Curious to know if anyone else's C5 rough starts?? I have a 2000 model and it will crank over a couple times before starting. I've had the fuel pump/filter replaced and it is better, but it still does not fire like other cars I have. Is this normal or should it start as soon as you hit the key?

 

Mine fires up right away on the first crank. I did have a starting problem a few months ago. Out of nowhere it was very hard to start, and when I would finally get it going, it would die. I searched the Forum and found that often these types of problems are electrical/computer issues. Try the easy fix first. Disconnect your battery for about an hour to let everything reset. Then hook it back up again and see if the problem is still there. If so, then you may have to go down the usual path and check for the codes in the DIC to see if there is a specific problem identified.

 

Have you checked fuel pressure yet? If not, do so. Check it with key on/engine off and also w/engine running.

It should (and will) start immediately if everything is normal. What you're decribing is not.

 

I agree!! Fuel pressure! Check to see if it is bleeding down when you shut the engine down. It should hold pressure. If it bleeds down it takes a lot longer to start the car.

BC

 

How do I check the fuel pressure-not too mechanically inclined here!
Just dropped $650 for a new "left" fuel pump that was supposed to fix the problem, of which it helped, but it still cranks (more than normal IMO campared to our other cars) over before starting.

 

There is a test port (schrader valve) on the fuel rail. It's on the driver's side fuel rail at the front. You'll need a fuel pressure tester to check it out.
Maybe go to your favorite shop and have them check it out for whatever labor they would charge. The normal range is 58-61 psi with the engine off/key on. If it builds up (which it will) but then immediately drops down, you'll need to replace your rear fuel feed pipe. It has a built in check valve that is bad.
Leaving things alone puts a great deal more unnecessary wear/tear on your starter since you're having to use it more just to start the car each time. The part is not too expensive if you buy it through one of our forum GM vendors ($70-$80 range), but the labor (depending on where you go) might be another.
Wish I had better news.

BTW, please update your profile. No one can see where you live. Might be helpful in referring you to reputable shops that are Corvette savvy.

 

i think my valve is bad to mi havent done the fuel pressure check yet,but it does the same thing hard start but then fires right up,anyone have any6 pics of this valve ?or someone that took pics of this job?can u clean the valve?can u buy the new part and just switch the valve out?what is involved in the job.

 

Mine starts right up. Even think to check an air filter.

 

I'd check for codes first .... it is possible your Camshaft Position (CMP)sensor is bad. At engine start, the PCM uses the CMP to determine if a cylinder is on the compression or exhaust stroke. If the signal is not available, the PCM then uses the Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor to try and determine what stroke a cylinder is on. If the PCM doesn't see a change in the MAF signal (increased airflow because of engine start) after a certain period of time, it decides it has assumed the wrong stroke and changes the assumed cam position by 180 degrees. This process can lead to longer cranking time before the engine fires.

One way to see if it is a fuel pressure issue is to do the following ...

Turn ignition key to the ON position ..... DO NOT try and start it.

Wait 10 to 20 seconds

Turn ignition key to the START position - start engine

If the engine starts more easily, it is probably a fuel issue as what you are doing is giving the fuel pump time to re-pressurize the system before cranking the engine. If it still takes a "long" time to start, then I'd definately dump the codes as something else is more likely the problem (like the CMP).

 

i checked tonight not one code in any of the modules ,and no cel lights,i have to get a fp gauge and check that first i think