Gumby30thZ28

Hey everyone. I am having an issue with my car. I have a 97 Z and my car is having what seems to be electrical. It doesn't sound complicated though. When I open my key to turn the car on,you know how you hear the airpump spooling,well it clicks on and off as if thier is a short. Then when I try and turn the car on the engine will turn but not start. Although sometimes it will turn on if I keep on turning the key. If anyone knows or has come across a similar problem please please please let me know..........

95m6

I may be wrong but...

1) The "airpump" you describe hearing turn on with the ignition is probaly the fuel-pump.

2) The hard starting is fuel-related.

First, I'd get a fuel pressure gauge and find out if you're getting enough fuel at start-up. Second, I would replace the fuel filter and see if that clears things up. Depending on how well maintained the car has been, this could very well be your problem. Third, if you do have low fuel-pressure adn the filter doesn't fix it, I'd say its time for a new pump.

FastWhiteTA

Yeah sounds like a fuel pump problem. I had an L98 that did that, I'd sit and crank and crank, and it would finally start up after a few mins of cranking. Replaced the fuel pump and had zero problems after that.

S.J.S.

95m6 might be right but I know that sound is definately the Air pump and not the fuel pump. You can't mistake the two. You shouldn't be able to hear your fuel pump anyway. I have a 97 as well. i stil would do what 95m6 said though. Then process of illimination.

shoebox

I can hear the fuel pump prime in most any F. I. car. The AIR pump does not engage until the engine is started, so that is not what you are hearing when you first turn the key to ON.

Fred94LT1

It sounds like a Fuel pump going bad. I'll give you an example. My 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan is in the shop right now which was turning over like 6-7 seconds before starting & the problem was a weak fuel pump. I"ll get the car back tomorrow. It use to start on the 1st or 2nd revolution, Fred

S.J.S.

Shoe....I know rule #1....Shoebox is always right. Rule #2....if he's wrong refer to rule #1. Love ya man. (this aint a dig buddy) I just had a question though. I got a 97Z also and our cars had the recall on the airpump. My car always has a loud whinning sound coming from the airpump as soon as I turned the ignition key to the on position. I almost guarantee that it is his air pump. As far as fuel pump...I can't hear mine ever.

shoebox

You might be right, then. I never did let the dealer touch my car to do the recall. My original AIR pump is working fine after 95k miles. I can tell when it is on from the change in the sound of the air in my CAI, but don't really hear the pump whine.

S.J.S.

I don't let them touch my car either But mine is definately the air pump and its loud. No missing it. Well when I put my motor in this weekend...needless to say that bugger aint going in.

Gumby30thZ28

Hey guys thanks a lot I do appreciate your help. I will have that checked out then. Thanks for helping out a fellow member when in need. If any one else has a suggestion let me know. Again, thanks everyone.

doodad

Not to argue, but that is the fuel pump. Mine went last year with the same symptoms. Also, started better with a full tank, and would start the second time (or third as it died) after the intial no start turn. Was definitely the fuel pump. Went with the racetronix unit so that I can support larger injectors if I ever get to that.