I know the Prizm is basically a Corolla, so I thought I would post my question here. For the past few months (or since the summer started, thereabouts) my Prizm has had some random starting problem. It's not so much getting the engine to turn over, that's okay. But when I start up after leaving my car in the lot at work (or sometimes over night) the gas doesn't always go.
In other words, I start the car, shift into drive, and it sometimes sputters a little bit and hesitates to move. I can push on the gas pedel all I want and it won't go. It's almost like something has to catch before it will take off and move. Only one time did it actually stall out on me. It's annoying, and I have no idea about cars so I don't know what to even begin to check.
I brought it to my long time mechanic and he checked some stuff out but can't really diagnose the problem until it starts happening more often (or at least until he himself can get the car to behave that way). Once the car is moving it's fine. It doesn't have any problems on the way home, just the first minute or so in the parking lot. Some days are worse than others, and some days it doesn't do it at all. It might be heat related as we've had some pretty hot days up here, but I'm still at a loss for what could be the ultimate cause.
I've tried fuel cleaners and my mechanic did a few tweaks here and there, but he doesn't want to replace anything major without knowing that's the cause of the problem (he's an honest guy, I have to give him that much).
Any ideas? What can I check? If anyone needs any more information about my car, please don't hesitate to ask. It's an automatic, and I've owned it a year. Like I said, it was fine until a few months ago when all this started happening.
Thanks for any help.
--Quadriflax "To insanity and beyond..."