help! car won't start...

[penzance8]

http://youtu.be/_3mtyslnHek

I'm leaning towards the starter, but some say it's a fuel issue. Anyone have any input? I would hate to spend $300 on the starter and find out it isn't the cause!

 

[nerp]

Sounds like the starter is OK. What condition are your plugs? My gut tells me you're not getting spark.

 

[PottedMeat]

kind of sounds like the starter is free running ( non engaging the crank )

 

[penzance8]

kind of sounds like the starter is free running ( non engaging the crank )

If that is the case, would it still need to be replaced?

 

[Modular]

kind of sounds like the starter is free running ( non engaging the crank )

I don't hear that. It's lack of fuel, spark, or compression. Better hope it's not the last one! Most likely spark or fuel to be honest. Mileage on the car?

 

[penzance8]

I don't hear that. It's lack of fuel, spark, or compression. Better hope it's not the last one! Most likely spark or fuel to be honest. Mileage on the car?

It only has 101k miles on a 2005.

 

[HarryLui]

Timing belt change lately?

 

[penzance8]

Timing belt change lately?

It has not. I was told to do it at 105k, so yes it is coming up.

While attempting to test out the fuel pressure, I turned the ignition on several times without cranking the engine. I heard a hissing sound so knew the fuel pump was engaging. I was about to check the gas cap but decided on cranking the engine anyway. And somehow it started.

Now that I know it is not a starter problem, any ideas on why the car did not start?

I am too paranoid to drive it right now.


http://youtu.be/EcXcZYWY0_M

 

[nerp]

At your miles, could be the distributor, plugs being old and crusty. Was it humid or moist this morning? Depending on where you live, the temperature swings between day/night this time of year can cause condensation inside electrical parts and if they're old, you can get intermittent starting issues like this. If it runs fine during the day and starts every time once it's warmed up, sounds like something along these lines.

 

[96Firebird]

From your latest diagnosis (turning key on without cranking), I'd take a look at your fuel pump or fuel pressure regulator. Most likely you allowed enough time for the pump to push enough gas to start the engine when you left the key forward. I had to do this on my old Firebird that had a dying fuel pump. Had to leave the key "on" without cranking for about 5 seconds before I could start it. Would only be a problem after the car sat for a while though, warm the engine started fine. Test the fuel pressure (or take it to someone who can).

 

[IcePickFreak]

^ That.

Sounds like you've narrowed the problem down to the fuel system if it started after cycling the ignition a few times. I'd check the fuel pressure at the rail with an actual gauge if possible, should clue you in better on where the problem lies. I'm leaning towards fuel filter or pump at this point. How well did it run once you got it started?

What type of vehicle? Some fuel pumps are actually really easy, others can be a PITA.

 

[T2urtle]

i'm 90% that one is in-tank and can be reached by pulling the back seat or rear trunk covers.

a 05 model car should not have a distributor on it. Most likely coilpacks.

 

[IcePickFreak]

Ahh yup, just noticed the car model on the vid title. There's access to the sending unit from inside the vehicle, it's an all-in-one assembly. Makes it easy to swap it all out, but expect a couple hundred if you buy the whole assembly (sending unit,fuel pump,strainer(there's no inline filter),regulator.) With the interior access port it'd be easy enough to swap out yourself though if you're so inclined.

I'd still check the fuel pressure first though to be sure if you have access to an inline gauge. You want right around 60psi at the fuel feed line in the engine bay.

 

[penzance8]

At your miles, could be the distributor, plugs being old and crusty. Was it humid or moist this morning? Depending on where you live, the temperature swings between day/night this time of year can cause condensation inside electrical parts and if they're old, you can get intermittent starting issues like this. If it runs fine during the day and starts every time once it's warmed up, sounds like something along these lines.

This morning (9ish am) was drizzling a bit similar to the other days I tried.

^ That.

Sounds like you've narrowed the problem down to the fuel system if it started after cycling the ignition a few times. I'd check the fuel pressure at the rail with an actual gauge if possible, should clue you in better on where the problem lies. I'm leaning towards fuel filter or pump at this point. How well did it run once you got it started?

What type of vehicle? Some fuel pumps are actually really easy, others can be a PITA.

It seem to have ran just fine after the engine was started. I drove it up and down the street and no hiccups from what I can feel. I'll try to test the fuel pressure as soon as I get a chance. It's pouring like crazy right now.