Engine Starting
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Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Lakeland FL
Engine Starting
I posted this in the tech forum as well. Please forgive my double dipping in advance!
I have an 04 C5 that seems to be hard starting. Perhaps it is my imagination, but when I turn the key I don't get the instantaneous start. Is this normal for a c5? This morning it took 3 times for it to actually start. Each time it didn't start the engine would turn over and just basically conk out.
I don't know if it makes a difference but I put a tank of super unleaded chevron as well as a bottle of 12 gallon techron in this tank. I wouldn't think that would make a difference but I'm throwing it out there.
Also, when the engine is running there is a low rumble noise. It sort of sounds like a fan motor running (the air is off). Any clues?
I have an 04 C5 that seems to be hard starting. Perhaps it is my imagination, but when I turn the key I don't get the instantaneous start. Is this normal for a c5? This morning it took 3 times for it to actually start. Each time it didn't start the engine would turn over and just basically conk out.
I don't know if it makes a difference but I put a tank of super unleaded chevron as well as a bottle of 12 gallon techron in this tank. I wouldn't think that would make a difference but I'm throwing it out there.
Also, when the engine is running there is a low rumble noise. It sort of sounds like a fan motor running (the air is off). Any clues?
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The engine in my car kicks right over. Not sure what is going on with yours, but it just doesn't sound normal to me.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Louisiana
Probably would be a good idea to use a fuel pressure guage to see if there is pressure when the key is turned "on". If it's anything like the C4, there is a oil pressure switch that closes when the oil pressure reaches 4 psi and supplys power to the pump. A bad fuel pump relay would cause a longer starting time that normal. You should hear the fuel pump prime when the key is turned to the "on" postion. Just an idea.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: TN
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Originally Posted by Slade
I just dropped it off at the dealership. They are going to run the test you described.
Anything I should be aware of if they replace the fuel pump or components surrounding it?
Anything I should be aware of if they replace the fuel pump or components surrounding it?
Yes, beware of the price they are going to charge you!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,753
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From: Louisiana
Make them prove to you what they might replace is indeed faulty. They will rape you if you give them the chance. Sounds like a simple fix after some diagnostic troubleshooting. Could be something as simple as a blown fuse.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Lakeland FL
The bad news is that it is the fuel pump. Apparently it can't hold pressure when it first starts. The good news is that is covered under warranty.
Is this normal for a car with less than 15,000 miles to need a fuel pump? Has anyone else needed one this early on a c5?
Is this normal for a car with less than 15,000 miles to need a fuel pump? Has anyone else needed one this early on a c5?
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From: Madison (Huntsville) Alabama
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Failure that early is not "normal", but it's certainly not unheard of nor is it unusual. When you study reliability (as a technical discipline, statistically based), you'll learn that almost all parts conform to what is called a "bathtub curve" (it gets its name from the shape of the curve ... looks like a bathtub). It is a plot of failures vs. time. You get a lot of failures early (called infant mortality), then a flat portion over the lifetime of the part, and then an increasing portion at the end of lifetime (called wearout). You just happened to be one of those who got an early failure.
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From: Lakeland FL
Originally Posted by RocketDawg
Failure that early is not "normal", but it's certainly not unheard of nor is it unusual. When you study reliability (as a technical discipline, statistically based), you'll learn that almost all parts conform to what is called a "bathtub curve" (it gets its name from the shape of the curve ... looks like a bathtub). It is a plot of failures vs. time. You get a lot of failures early (called infant mortality), then a flat portion over the lifetime of the part, and then an increasing portion at the end of lifetime (called wearout). You just happened to be one of those who got an early failure.
So what I hear you saying is that I should bathe more often! Isn't Saturday night enough?
