seconds to build up adequate pressure in the fuel rail to sustain proper engine operation. Hence the several second cranking time. This is quite common in the 3.8 motor, although I'm assuming yours is a 3.5 liter. Also a FPR will not flag egine codes normally.

[panzer dragoon]

I ripped this from another forum. From what you say I don't think it's a sensor:


canatto
Sep 6 2005, 09:22 PM

Post #3

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Another possibility could be the battery. I used to have the same start-up problem with my Ford Contour a couple of years ago and it turned out to be the battery being old. It managed to get the engine cranked but in the mean time unable to supply enough voltage to the fuel injection and ignition system, due to the huge current draw at the starter motor and the old age of the battery. Changed the battery and all was good.


--------------------
2000 Olds Intrigue GLS Sterling Edition
1997 Ford Contour Sport V6 MTX


So if the stalling is related to short trips when you try to restart it a second time once warm = it may be a bad battery. Long trips = no problems. By the way how is your alternator?

[steffenk]

In an attempt to check the fuel pressure regulator (FRP), I pulled off the vacuum line and did not see any fuel. I pulled off the regulator to look at it, did not see anything, and then put it back in. The engine is starting fine now. By removing and replacing the FPR, I must have knocked loose something that was clogging it. Thanks for the suggestions.

[gzel9]

I had the exact same problem as steffenk. I did take it in to a dealer and he said it was the fuel pressure regulator. Parts and Labot $350.00! Anything cheaper?

[panzer dragoon]

Originally Posted by gzel9

I had the exact same problem as steffenk. I did take it in to a dealer and he said it was the fuel pressure regulator. Parts and Labot $350.00! Anything cheaper?

gzel9: Think aboout getting an www.alldatadiy.com service information account. It has complete diagrams and for $25 a year you can't go wrong. And you can get the information the same day. --It's a great way to learn about your Intrigue.