My car has been refusing to start alot lately, but its not consistent. I could start it right up in the morning and then try again hours later and I have to try almost 10 times in some cases for it to start. Other times it'll start all day long without a prob. Basically what happens is, it'll turn over for about a sec or 2 and then just die. Then it'll take anywhere between 3 & 10 times to get it to finally turn over and stay running. When it actually does run, it's fine. It doesn't even stutter or anything, it's just that initial start. At first I thought maybe it was the fuel pump, but wouldn't that cause the car not to run smoothly during driving also? I just tuned it up last summer (plugs, wires, cap & rotor, etc.), and I checked to make sure that none of the plug wires were melting up against the engine or manifolds. It's been suggested by many that I've talked to that it could be the fuel filter. I was just wondering what you guys think. If it is the filter, wouldn't it cause the car to run rough while running?? How exactly do you change the filter? Is it something that can be done by the average joe? I'm assuming the filter is that round silver canister under the driver side of the car that is resting in a little recess in the underside of the body. Help!!!

 

Could be the problem, when was the last time it was changed???
Your description of the location sounds right..

 

I've had the car for 3 years and I've never had it changed since I've owned it & I have no idea if the previous owner has. It had 77,000 when I bought it and now has 108,000 miles. Any idea how to change it? Do I have to have a near empty gas tank to do so? I'm kinda strapped for cash and really don't wanna have to take it somewhere where I'll get raped for labor.

 

I guess it might be the original factory filter, people tend to forget about them being under the car. The filter costs about $15.00 est
and for how long its been on, I think I would have someone do it on a lift. But you will get opinions about DIY. Good luck...

 

a fuel filter only takes about 5 min in your driveway if you have a jack. to releive the fuel pressure there is a connector above the rear axle with 3 wires (black, purple and green i think) that you can disconnect. you dont have to but it doesnt make as big of a mess.

 

Does it also help if there's less gas in the tank, or does that not matter because the fuel pump only sucks fuel through the lines when it has power? Also, can this situation get any worse? Is it possible for my car to stop running altogether? I'm just wondering why the car takes so long to get started & stay running. Is it because of the filter being blocked and causing the fuel to take a long time to get to the injectors? Thanks for all the input so far

 

As long as there is a couple of gallons, it should start up just fine. First thing is to check the fuel pressure and make sure the FPR can hold pressure after a start. Change filter first. If pressure is good and filter is changed, check the injectors to see if they are clogged.

 

It doesn't make a difference if the tank is bone dry or overflowing when you change the filter. What you need to do is jack the back of the car up, unplug the 3-wire connector mentioned above, and then crank the car up. This will relieve the pressure from the fuel lines and keep it from pissing as much fuel on you. Then you just unhook the old filter and replace it. It's very straightforward and shouldn't take more than 20-30 minutes.