Issue starting 97 Sunfire

[SweetErica74]

Lately my '97 SE is having problems starting (other times, it cranks right up, no problems). When it has a problem, it does either one of two things: either the starter will spin (you can hear this clearly) with no engine start or sputter, or the engine will try to catch, but will not. It usually takes 3-4 tries to get it going. The ignition was replaced by a reputable dealership about a year and a half ago, and it seems to be fine, and I had a tune-up done in late August, during which they convinced me to purchase higher end platinum spark plugs (the sales slip does not say the brand, although I could pull one and see), and a new boot/ wire set was put on. I'm pretty sure the starter is okay-- seeing as how its going every time, and the fuel pump is fine, as I can hear that turn on as well. Basically, could it be a low battery charge, spark plugs, or the starter or ignition, regardless of my thinking those are fine? Thanks for the input!

 

[wde3477]

May want to take this one step further and check the fuel rail pressure against specs. Wondering if the fuel pressure regulator is not working correctly. Not familiar with your particular model's specs, but suspect it should be in the 30-40psi range after the fuel pump charges the line. If it leaks down to less than 20psi after 10 minutes, something is leaking.

Suggest to try rolling the key from OFF to ON a couple of times before engaging the starter - trying to get a couple-three fuel pump cycles in. If anything changes in the way it starts - would strengthen suspicions on the regulator. You might also have an injector leaking that could cause this type of problem.

A low battery charge would be indicated by the motor not rolling over as fast as it should during the start. The same for the starter. With today's computer controls, if the engine turns over with any kind of speed, it should catch.

A spark plug or ignition problem typically will be present while running also, not just during starts.

 

[SweetErica74]

Still having probs...

Well, after getting stuck for 30 minutes at a store before it would tunr over, I finally got it started and ran over to the local AutoZone, where it was determined I had a bad battery (I've had the car nearly 2 years and never bought one-- no telling how old it was). After changing it, the car started righ up, and continued to start perfect while I was out running errands. The following morning--- it begain doing the same thing. Trying to cycle the fuel pump may or may not be working.... car sat for 2 hours, and started right up. Car sat later for 30 minutes, and wouldn't start until I'd cycled it numerous times. Latr, it again started right up on the first try! Grrr! Before I run it in to have the fuel pressure regulator checked out, just to ask... could it be the starter after all? The bushings wearing down? Just trying to see if I can fix the problem myself and for less before I have to spend more than needed, or be without a vehicle while they are tinkering with it....

 

[Goatman]

Your local Auto Zone should be able to do a systems check with their scan tool and also check the starter Draw before you buy a new starter, they also sell and possibly rent fuel pressure gauges to check the fuel pressure
you will have to see if there is a pressure port in the fuel rail that is accessable from the engine compartment to check it ..
ha sthe starter been dragging ? or have you had other issues with the starter before you replaced the battery?
Hopefully this will give you direction as far as where to look..
the only other things that come to mind are the fuel filter or possibly the timing belt (if that engine is so equipped)..