I've been having problems starting my car recently, I have to crank it 2 or three times for it to start once it starts runs just fine. Any ideas of what i should check first or has anyone had similar issues? Someone told me it might be a dirty/clogged fuel filter but I'm not sure. It makes no difference if the engine is cold or hot either. Any info will be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

When was the last time the fuel filter was changed?

 

I'm not sure i just bought the car used a few weeks ago and the owner wasn't much help she said it was her brothers car. Does this sound like a place to start?

 

In that case, I would change the fuel filter. Its cheap and pretty easy to do. I would also check the spark plugs and wires. It could be a failing opti too. Have access to a fuel pressure gauge?

 

I dont have access to a fuel press gauge unfortunately. I will change the fuel filter and the plugs, and post wether or not that fixed the issue. Thanks for your advise Joe Bellman.

 

Check the coil wire ( looks just like a plug wire) sometimes it has tons of corrosion in the boot

 

Thanks Michael T. Will do.

 

You can sometimes borrow a fuel pressure test gauge from your local parts store. You really need to check the fuel pressure, and see what pressure the system reaches when the pump stops priming after the first 2 seconds, and how fast that pressure drops when you turn the key back to off. Rapid loss of fuel pressure is a common cause of extended cranking for start.

Another check is to turn the key to "run" for a couple seconds, when the pump shuts off cycle the key rapidly to "off" and back to run. Repeat that process 3 or 4 times and see if it starts quicker when you turn it to "start". If it does, it would confirm that pressure loss is contributing to the problem.

 

Say you are gettinga rapid pressure drop after the pump has primed. What is the fix? New pump?

 

PLEASE don't highjack someone else's thread. If you need help, you have to start your own.