Starting issue, help please!!

[easye26062]

I have an 03 vibe gt. Lately, it has been hard to start. When you go to start it, the starter runs but it doesn't kick over right away. I have to turn the ignition off, and then try again before it will kick over. I heard something about a primer for fuel injected engines. Any ideas what this might be. The car runs perfect other than that. I even swapped out batteries, still happening. Thanks!

[cptnsolo77]

When you mean hard to start, do you mean for the engine to "crank" over ? If you are unsure, have the alternator checked & battery checked at a local parts store. They usually do it for free. If the battery & alt are good its most likely the starter. Happened to me recently. Batt & alt tested good...removed the starter & had it bench tested it at Advance auto & it was shot LOL. Easy fix.I was able to remove/replace starter in about an hour 1/2, start to finish. Hope that helps & Keep us posted.

[easye26062]

It is more like the engine is not getting fuel. It just cranks, and cranks. I turn the ignition off, then back to on and it fires right up, no problem.

[djkeev]

Ok,When you turn the key just to the on position, do you hear the whir of the fuel pump for a few seconds and then it stops?Yes? Go, you've got fuelNo? You've got fuel delivery problemsHow are all the electrical items on the car working when it won't start? are all the gauges good and steady, the lights bright and radio plays?If so that is a good indication but you could still have electrical issues.Find your battery, you have several wires coming off of it. A big red one goes to the starter, a smaller one goes to an electrical box.A big black one goes to the engine block and you may have several that fasten to the body.Remove these wires one at a time and make sure the connections are clean and shiny, as well as the body or metal piece they attach to.A bad ground wire can really screw up the electronic fuel injection on a modern car.This might not be it but it is an easy place to start the costs you almost nothing to fix.Let us knowDave

[easye26062]

everything works fine when I turn it to the on position. Lights, radio, ac windows, everything. When my wife gets home, I'll check for the fuel pump.

[djkeev]

Quote, originally posted by easye26062 »everything works fine when I turn it to the on position. Lights, radio, ac windows, everything. When my wife gets home, I'll check for the fuel pump.If all works, you still may have some dirty ground or positive connections. Clean them up if you have the skills.Dave

[easye26062]

nothing from the fuel pump when I first turn it on. If my fuel pump is bad then can the car run fine once its started?

[jmaskdc]

I am having a similar problem. Hard starting most of the time and fuel pump does not come on with ignition. How does the car start and run at all if the fuel pump doesn't come on? When it eventually does start, I have good fuel pressure...about 46 psi.