jpticar

iTrader: (1)

The car refuses to have a strong start. Its a 98 firebird v6 and its only got 20,000 miles on it. A normal start for the car was to rev right up to about 1500 rpm and then settle at about 1000. Now i have to hold the key for about 5 seconds while it struggles at about 500 rpm and then finally revs up. During those five seconds it makes a kind of ticking noise. Ive already dumped $550 bucks into useless labor charges. Im hoping someone can tell me something to tell the next mechanic and maybe he can fix it. Here is a link to a video of my car starting. In the video its not too bad but it usually lasts for like 5 full seconds. http://s135.photobucket.com/albums/q...v?t=1168397506

SOMEONE PLEASE HELP!!!!!

S99TA

kinda sounds like a fuel problem but i would think for $550 they would check the fuel pressure. bad pump or regulator

jpticar

iTrader: (1)

pontiac (biggest rip off of my life) said they changed the filter and they said possibly a new pump for likr 600 bucks, thats not happening. Parents friend mechanic changed the spark plugs and belt i think but that didnt do it either and he said he thought the fuel pump was fine. Also, sometimes when im driving, ill hear like 5 clicks come from the back left of the car. Dunno what the hell taht is but is it any sign of the fuel pump dyin?

sp00rkz

iTrader: (4)

Once it starts how does it run? Check your air filter, starter ( don't touch the damn thing unless you have unplugged your batt ), when you turn your key to run but don't start the engine do you hear the fuel pump engage?

jpticar

iTrader: (1)

Once it starts it runs perfectly (only thing is those occasional clicks from the left rear). yes im pretty sure i hear the fuel pump when i turn the key to auxillary. Recently I have been hearing like a groaning noise when i put the car in auxillary. Could that be fuel related?

jpticar

iTrader: (1)

any one else think of anything? id like to give the next mechanic some of ur input so maybe they can actually fix it

lo_jack

iTrader: (27)

First off, if it turns out to be pump, you should pay about $150 from a sponsor (ask me which one) for a 255lph direct fit. I have one in my v6 car right now.

Next, how does it run under partial throttle and WOT?

Make sure it is priming consistantly when you key on. Note the noise. Does it change from time to time? Does it seem to sputter start occasionally and run fine once it's idling, if I read this correclty? It sounds like you are describing what mine did - sputtered and tried really hard to turn over and then finally ran correctly.

I replaced my pump myself, with a direct fit (keep the venturi feature) and it cost me $160 including shipping. No need to freak out or mess with the dealer.

Regginator

iTrader: (1)

Subscribing:

My 98 TA does the exact same thing! Sometimes it wont even start on the first try. Before you start the car try turning the key to "ON" and listen for the pump to prime, then turn the key off and "ON" one more time and it should start right up. I know its no fix but it works for now...

lo_jack

iTrader: (27)

You are technically supposed to always let the pump prime before you start it so you have pressure at the rails. It keeps the pump from wearing out as quickly.

jpticar

iTrader: (1)

Once the car finally starts it runs great at any throttle. thanks regginator ill try that as a temp fix. its just so damn embarrassing when ur in a great lookin car that sounds like *** when u start up. Yes lo_jack, it sounds exactly like yours was. It would be great if you could pm me a link to the sponsor.

lo_jack

iTrader: (27)

I would check the spark but it does sound fuel related. PMing you.

jpticar

iTrader: (1)

Ok ill let you guys know how everything turns out. thanks for all your help!!!