[firebirdboy99]

1998 Firebird Hard to Start



I have a 98 Firebird with the 3800 V6. The car drives solid and I have no check engine lights. It runs great. However, it typically takes two tries to start it. If I get in it cold, and try to start it, it doesn’t start on the first try. The second try, it starts right up. If I allow it to sit in accessory (right before cranking), it still won’t start on the first try. But always fires up on the second try. Any ideas of what I need to do? I had the battery checked and it had 598 CCA / 700.

 

[Injuneer]

Cycle the key back and forth quickly between “RUN” and “OFF”several times. Then immediately turn to “START”. If that solves the problem it’s pointing to a rapid loss off fuel pressure when the pump shuts off. Waiting a few seconds with the key in “RUN” won't help because the fuel pump only runs for 2 seconds before is shuts off. Waiting before cycling the key just provides more time for the pressure to bleed down.

If cycling the key works it’s often an indication that the check valve in the fuel pump is leaking. Could also be an issue with the fuel pressure regulator, a leaking injector or a leaking fuel line.

 

[MWB323]

Does the SES / check engine light come on after it does start and idle? I had an issue where mine would fail to start & idle the first time, and the second time the SES light came on and it ran fine. It was the MAP sensor not getting voltage in my case.