josh1107

i was hoping that after the tune-up it would go away, but it has not. it rolls over, takes a good 5 seconds, the itll start. does this when its cold or hot. but not every time. the ses light has just started to come on. but doesnt come on until i have been driving awhile.( front pass 02 senser and a/c comp low volt switch). i was thinking maybe the starter, just looking for other opinions.


thanks
josh
o-its a m6

flyin red TA

Had the same problem years ago, it ended up being an ignition relay. Sometimes it would start perfect, other times it would take a few tries...or not even work at all. I swapped the starter, the battery, then eventually ditched it at the dealer when I was sick of it.

josh1107

thanks, ill try that and let you know

jkichline

iTrader: (1)

ignition problems can be real tough to diagnose sometimes. If you have an O2 out of whack, I'd replace it before you do anything else. If your starter is cranking the engine, it should be ok. My best guess on this would be an ignition relay. If not that, you may have a fuel delivery or spark problem. How many miles do you have and are you sure that your injectors are clean. I had dirty injectors that caused me to need a couple extra cranks to start. But I also had a mis under load with that condition. If you have more than 100k miles, it might be a good idea to put in a new fuel filter and rule that out.

Another idea... if your O2 sensor is out of whack, it may be starting to foul out your plugs. Let us know how you make out.

josh1107

yeah, i am going to replace the fuel filter and o2 sensor tomorrow, it has just under 100k, so bout time for all that anyway. hopefully it will start better after.

thanks
josh

josh1107

i looked up the ignition relay in the haynes book, i couldnt find it, is it called something else?

josh1107

i picked up my o2 sesnsors today. went to monroe to have them installed(i dont have a garage) and the wanted 200 bucks to put them in! screw that. i couldnt believe it. ill do it myself in the snow before i pay that much for that! but the haynes book says slotted socket. but it doesnt say which size...anyone know?

josh1107

replaced the 02 sensor, seems to be running good...ill give it a couple more miles and see

josh1107

car runs awesome, except it still doesnt like to start, usually happens when its warm

P Mack

iTrader: (6)

Is your car stock or modded?

jkichline

iTrader: (1)

Glad to hear that your O2's fixed you up. As for your starting problem... I was looking in my chilton's for you to find out where the ignition relay is. I have a 95 but I assume that it is similar and the book covers a 98. I couldn't find the ignition relay either. I always thought that it was in the fuse box under the hood with all of the other relays (coolant fan relays, ABS relay, etc.) I'm sure somebody knows where that thing is...

C6Dude

It sounds to me like you are loosing pressure in your fuel lines when you shut down. There is a spring loaded check valve in your fuel pump that closes to keep the fuel in your lines from leaking back into your tank ( possible bad pump valve ). When you turn your ignition on the fuel pump runs for 2 seconds and when your lines are full of gas you are up to 60psi almost instantly (fuel pump relay) .If your lines are drained it will take more than 2 seconds to fill them back up with fuel (extended cranking ). The more likely problem you have is your injectors leaking down with fuel into your cylinders when you shut down causing a flooded carb system type start. I would put a fuel pressure gage on your car and drive around untill it gets hot. Then shut down your motor and observe your fuel pressure gauge Your fuel pressure should not go below 20-30 psi within 20 minutes.

josh1107

ok, i will try that. and the car is stock 94k miles, m6

Syxx613

iTrader: (8)

u r losing fuel pressure. as stated above, drive around, come home, put on a pressure guage and walk away. come back 20 minutes later. if the pressure dropped, uve got 3 things to look at. bad injectors, bad regulator, or bad check valve.

josh1107

hey, the 02 problem is back, same thing as before, what the ****?

MIKE_84

its probably going to be called your ignition module

josh1107

the ses light went off, if the light comes on and off(took 250 miles) how do i fix it? it's obviously intermittent. car runs great, just stupid light every now and then.

josh1107

replaced both o2 sensors. still is hard to start when hot. havent put a pressure gage on the fuel line yet, had to fix the 02 problem.

phoenixv8

iTrader: (1)

hey C6dude i think i have the exact problem you just described. Let me know how to fix it.

josh1107

phoenix, what are your symptoms?