2001 Malibu V6 slow starting sometimes

[zooeyhall]

Hi! I have a 2001 Chevy Malibu V6. I am having problems where, ocasionally the engine is hard to start. I may have to crank it once or twice for up to 10 seconds before it will kick in. It doesn't seem to matter if the engine is hot or cold, and it doesn't do it all the time. Other than that it runs ok, no stalling, surging, or hesitation. Fuel mileage is allright.

I have replaced the spark plugs, air filter, and pcv valve. I am not getting a check engine light, and am not getting any scanner codes.

Any ideas on what could be causing this? Is this normal on a fuel injected car? Thanks for any advice.

[CJ3322]

Maybe just as simple as a worn battery. Might try taking a look at that. Or even simpler just check the connection make sure the connections are clean.

[Kemi]

Originally Posted by zooeyhall

Hi! I have a 2001 Chevy Malibu V6. I am having problems where, ocasionally the engine is hard to start. I may have to crank it once or twice for up to 10 seconds before it will kick in. It doesn't seem to matter if the engine is hot or cold, and it doesn't do it all the time. Other than that it runs ok, no stalling, surging, or hesitation. Fuel mileage is allright.

I have replaced the spark plugs, air filter, and pcv valve. I am not getting a check engine light, and am not getting any scanner codes.

Any ideas on what could be causing this? Is this normal on a fuel injected car? Thanks for any advice.

I would check the fuel pressure regulator. It's on the fuel rail on the return side. It's a vacuum diaphragm. Run the car for awhile, turn it off and wait a few seconds. Pull off the vacuum line going to the regulator. If you see fuel, replace it.

[forkndave]

If this only happens after the car has set for a while it could be the fuel pump relay. The fuel pump relay only closes for a few seconds to pressurize the fuel rails. After that the operation of the fuel pump is controlled by the oil pressure switch. If the relay is inop the engine will have to be cranked long enough to get the oil pressure above a certain level. I know someone that this happened to. Once the car was finally started it could be shut off and would start normally.

[Speedy_1234]

Well, my 98 malibu I start the car the rpm would reach 3 then die then i crank it again and it would stay on. After a week of this I decide to take it to autozone they check it and it was the battery. That would cause the car not to start right.