Hard Starting Problem.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,591
Likes: 53
From: Central MN
Hard Starting Problem.
Lately, my C5 has had a problem starting. Here are the symptoms:
When the car is cold, if I crank it over (for about 5 seconds) it will not start. If I then try it again, it starts right up. If the car is warm, the car starts with no problems.
Because I have a Powerloader program installed, I'm afraid to take it to the deal for fear that they will reflash the PCM. Yes, I know that I can just reload the program, but I'd rather not have to. Also, I'm afraid to tell the dealer about the Powerloader for fear that they will then not cover the repair under warrantee. I've had the Powerloader installed for over a year with out any problems. Also, I switch to a set NGK TR-55 and GM high performance wires about a month ago, again, with out any problems. Finally, the dealer replaced the fuel filter about 18 months ago.
Once the car is started it runs great and the "check engine" light does not come on.
Anybody have any ideas? :confused:
[Modified by 98-C5, 8:13 AM 6/24/2002]
When the car is cold, if I crank it over (for about 5 seconds) it will not start. If I then try it again, it starts right up. If the car is warm, the car starts with no problems.
Because I have a Powerloader program installed, I'm afraid to take it to the deal for fear that they will reflash the PCM. Yes, I know that I can just reload the program, but I'd rather not have to. Also, I'm afraid to tell the dealer about the Powerloader for fear that they will then not cover the repair under warrantee. I've had the Powerloader installed for over a year with out any problems. Also, I switch to a set NGK TR-55 and GM high performance wires about a month ago, again, with out any problems. Finally, the dealer replaced the fuel filter about 18 months ago.
Once the car is started it runs great and the "check engine" light does not come on.
Anybody have any ideas? :confused:
[Modified by 98-C5, 8:13 AM 6/24/2002]
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,591
Likes: 53
From: Central MN
Re: Hard Starting Problem. (98-C5)
Okay. Perhaps, my question is too vague. In any case, I checked the DIC for codes. There a no "current" codes and the codes in "history" are loss of communication with PCM. From what I've read, this is normal. If the problem persists, I'll take it to the dealer. With all the rain and heat we've had lately, the humidity is at, like, 110%. Maybe the problem is weather related.
Drifting
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,917
Likes: 3
From: Southern NH
Re: Hard Starting Problem. (98-C5)
Funny thing the same thing happened to me just this morning. When I went to start it this morning in the garage, it cranked a lot longer than normal, about 5 seconds, before firing up. I attributed that to high humidity. I had no codes. I had take the car out last evening and the humidity was so high there was fog forming over the roadway. My garage is at basement level so it was fairly cool and likely damp overnight.
When I first got my car about 2 years ago and lived in Florida, I would notice on occasion random similar hard starting, but not an overly big problem as it was fairly sporatic and only in the morning when the engine was cold. It never became a problem and I assumed it was related to humidity. FYI, I have no intake mods.
When I first got my car about 2 years ago and lived in Florida, I would notice on occasion random similar hard starting, but not an overly big problem as it was fairly sporatic and only in the morning when the engine was cold. It never became a problem and I assumed it was related to humidity. FYI, I have no intake mods.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: Charlottesville VA
Re: Hard Starting Problem. (98-C5)
Have you noticed that you have trouble starting only when the tank is below a quarter tank? That's the phenomenon that I observe - first start of the day, normal start behavior fails but second try succeeds immediately. I think I recall reading on the forum recently that one could turn the key one notch and pause for five seconds to give the fuel pump a chance to run before trying to start. FWIW, my battery died within three months of seeing this problem the first time.
-Dave
-Dave
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,591
Likes: 53
From: Central MN
Re: Hard Starting Problem. (dbrogan)
dbrogan...........The problem seems to occur only when the car is cold. If it were the "dreaded fuel tank problem," I would think it would occur whether or not the car is cold or hot.
You have brought up a good suggestion. Pausing for a few seconds in the “on” position would allow the fuel pressure to build up thereby making starting easier. Hopefully, I don't have a fuel injector/pump problem. If that turns out to be the problem, I have an extended warrantee. I would think that a bad fuel pump or injector, however, would throw a code.
You have brought up a good suggestion. Pausing for a few seconds in the “on” position would allow the fuel pressure to build up thereby making starting easier. Hopefully, I don't have a fuel injector/pump problem. If that turns out to be the problem, I have an extended warrantee. I would think that a bad fuel pump or injector, however, would throw a code.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,591
Likes: 53
From: Central MN
Re: Hard Starting Problem. (NassyVette)
NassyVette.........I ditched the POS GM battery four months ago and went with an Optima Yellow Top.
Today, when the car was cold, I turned the key to the “on” position until the memory seat finished repositioning it's self, and then started the car. She fired right up. So, being a backyard mechanic, I would conclude that the problem is not enough fuel pressure after the car sits for a while. Not sure if this is a problem or just something normal, however.
Today, when the car was cold, I turned the key to the “on” position until the memory seat finished repositioning it's self, and then started the car. She fired right up. So, being a backyard mechanic, I would conclude that the problem is not enough fuel pressure after the car sits for a while. Not sure if this is a problem or just something normal, however.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
From: Seattle,WA
Re: Hard Starting Problem. (98-C5)
I have been having that same problem of not starting on the first time turning the key. This just started in the last week. This happens usually in the morning after sitting all night. After driving and stopping, it starts on the first turn. During that time I have left the fuel tank at about 3/8s full. Thinking it might be the amount of fuel in the tank, went and filled to 3/4s. This morning the car started right up. With dual tanks in these cars, may be a fuel delivery problem. Anyway also ordered an Optima battery.
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