95 neon hard starting

[gta333]

My daughter has a 1995 neon. It just started today but when you go to start it it turns over but wont start. Now if you push on the pedal it runs a little rough but then it seems fine. Its just the initial starting that if wont do without a little help. Anyone have any ideas where to start. Thanks Gary

[das2123]

Get the battery checked.

[jdl]

If it cranks good but is hard to start. I'd probably start with the basics, check for codes, check fuel pressure, go from there.

[denisond3]

Its easy to check for fuel pressure; I beleve there is a Schrader valve on the fuel rail. If you take the cap off of that fitting and push in on the valve stem with a small drill or such, fuel should squirt out. It should squirt out if the car has been started in the last day or two, or even if you just tried to start it but failed to do so. When you first turn the ign key on - if its in a quiet spot - you should be able to hear the fuel pump hum softly, for almost 2 seconds. At that point you should have fuel pressure. Dont stand in front of the squirt from the valve, I think the fuel pressure is 49 psi. If it does start when you hold the gas pedal down slightly, I would suspect an Idle Air Control Valve that is stuck closed or has its passages clogged up, or maybe a throttle position sensor that is dirty and 'intermittent'. It could also be really bad spark plugs, and a few other things, like a throttle body gummed up with crud. But checking for codes is certainly important, in case it is telling you the cam position sensor circuit is goofy, etc. Have a look at the plugs; they should be beige in color or a little darker - but not close to black. The gap shouldnt be extreme, no cracked ceramic.
I assume you know how to access the SEL codes on the Neons?