I have intermittent trouble starting my Chevy Malibu 2003. When I turn the key, I can hear it trying to start, but it does not make it. Then I pour a bottle or two of fuel injector cleaner into the gas tank, and it starts. It starts fine for a few days, and then it has trouble starting again. It's more likely to not start if it has been idle over the weekend. I took it to the GM dealer once, and they did not find anything wrong.
When did you last change your fuel filter?
Does banging on the fuel pump get it to start also?
--scott
Scott, wouldnt that one have a pump in the fuel tank? I have seen this sort of behavior from GM in-tank pumps which have failed, for certain.
It's a very common one.. and it could well have an in-tank pump in which case you can't bang on it, you just have to replace it and hope...
--scott
I recall an oil pressure sensor that disengages the fuel pump if there is no oil pressure? Also the by-pass ignition may or may not be a problem during starting. Then there is always the accumulated lead oxide on the battery terminals. Diddly
when you take the gas cap off to add the cleaner, do you hear a hisssssss?
--Ken
fuel pressure test reading on my 1997 suburban key on (engine not running) - about 60 engine running - about 54 key shut off after running - pressure stays up between 54 and 60 for at least 30 seconds.
test your fuel pressure. if the readings are even a little lower than this, you may need a new fuel pump and filter.
My '88 Celebrity 2.8 started chugging a bit when I took off after paying the toll on the tollroad. Made an appointment with my mech for a few days later. When I picked it up he told me he put a new fuel pump in. Said the fuel pressure was 4 lbs and he couldn't believe I had driven it in. Was really scratching his head over it. Other than the chugging under heavy acceleration, it had never missed a beat. Of course the new pump fixed the chugging.
--Vic
again. It's more likely to not start if it has been idle over
Thanks to everyone for their replies. Someone heard me having trouble starting the car, and they told me the following. The ignition has positions OFF, ACC, ON, START. Simply by turning the key to ON, leaving it their for about ten seconds, and then turning it all the way to START, my car now starts.
again. It's more likely to not start if it has been idle over
Just a guess on my part, but if it takes time to build up the pressure, there's likely something clogged in the system, like the fuel filter or filters, or the 'sock' filter on the pickup inside the tank.
I was able to diagnose a sock filter clog in a mechanical pump (4 psi operating) with a pressure gauge hooked up to the line. However, that would be really dangerous with line pressures of 40-60 psi unless they make an in-line gauge just for that.
Pete
again. It's more likely to not start if it has been idle over
More likely a bad check valve, leaky injector, or leaky O-ring that allows fuel pressure to bleed off overnight. A clogged filter would be more noticeable when fuel flow has to be very high, such as WOT operation. If the fuel system has no leaks, there should be fuel pressure ready to go at startup even before the fuel pump turns on.
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