1994 Dodge Intrepid Car Used Start Really Fast Soon Turened Key Now Slow Cranks

1994 DODGE INTREPID
154,000 MILES
Avatar
BDUDLEY86
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
My car used to start really fast as soon as I turened the key but now its really slow to start cranks good and strong I have to pump the gas while turning over the key and it takes anywhere from 3 to 4 seconds to start and some times it starts fine ...once its started it runs perfect no miss in the engine or anything I've changed plugs and wires stil same thing I replaced the fuel pump 2 years ago when I got the car sometimes if I start it and drive a short distance like a few blocks and shut it off go in a store come out and try to start it up it will just crank and crank like its not getting fuel and I have to spray a shot of starter fluid in it just to get it to start but once started it runs fine what could it be..also while the car is runnig there is a round thing with a few vaccum lines going to it located on the passengr side by the fire wall that makes a constant clicking sound that it didn't make before the thing has a little spring and valve I gues u wuld say and it sets inside of that round vaccum box right over a hole thaf sucks air and that's what makes the clicking noise.,.I know this because one day my car was idleing way to high and I noticed a hissing sound under the hood it was the top of that round vaccum box had popped loose and I had to snap it back together the car idles fine now but still hear clicking not sure if that has anything to do with my car being rough to start
Mar 20, 2013 at 5:41 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
CARADIODOC
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 34,309 POSTS
Wow; that's one heck of a sentence! The only thing I can understand is there's a long crank time sometimes. There's two possibilities. The fuel pressure is bleeding off when the engine is off or the fuel pump is failing to start up. When Chrysler fuel pumps fail, that's how it usually happens. They do not start up but once they're running they stay running.

The best place to start is by connecting a fuel pressure gauge and watching what happens when you try to start the engine. It's not uncommon for the pressure to bleed down but it should pop right back up the instant you turn on the ignition switch. That's the hum you hear for one second after turning on the switch. If the pressure doesn't come up right away and the engine doesn't start, turn the ignition switch off, wait a few seconds, then turn it on again. Listen for that hum each time to determine if the pump is running.
Mar 20, 2013 at 6:15 AM
Avatar
BDUDLEY86
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Sorry about the long sentance lol but I do hear the hum of the fuel pump kick on every time u hit it on the nose it acts like it loses its prime how would I fix that is it a sign of a bad fuel pump because two years ago when I changed the fuel pump it would still at thatway on occasion like it lost its prime when I go to restart it aftr shutting it off and it just resently started to have a long crank time
Mar 20, 2013 at 2:50 PM
Avatar
CARADIODOC
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 34,309 POSTS
You have to monitor the fuel pressure to see what's happening. I've been driving around for the last ten months with a gauge tied to my radio antenna waiting for an intermittent problem to show up. So far it only occurs on hot summer days when I'm dragging a huge tandem axle enclosed trailer that's considerably bigger than the '88 Grand Caravan I pull it with.
Mar 20, 2013 at 7:49 PM
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.