Hard Starting
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Hard Starting
I have an 88 35th Anniv, it just recently began to start hard. It seems like fuel pump is not energizing when I turn the key. This is intermittant also. maybe more ironic it happens when cars is parked on incline in driveway. Frustrated!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,753
Likes: 9
From: Louisiana
When the key is turned to the "on" position you should hear a humm for about 2 seconds. If not and the engine starts after a few turns or extended cranking I would say the fuel pump relay is shot. The oil pressure switch is a back up for the relay and will run the fuel pump when 4 psi oil pressure is reached.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,753
Likes: 9
From: Louisiana
If your car has a manual trans there is a relay for it too. The fuel pump relay and the 4+3 relay are the same and you can just switch them out to see it it worked. You can also test the wiring at the relay harness. Use a jumper wire and connect it to the first and last terminal on the harness and turn the key...this bypasses the relay and you should hear a humm. If so replace the relay on either test. Yes, the relay is by the windshield wiper motor.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,491
Likes: 1
From: prescott AZ
There was a TSI for 88's and hard starting. I believe the MAF and the relay next to it had to be replaced. I had this happen to my 88 and bought the 2 relays but the problem went away by itself and I still have the relays. In my case the only thing I can think of that might have fixed my hard start problem was disconnecting the battery.
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