Starting Problems

[sick and tired]

I have this problem with my car starting. It cranks but will not start unless I hit the gas or try it like 3 or 4 times. I have had the fuel pump, spark plugs replaced and it is still happening. I have had it in and out of shops but no one seems to know what the problem is. Once it is running it is fine it is just getting it started and the problem gets worse everyday, no error codes no nothing just won't start right away. Help!

[panzer dragoon]

is this the 3.5L or 3.8L engine? What year is the car?

The service engine soon SES light has never come on and the mechanic wasn't able to retrieve any OBD2 codes with an OBD2 scanner?

How long has this been happening? What was it like when it started and explain how it progressed to where it is now.

[dtownfb]

My first guess is either the crankshaft sensor or ignition module problem. both are common issues on this vehicle.

make sure your wheels are pointed straight when you start your car. I've had this issue if my wheels are turned all the way to the left or right. Soon as I straight the wheel, it starts with no problem. Now I just make sure the steering wheel is turned to neutral and haven't had an issue.

[steffenk]

I had the same problem and fixed by replacing the fuel press regulator. Search this forum for past threads on how to check/replace the FPR.

[sick and tired]

Originally Posted by panzer dragoon

is this the 3.5L or 3.8L engine? What year is the car?

The service engine soon SES light has never come on and the mechanic wasn't able to retrieve any OBD2 codes with an OBD2 scanner?

How long has this been happening? What was it like when it started and explain how it progressed to where it is now.

it is a 98 olds intrigue with a 3.8L. No lights came on or come on and there were no codes when checked. The car will crank and crank but until i hit the gas it will not start. It now takes for ar 5 times to start and you have to hit the gas but before it would start after the 2 or 3 time without hitting the gas. This has been going on for 2 or more months now and just gets worse.

[phewop118]

Sometimes the starter motor goes on the 3.8's. Otherwise, it could be the crankshaft position sensor, as someone mentioned.

[kmohr3]

I agree with steffenk, could very well be the fuel pressure regulator. An easy way to check it is to pull the vacuum hose off the regulator after the car sits for a little while. No fuel should come out of the hose or regulator.

If the FPR is bad the fuel in the fuel rail bleeds off and when you restart the car it takes several seconds to re-pressurize the fuel rail. Also it will not flag any engine codes. It's an easy check and easy to fix if thats the problem. It's possible you may have a bad fuel pump, too.

[sick and tired]

Well I have had the fuel pressure checked and it is fine. but i just had in into the shop again and the water pump was leaking coolant all over the crankshaft position sensor but they only replaced the pump and the problem is still persisting so i guess it is back to the garage

[kmohr3]

I don't think you understand about the pressure regulator. It may not be capable of holding residual fuel pressure. (Holding pressure when the car is off). Pull the vacuum line off the pressure regulator and check for any gas there. This is a common problem with especially with the 3.8 motors

[sick and tired]

So I had the car back in the garage today and no luck they could not find the problem the checked the fuel pressure regulator and vacuum line for gas but no luck. Any other ideas?

[dtownfb]

ssick and tired: How is your car once you are driving? Does it hesitate at all? When you are at a stop sign or stop light, does it feel like it wants to cutoff or does it idle fine? When you accelerate up a hill, do you feel any hesitation? How is your gas mileage? Are there any other driveability issues?

maybe the answers to this question may help others diagnose your problem. I thought steffenk and others nailed it witht he fuel pressure regulator.

[panzer dragoon]

does the 3.8 have a camshaft position sensor?

In the 3.5L when the CamShaft Sensor starts to go you get similiar hard starting like you said. Mine is starting to go right now, but I get codes and the engine service light comes on. It's not all the time though, It starts out with maybe 1 out of 20 starts taking 4/5/6 seconds then no problems. It seems to do it more when it's warm also. I expect the condition to gradually get worse like my Dad's did.

Does it always take so long to start even when the engine is warm? Or just when cold?

[sick and tired]

Well once it is started it is fine but today when i was stopped twice it felt like it was going to cut out, it putted and then reved back up and was fine. When I am going up hill and stuff it is fine. It is just the starting issue, and the problem today with it feeling like it was going to cut out but that was only twice. Any thoughts.

[sick and tired]

I am not sure if my car has a camshaft but it does not matter the temp of the car it is just when i start it. I can maybe get it to start on the first try once a day if i am lucky.

[prsoto21]

I changed my Fuel Pressure Regulator and it has solved most of the symptoms Sick & Tired had mentioned. I occasionally still have the hard start were I have to hold the key till it finally catches, less often since the FPR change. The FPR change has helped out alot though. It got rid of hesitations while driving and the almost stalling out at a red light.

FYI, make sure you get the right FPR. The guy from Autozone gave me the wrong one, there are two availalbe. The correct one is that I bought was a GP-SORENSEN 800302. Also, have snap ring pliers. The biggest plus is my gas milage has jumped around 2-3 miles per gallon!

This is like a 30 min quick fix, just make sure you have the snap ring pliers and correct part. Releive the fuel pressure and pop out the old and replace with the new.