Ok I have changed the fuel filter and fuel pump relay.I have allready diagnosed and fixed the vats system.Now I have moved on to the fuel rail pressure check.I have hooked up a guage to the service port on the fuel rail and I am getting some confusing results.I have seen the pressure go to 46 lbs with the key on and then drop to 40.The pressure seems to drop quite a bit when you turn the key off.When the car does run the pressure is around 35-38 lbs.When you have the key on and the pressure is at 46lbs and you hit the pressure release, the pressure doesn't come back up untill you turn the key off and re-energise the fuel pump.I am wondering if the fuel pressure regulator is the problem?Where is this regulator?Am I on the right track here?When I have a problem starting it the car fires then dies right away.

 

If the car starts and then immediately dies you need to take out the IAC and clean it. This is more than likely your problem with the dying part. do this and get back. When you do this it may not totally cure the problem but it will give you an idea if you need to replace it. If there is improvement in your idle it is most likely this but you may still need to purchase a new IAC.

Clean first, then decide if it needs replaced. You can PM me if you wish.

But it does sound initially like an IAC issue. On your fuel pressure, hook uo the guage, turn the key on prime the system and then observe what the pressure does. Then again, report this back. Be very specific what your car is doing so someone can give suggestions.

I almost forgot, try starting the car by giving it about a 1/4 inch of throttle and see what it does. And when you take the IAC out to clean it do not forget to reset it by using the reset procedure. But try starting the car, with the above procedure first, before taking it out. If it starts OK, again I would say it's the IAC. It's a very common thing. Ask me how I know.

Just a suggestion, STOP spending money unless you are pretty sure that's the problem. If the pump runs, the relay is OK.

 

The idle is fine and drivability is good.The car idles at 600rpm.Giving the car any throttle just stops it from firing at all.

 

Any stored codes? Check em! Does the fuel pressure suddenly die when the engine does? If so, you have a fuel delivery problem. Does the injector signal suddenly go away when the engine dies? Use a noid light (available from parts stores) or make one with an LED and a series 680 ohm resistor (correct polarity connection required) to determine if the injector pulse goes away. Does the spark stop when the engine does? Use a timing light to determine this. Engines require spark and spark at the right time, fuel, air, and in the correct ratio and compression in order to start and continue to run. You suddenly lose one or more of these.

 

I see, I thought I understood you to say the car starts and dies. I am really confused now. You say it idles and runs fine but when you give it throttle it dies.

You need fuel, spark and air. First check is a proper fuel pressure check. Then move to air. and then to spark. The spark is the hardest to figure out because there are so many thing that can effect that.

But I agree, start by making sure your injectors are functioning properly.

 

Maybe I didn't explain very well.The car is hard to start but usually starts after many tries.When the car does start it runs perfectly.When trying to start the car it fires for a second,then dies.The problem is intermittant so its going to be hard to find.I ordered a noid light and will get it tomorow.

 

Is it normal for the fuel pressure to go up when you rev the motor up?