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Old 08-11-2003, 02:51 PM   #1
crazy_sherm
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Default Trouble starting car

I've had trouble starting my car a couple times now. Usually, the car starts right up as soon as i turn the key. But last week and one time yesterday, i would turn the key and hear the starter kicking, but the engine wouldn't turn over. After a second or two, i would stop and try again. Then it would eventually start. Both times were not from cold starts (I had shut it off maybe about an hour). Anyone else have problems like this? Should I be worried? My car only has about 5800 miles on it and is stock except for a prodrive axle back.
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Old 08-11-2003, 03:16 PM   #2
Kean
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2010 Challenger R/T

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I read about this a few months back from other '02-'03 owners. I even had the issue a couple of times myself. I found that if I turned the key immediately to "start", it sometimes wouldn't fire up. I made an assumption that it may be the fuel pump not having time to get the gas to the engine. I noticed I could hear the pump working as I turned the key to one click past "acc". I now just turn the key all the way fwd, wait a second, & then start it. Not sure if this helps (or even makes sense).

- Kean
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Old 08-11-2003, 04:27 PM   #3
ha-evolution
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Excellent advice. It should be in the owners manual if it isn't.
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Old 08-11-2003, 04:36 PM   #4
Kean
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Quote:
Originally posted by ha-evolution
Excellent advice. It should be in the owners manual if it isn't.
.....keeping in mind that I'm assuming this is what the problem was. The trouble is that it's intermittent. All I know is that I haven't had the issue since.
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Old 08-11-2003, 04:40 PM   #5
ha-evolution
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Even if that wasn't the problem, it's still a good idea. The dealership I bought my Integra Type R from recommended the very same thing.
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Old 08-11-2003, 05:12 PM   #6
crazy_sherm
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Thanks for the advice guys! I hope that's all it is.
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Old 08-11-2003, 07:41 PM   #7
c_hunter
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Default Yep, just wait for the pump to pressurize

I've seen this on numerous cars, especially Subarus. If you turn the ignition on and wait 2-3 secs for the fuel pump to pressurize the system before cranking, it should start right up every time.

Craig
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Old 08-11-2003, 07:42 PM   #8
ha-evolution
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Do I smell a consensus?
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Old 08-11-2003, 07:45 PM   #9
Kean
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Quote:
Originally posted by ha-evolution
Do I smell a consensus?
*sniff* *sniff* ........kinda smells like it.
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Old 08-11-2003, 08:18 PM   #10
jin psu
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Quote:
Originally posted by ha-evolution
Do I smell a consensus?

No.... sorry..... that was me

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Old 08-12-2003, 11:12 AM   #11
rick-l
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He said the starter engaged but didn't spin the engine, not that it spun and wouldn't start.

Are you sure you had your foot firmly on the clutch all the way to the floor? If I'm lazy with the left foot, the safety switch seems to kick out with the inital bump
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Old 08-12-2003, 03:26 PM   #12
Austin
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Quote:
Originally posted by rick-l
He said the starter engaged but didn't spin the engine, not that it spun and wouldn't start.
Exactly.

If you turn the key and the engine turns over but doesn't want to start, then remember to wait after turning the key to the on position for 2-3 seconds (as has been discussed already in this thread) before attempting to start.

If you turn the key to the start position and you hear a click/clunk (that clunk is the starter solenoid engaging) but the engine doesn't even attempt to turn over, it's either a dead battery or a dead starter solenoid.

If you turn the key and the starter solenoid doesn't try to engage, then you have either a *really* dead battery or there's an interlock preventing the starter solenoid from engaging. Likely cause is clutch pedal not depressed (causing an open clutch switch).
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