Starting Problems
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Greensboro NC
Starting Problems
Help!!!!I have a 2003 corvette and recently I start having problems with my starting system. When I start my car, it would immediately shut off. I would start it on the second time, then it will then startup. Sometimes, it may take 2 to 3 tries. Other times, it fires right up. Baffling......I don't know where to go with this and I need some help from anyone who may have or is experiencing the same problem. The car runs very good with no surging or hesitation. Before I start replacing parts, I need help with this one.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,835
Likes: 302
From: Columbia SC
Could be a number of things. How long do you leave the ignition in ON before you go to START? The fuel rail may be draining off pressure and fuel and if you don't allow enough time for the pump to prime the system you can have the problem you describe.
You should always tell us what year your car is.
Have you pulled your DIC trouble codes using the onboard ability?
You should always tell us what year your car is.
Have you pulled your DIC trouble codes using the onboard ability?
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Greensboro NC
Could be a number of things. How long do you leave the ignition in ON before you go to START? The fuel rail may be draining off pressure and fuel and if you don't allow enough time for the pump to prime the system you can have the problem you describe.
You should always tell us what year your car is.
Have you pulled your DIC trouble codes using the onboard ability?
You should always tell us what year your car is.
Have you pulled your DIC trouble codes using the onboard ability?
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Greensboro NC
No. Crank it up and right after start, it shuts down. Crank up on the next try and it starts. Tried the backup key and same results. I am planning on getting another key cut ASAP.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,488
Likes: 1,743
From: Knoxville Tn
I'm thinking the fuel pressure is too low, maybe doe to a clogged filter.
If the fuel system is working correctly and you drive the car even semi regularly it should easily start with out waiting on the fuel pump. I'm thinking filter or a leak in the fuel system that allows it to 'bleed' down.
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Racer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 376
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis Minnesota
This sounds like a fuel problem of some sort.
I'm thinking the fuel pressure is too low, maybe doe to a clogged filter.
If the fuel system is working correctly and you drive the car even semi regularly it should easily start with out waiting on the fuel pump. I'm thinking filter or a leak in the fuel system that allows it to 'bleed' down.
I'm thinking the fuel pressure is too low, maybe doe to a clogged filter.
If the fuel system is working correctly and you drive the car even semi regularly it should easily start with out waiting on the fuel pump. I'm thinking filter or a leak in the fuel system that allows it to 'bleed' down.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Greensboro NC
This. Mine does the same thing and I have just learned to live with it. If the first turn of the key doesn't start it right away, I just wait a couple seconds and hit it again and it starts right up. Had 2 shops tell me separately it's something in the fuel system allowing the pressure to drop. Both said something about a "check valve" or something like that in the tank or fuel line.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,835
Likes: 302
From: Columbia SC
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,835
Likes: 302
From: Columbia SC
Today I went to the dealership to re-cut another key but i'm not sold on the idea that it is the key, but the tech at the dealership checked my key with some type of key analyzer, and determined that one of my keys were registering zero and the other register 3. He said that the key that register zero was an aftermarket key and should not use it anymore but for opening doors. I started using the other to start the car but same result. Question is: do I have to reset or clear anything in order to see a chance? What about the fuel filter! does the built in regulator could have anything to do with this problem?
Anyway, I think your issue is the fuel rail is leaking pressure down between use, I think the check valve is the issue. If it was a clogged filter I would expect the engine to have issues when running.
You have a 2003. They changed the fuel system design in mid year to a new design. In the new design the check valve is in the tank not outside. Also the pump and sensors are moved to the top of the tanks.
If the pump and sensors are located at the bottom of the tanks you have the early design.
If you have the new design (FFS) and you can let it prime and it starts fine I would live with it. You can replace the earlier design check valve if you want to.
To confirm if you have leak down you need to put a pressure gauge on the line and monitor it. Easy to do at the engine and you can probably do a free rental from an auto store.
That I what you need to do or have done next.
Let us know what you want to do.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 4,496
Likes: 856
From: Walhalla South Carolina
U don't have to wait but it is a good idea, it gives the fuel system and computer systems a few seconds to fire up so to speak.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,509
Likes: 946
From: Western New York
I have a 2004 A4 , A few years ago I was having a similar problem , If I remember right there is a relay in the fuse box in the engine compartment for the fuel system (fuel pump ) it was the same as relay for backup lights (also in the same fuse box ). I switched relays and had no further problems. I then bought new relay and switched back relays and installed new relay. Hope this helps.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Greensboro NC
I have a 2004 A4 , A few years ago I was having a similar problem , If I remember right there is a relay in the fuse box in the engine compartment for the fuel system (fuel pump ) it was the same as relay for backup lights (also in the same fuse box ). I switched relays and had no further problems. I then bought new relay and switched back relays and installed new relay. Hope this helps.
dadaroo, I will consider what you said about the fuel rail possibilities, but Borntorun04 suggestion about the relays, I will first take a look at that possibility. Thanks guys and keep those troubleshooting ideas coming because I know others will benefit from it.