Hard Starting

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Jun 1, 2006 | 10:31 AM

z88vette

Thread Starter

6th Gear

Joined: Feb 2006

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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!

Jun 1, 2006 | 10:35 AM

RRT vette

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.

Jun 1, 2006 | 10:38 AM

z88vette

Thread Starter

6th Gear

Joined: Feb 2006

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I found that in the front of engine, how do i know its not working? can I test it?

Jun 1, 2006 | 10:44 AM

RRT vette

Le Mans Master

Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 8,753

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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.

Jun 8, 2006 | 07:55 AM

z88vette

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6th Gear

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I changed out the relay and it still intermittantly will not start. You dont get the fuel pump energizing for a couple of seconds!

Jun 8, 2006 | 12:25 PM

redwing76

Le Mans Master

Joined: Dec 2002

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From: Santa Teresa New Mexico

Hard to start? Hot or cold?

Jun 8, 2006 | 05:17 PM

Midnite 88

Drifting

Joined: Nov 2000

Posts: 1,428

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From: Jacksonville FL

What "exactly" is happening when you say "It won't start."?

Is the engine turning over but not starting?

Turn the key and nothing happens?

Jun 8, 2006 | 10:12 PM

skeet

Melting Slicks

Joined: Oct 2000

Posts: 2,491

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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.