I have had my 96 Targa Top for about six months. When I first got it the engine would start immediately. Now, that will happens sometimes but most often it will have to crank for "a while" before starting. Could it be the starter? Or is it just being "ornery"? It has just over 200,000 miles but it runs great... after starting!

 

try this... turn the key on, count to 2. Then try.

If it doesn't crank. Turn off, do it again.

My guess? Dying fuel pump.

I got my last one from Lingenfelter and it has been GREAT!!!

 

Try some basic tune up stuff first, plugs & wires. Also check your fuel pressure regulator.

Weak batteries can also produce a long crank condition as well.

 

sounds like the fuel pressure is bleeding off too quickly. a gage will tell you.

check/listen to see if the fuel pump is on for 2 seconds when you turn key on. but the key has to be off for 10 seconds before priming again. do that several times and see what you get.

if you do not hear the pump come on, the relay may be defective, and the pump is running off the oil pressure switch.

or, fuel system is OK and an injector is leaking after shutdown. if you think that, try the "clear flood" with pedal to the floor while cranking.

 

Check fuel pressure before you start throwing parts. Lack of pressure is the number one issue for long crank time before starting.

 

This also can be a bad fuel pressure regulator (FPR). It's easy and free to check the vacuum hose of the FPR to see if it is wet and there is any fuel in it. This will definitely cause longer crank times and a slow rough start rather than a instant smooth start as it pops right off. Fuel in the manifold would cause it to start to rich.

 

You want to KNOW and learn something? or just fix it and go on yer way?

in case ya wanna learn... heres how.

Get out a Fuel pressure test gauge. tells the health of the pump/pressure system. You also NEED the service manuals if you ever want to diagnose anything on this car.. These are complicated, not gonna get fixed with a chitlens manual.

This could be general engine health, tired injectors (guaranteed part of the prob) cold start, or tired fuel pump. Pressure test will help tell about all that.

BUT,
if you want to throw parts at it and "hope" for the best outcome......

Long cranking when cold, is very likely to be the fuel pump RELAY. When that relay fails the system looks for a few psi of OIL pressure to energize the back-up power source to the pump. That requires cranking for 3-5 secs when stone cold. Build 4 psi or more the fuel pump gets a new power supply around the dead relay.

Do you hear the pump run when you turn the key to ON? for 2 secs? IF NOT, then the relay is the prime suspect.

Fuel pressure test . takes 38 psi @ key ON. Any less there is a problem somewhere.

fuel relay

fuel filter & strainer

and go ahead and order new fuel injectors NOW from FIC. Call Jon. If yours are the originals they are junk and are part of MANY performance problems that you now have. New inj will "fix" many of the engine running issues.

Oh yeah, go to flea-bay and find a good used set of FSMs. Going rate is $75 used. The older books have color electrical schematics that are helpful. Newer books are B&W.

Good luck

BTW
coolant temp sensors can cause this as well. The FSM tells you how to pin it down to the failed part or system.