92 Regal 3.8L Starting Problem

[mt_100]

My car doesn't want to start.

Symptoms:
It will crank over just fine. Battery isn't dead.
After several attempts it will finally fire and runs just fine, no problems at all.
Happens when cold or hot, doesn't matter.

The first time this happened I thought it was because I had turned the key but not long enough for the car to fire. I turned the key again and this happened. Now it happening more and more.

Today also, after work all day I got in, it wouldn't fire, cranked over fine like usual. Then on one of the attempts to start it the engine sounded like it was either bogging down or the battery was running down, but letting go of the key and trying again cranked just fine and it fired shortly after.

Is there anything to look at or should I just take it to a mechanic and have him look at it?

[mt_100]

Seems to be getting worse. Doing it almost every time I try to start the car now.

Another interesting thing is that when it does fire it is as if the starter has to help it along for a second longer than normal, slow crank or something. Not sure how to describe it.

The car used to fire almost instantly when I turned the key. I got an oil change and transmission fluid change and this started a few weeks later, pretty sure they aren't related though.

I have an appointment Friday, three days from now, to get it into the mechanic but I'm hoping it will last till then.

[ThTrnsprtr]

crank/cam position sensor could cause that. very common issue. or a dirty MAF sensor even. i've seen them all. spray some starting fluid in and see if it fires right off the bat.

[mt_100]

Will do. I had the crank sensor replaced a year ago.

It would shut off going down the road and then not fire like this as well but this time it isn't shutting off while running so I thought it is different.

I will try the starting fluid and see. I had another car (Chevy Cav) that did this and the starting fluid fired it up right away. In that case it turned out to be the fuel pump relay but every car is different. I'll stop and pickup starting fluid on the way home.

Where is the best place to shoot it in there since the air intake is so long?

Also, dumb question but is there anything near the tranny dipstick that could cause this if the guy spilled tranny fluid on it?

[mt_100]

OK, replaced the fuel pump relay tonight since it was only $10. No fix.

Looks like the car doctor needs to look now.