My '04 coupe has always been a first time quick starter. The past few times it has taken two attempts to get her started. The first time it tries to start...then dies. So far she starts right up on the second try. Any thoughts?

Oh yea....no codes and temps outside in low 40's.

 

If the first start attempt it simply cranks but the motor never sparks over then it could be your ignition sw module. I have seen this on two of my customer's C5's. You can verify this the next time you get in the car and start it: slowly rotate the key until the starter catches without rotating any more than needed to catch the starter. If the car starts immediately on this first attempt by this method then the ignition module is faulty. Also, I have a customer with a high mileage C5 that was also having similar starting issues. Turns out the VAT chip receiver in the ignition tumbler was wearing out. I simply defeated/bypassed the VAT relay in the pass footwell relay center (supplied a constant ground to the soleniod of the relay rather than receiving ground via VAT chip/PCM).

If you are saying the car actually starts, tries to run, stumbles and dies upon first start, then you have a different issue. Likely fuel pressure, rail not priming very well the first start attempt. You can check this by turning the key to On position for 2 seconds, but do not start it, then key Off, the On position again for 2 seconds, then Start the engine. If it starts every time by this method then you might have a fuel filter starting to clog. Other things can cause a crappy first start attempt, too, such as worn plugs/wires, leaking fuel injector, etc.

Robert
www.gen3motorsports.com

 

Yes, my issue fits the second category. The motor starts and tries to come to idle, but then dies.