Another Starting Issue

[dtownfb]

I have a 2000 Intrigue (3.5L) with 156k miles on it. This past weekend my Intrigue started having starting issues. Saturday morning, I turned it on and the car started then immediately shut down. I started again; it turned on, sputtered a bit but stayed on. It ran with no problems. Later that morning (engine still cold) I started the engine and it died immediately; started it again and no problems. (Although I did turn the wheel slightly the second time and it seemed like the car ran stronger) Similar starting issues on Sunday morning, but no issues starting later in the afternoon. Monday, I had starting issues in the morning and after work. Pretty much when the car has been sitting for a while or is cold.

I have no "check engine" lights on. No driving issues and gas mileage seems about the same. Spark plugs and fuel filter changed in October. MAF changed in early February.

The battery is about 3 years old but there are no dimming lights, no flickering headlights (other then what is caused by the alternator), radio presets are intact, no other electric problems.

I figured it is either the ignition switch or the crankshaft sensor. Without any codes, I simply guessing. I hopw someone here can help me.

Thanks.

[panzer dragoon]

***check the Fuel Pressure*** FPR

Possible camshaft position sensor also. (CPS) (just a possibility)

[dtownfb]

thanks panzer. Here's some more information that leads me to believe it could be the fuel pressure regulator. This morning it happened twice (went to the gym and back home). I noticed that I had to hold the key longer and give it more gas to get it started.

Again, no "check engine" light or driving issues. I did notice that the car does cut off abruptly when I turn the key to the "off" position.

[LittleHoov]

Usually an indication of a bad FPR is gas in the small vacuum line that leads to the FPR. Next time it wont start try pulling that small line and see if gas comes out.

Check for pressure anyway though, get a reading with both the vacuum line plugged into the FPR and unplugged, an excessive difference between the two can also mean a bad FPR. Not sure what defines excessive but I think a 6-9 psi difference is pretty normal.

A low reading could be a sign of a weak pump or even a clogged filter if its never been changed.