PDA

View Full Version : hard start first thing in the morning


flavo
10-19-2014, 02:23 PM
I've only had the car for a month + now so I have no idea if it is a cold issue or what.

For the last week when I go out to start the car I will crank the key for a second or 2 and the engine won't fire. When I crank it the 2nd time it starts without fail. Then while idling it will rev between 700 & 650 but not very roughly.
When the car is warm it idles smoothly.
FYI, the 1st time this happened was after a rain storm. Not sure if it's significant or not, just mentioning.
I also have no SES light.

What say you?
Hornung418
10-19-2014, 02:25 PM
Uhh. Idle is where? Dont rev the car past 3000rpm until the engine is hot and steady for at least five minutes.

Sent from my GS3.
flavo
10-19-2014, 02:42 PM
:facepalm
whoops
Family has been here all day. Wine does not help my typing or logic. Added an extra 0
Hornung418
10-19-2014, 02:45 PM
Deal with it until it throws a code or doesn't start. Haven't had that problem before?

Sent from my GS3.
Santacruzslick
10-19-2014, 02:46 PM
Secondary air pump could be bad, usually throws a fault code though. Check the hoses as there could be a leak or a disconnected hose.
Johnmadd
10-19-2014, 03:09 PM
Shell 93 octane premium and some techron fuel system cleaner first in my opinion to see if it's fuel system related.
brettbimmer
10-19-2014, 03:43 PM
Do you have the same starting problem when warm - (Cranking 1st time, quick fire second time)? Also, how many miles on the car?

Sent from my pineapple under the sea.
flavo
10-20-2014, 09:09 AM
The car 130k on it. No on the warm start. Just happens the 1st time of the day. Today though it almost caught on the 1st try but stalled immediately and now wont start at all. Just cranks and still no code.
flavo
10-20-2014, 09:10 AM
how do I rule out spark and fuel on this if that's the way I should go?
Thank you.
Johnmadd
10-20-2014, 10:01 AM
Fuel pump ever been replaced?
flavo
10-20-2014, 02:27 PM
My service records do not indicate that it has been.
stephenkirsh
10-20-2014, 02:29 PM
I had a DISA valve o ring that wouldn't throw a code very often but was clearly leaking. It caused idle to bounce around just like yours. Once it warmed up it was fine.
flavo
10-20-2014, 02:43 PM
stephen, would that cause a no start?


I found some cool info on the fuel pump for me.
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=929501%3Cbr%20/%3E%3Cbr%20/%3ESave%20yourself%20up%20to%20$200%20and%20some%2 0headaches%20-%20Electric%20%3Cspan%20class=
Johnmadd
10-20-2014, 03:01 PM
You can rent or buy a fuel presure gauge at autozone. You can check it at the fuel rail.

Probably the fuel pump. Mine went out at about 110,000 if I remember correctly, that is the range... 100-145
stephenkirsh
10-21-2014, 08:22 AM
stephen, would that cause a no start?


Probably not. I never had starting issues.
alexandre
10-21-2014, 08:41 AM
Maybe sticky idle control valve. I know it affects cold idle more than anything else. Would be worth taking it out and cleaning it with carb cleaner to rule it out.
ELCID86
10-21-2014, 12:02 PM
Maybe sticky idle control valve. I know it affects cold idle more than anything else. Would be worth taking it out and cleaning it with carb cleaner to rule it out.

Good idea. Mine was stuck in place. Also do throttle body (and DISA ) while you are there.


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.
flavo
10-21-2014, 03:00 PM
I ordered the fuel pump, relay and filter this morning. I confirmed that the pump was the original and the filter probably will be too. I cleaned the ICV when I got home and the car is back together now so I won't be tackling the other 2 unfortunately. The DISA I sprayed with some brake cleaner and moved things around before reinstalling but I have no idea if that is what you are referring to. I will do some research on that in a while. I did nothing with the throttle body other then look at and push on the flap/butterfly to see what it felt like.
The fuse for the pump was burnt out and I replaced it but it made no difference. Does it make sense that the fuse would have blown when the pump went out?

Thanks for all the help folks :-)
Johnmadd
10-21-2014, 03:16 PM
The fuel pump is super easy, literally pull the bottom of the back up, unscrew 3 Phillips screws, pump is now exposed, remove fuel lines, use a hammer and a flathead screwdriver to twist the pump out, pull out carefully and install in reverse order. You will be amazed how easy and quick it is (45 minutes to an hour most).
flavo
10-21-2014, 03:31 PM
I actually pulled the pump out today too just to look at it. It was super easy. I just watched a couple DIY's on the disa and TB. My DISA is fine but I would like to do the upgrade at some point. I really wish I had purchased a lower intake boot though. Mine was fine I think but was showing signs of age for sure. I think I will get one soon and clean my TB at the same time for good measure.
danewilson77
10-21-2014, 03:38 PM
Good work going on in here flavo. Keep it up.

No flame suit required!
ELCID86
10-21-2014, 05:52 PM
Nice work Mike.


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk.
flavo
10-22-2014, 04:09 AM
Thanks for the support. You guys are the best!
flavo
10-24-2014, 07:32 AM
Woohoo!!
Car started right up after the new VDO FP from BMA. It was the least expensive there and they offer a discount with promo SpecE30.
in a bit I will do the filter. If there is an easy way to get it open I'd love to see what probably 130K miles looks like.
Then I pull the headlights out and fix my ZKW burnt bowls. Productive Friday off.