I have an 02 trans am and lately it's been taking longer to get it started. I have to crank it maybe 3-4 seconds before it fires up, but if you've recently been driving it (15 minutes or so)and go to start it it'll fire right up. I found it helps to turn the key back and forth a few times before cranking it. What could be the problem?

 

The pump is taking longer to prime. This could be due to an internal leak, an injector leak or just a worn pump causing longer to build pressure.

You need a pressure gauge to determine the cause.

 

What reading on the pressure gauge would signify each of the causes you listed?

 

sounds like your pump is going up

 

OMGLs1- is your pump aftermarket?
i just got a new fuel pump in my 97 lt1 a week ago, it cranks for like 3 seconds too!
wtf why is this? can it be since the kragen fuel pump dont have the same pressure as the original gm fuel pump?

 

dont want to sound stupid, but can it be his and mine alternator thats going out?

 

basically if you hook up a fuel pressure gauge and turn the key on you will prime the fuel rail you can hear it..leave the key on engine off.. koeo, and get out and see what the gauge says i cant remember what our cars run at i wanna say 40ish psi ? either way the important thing is to let it sit and see if your pressure is bleeding off this could be due to lots of things leaky injectors fuel pressure regulator or somthing in the pump like stated b4..as for the alternator question..id say test your battery first b4 you go to the alternator..or if you have a dvom put it across the terminals while your car is running see what kinda vlotage you get, should be 14-14.4 or so volts

 

^I believe 58 psi? I'm having a similar problem. But with me I can turn it over until the battery dies and it wont start, but the second time I turn it over, it fires right up? Its really weird, and I believe its my fuel pump but haven't gotten around tog getting a gauge.

Where is the fuel pressure regulator? Is that in the tank as well? I've been planning on buying a walbro here anyway so that's a sure thing regardless if its actually a pump problem or not. If it is a pump problem, would you suggest buying a new fuel pressure regulator as well? like the old saying goes with blinkers, when one side goes replace the other one kind of thing?