Trouble Starting

[nqc2k]

99 GLS 3.4

My car doesn't start as smooth as it used to. If its started cold, it'll sometimes not want to hold an idle, and starts real rough. if its its started warm it seems fine.

If i turn the key and hear the fuel pump come on, and i do that a few times, i think it starts better.

I replaced all plugs 10k ago and hasn't run great since..bosche i think. Not sure if that could be the issue.

Could this mean my fuel pump is going?

[BNaylor]

To start you need to get rid of the Bosch plugs and put OEM AC Delcos back in. Also, how old is the fuel filter?

The Idle Air Controller (IAC) can cause a poor idle. They get a lot of soft carbon build up. You can remove it and clean the spring loaded pintle and throttle body seat with carb or throttle body spray cleaner.

For suspected fuel pump run a fuel pressure test as you see below:


'02 Alero 3.4L - 59 psi at idle

[nqc2k]

I bought the car at 60k, now it has 100k and i have never changed it, so not sure age.

Can i do that pressure test at, or with Autozone rental tools?

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by nqc2k

I bought the car at 60k, now it has 100k and i have never changed it, so not sure age.

Can i do that pressure test at, or with Autozone rental tools?

I don't believe AZ will do that or rents the gauge. It is available at AZ for purchase. They run around $25.

[PotIsYourFriend]

Originally Posted by nqc2k

I bought the car at 60k, now it has 100k and i have never changed it, so not sure age.

Can i do that pressure test at, or with Autozone rental tools?

Better change that fuel filter even if it's not the problem.. I paid the price of not doing it and it ruined my fuel pump.. Which cost 800 bucks... There's a good chance it's never been replaced

[BNaylor]

Sounds like he needs a basic tune up. Fuel filter as suggested, ignition wires and get rid of the Bosch spark plugs. The 3.4L does not like them. AC Delco only.

[vamc]

nqc2k-Where in MA. are you from?

[nqc2k]

Turners Falls, right outside of Greenfield. You were from Holyoke or something right, or used to work there?

[vamc]

I was born there at Provadance(sp) hospital and live there a few years. My dad is from Springfield and mom from Holyoke. We have almost all of our family up there. agawam,brimfield. Last year i was in springfield and jumped the tracks at the "X". Fun times. You know, i think i have n=been to turner falls before, its just been a while. I will be up there next month. im up there at least 5 times a year. As i grew up here, people say pop out here insted of soda, i laugh at it all the time a correct them. And YES i eat grinders.