Car has issues starting (01 Monte Carlo) HELP!

[Onita]

I have recently begun having issues with my 2001 Monte Carlo. When I attempt to start it, the car will crank, and I'll have to hold the key for several seconds before it actually starts. Often times I will also need to hit the gas as its starting or it will stall out.

Where should I start to look? What other information can I give?

 

[cprince]

is the check engine light on? I would go to autozone to have them read the code even if the check engine light is not on.

 

[LTC8K6]

Clean the throttle body and the idle Control Valve?

 

[exdeath]

Does it smell strongly of fuel if you continue cranking without opening the throttle? Is it easier to restart later in the day? I'd start with coolant temp sensor if you're needing to hold the throttle open to start. Its cheap and easy to rule out early on.

Issue started recently, it also just started getting cold out recently.

 

[Onita]

No check engine light, and no fuel smell. I will check the idle control valve and clean the throttle body.

 

[MikeMike]

what engine is in that gen Monte?

possible fuel pump, or fuel filter issue as well.

 

[Onita]

Doesn't matter now. Went to start it after lunch, car started shaking and died. Merry Christmas to me!

 

[JeffreyLebowski]

Try starting it with it jumped to a running vehicle. Your battery could be going south. Cold tends to kill batteries.

One of my old cars acted this way. It seemed it had enough voltage to turn the starter but not enough to turn the starter and supply enough voltage to get a consistant spark, which is needed because the aternator isn't going to be spinning enough with just the action of the starter to provide any juice to keep the engine going.