2000 Grand AM hard start

[Kurai]

Hello, I am posting this on behalf of a friend--so please forgive me if I sound too vague.

She has a 2000 Grand AM, V6. Lately in order to start it she has to pump the gas pedal really fast. That struck me as somewhat odd because it's obviously fuel-injected and not carbureted which is normally what I would associate having to pump the gas pedal with.

I was thinking possibly the fuel relay but I'm not a Pontiac person, I'm a Chevy gal.

If anyone has any insight into this it would be greatly appreciated!

[xeroinfinity]

Hi Kurai !

Could be several things causing the hard starts.

First off would be if it needs a tune up, plugs~ wires etc, or something in the fuel area like the fuel pressure regulator or clogged fuel filter or bad injector(s).

Id suggest starting with the fuel filter its cheap and easy to repalce.
She could also get the fuel pressure checked, with the key "on"(not running) it should be between 41-57 psi. The test valve is on the pass side of the engine, right next to the alternator, should be a screw on cap on the valve.

And I guess loose engine grounds and vacum leaks, especialy around the lower intake can cause hard starts.

Is thier any engine lights on ??

[Kurai]

No engine lights on! And actually, she had a major tuneup done on it about six months ago, and the plugs and filter were done then. The pump is working insofar as we hear it kick on when the key is turned.

Like I said, it's not idling poorly or anything; just have to really pump that gas pedal to get it to start.

[The_Admira1]

does it start at all if she does not pump it? could just be a starter going bad

[3100]

clean IAC sensor and passage,
test ECT sensor