1996 Pontiac Sunfire Starting Issues

JKOZIE2001

MEMBER
1996 PONTIAC SUNFIRE
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
121,000 MILES

When the engine is cold, it fires right away but does not start for about 10 seconds or more.
When the engine is hot it wont start at all. I have a new fuel pump and filter, good fuel pressure, good spark and it fires with a small spray of starting fluid(ether). The car runs fine once it does start.

5 Replies

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

Hi, what was the actual fuel pressure spec? How long since a tune-up? Any trouble codes?

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Saturday, March 13th, 2010 AT 10:16 AM

JKOZIE2001

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I dont have numbers as far as the fuel pressure but I know it is not draining or bleeding off after the car shuts off. Actually, I havd an injector o-ring leaking and when I went to repair it, I forgot to bleed down the fuel pressure and it blew the injector right out. I used a code reader and got nothing, no engine lights. I have replaced the plugs and wires about a month ago. I just dont know where to go from here.
It's a 2.2L engine.

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Saturday, March 13th, 2010 AT 10:23 AM

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

Some of the national brand autostores used to loan out a fuel pressure gage, if you don't have one.

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Saturday, March 13th, 2010 AT 10:35 AM

JKOZIE2001

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Ok, Thanks you. Beyond the fuel pressure, what else should I check for. As I mentioned, it fires when I gave it a small mist of starting fluid but wont fire on its own. Even after trying to start it 5 seconds after I shut it off.

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Saturday, March 13th, 2010 AT 11:13 AM

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

I'd have to check fuel pressure. Engine cranking, the fuel pump gets battery voltage, maybe 10 volts or less. Engine running, the fuel pump gets generator voltage, maybe 13 1/2 volts or better.