2003 Chevy Impala Hard to start

Tiny
TIMFINN5
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 87,000 MILES
After a tuneup, plugs wire harness fuel filter and air filter, and a can of BG, my car now does not want to start right away after driving. Starts when cold but not a smooth start can fill somthing is not right. Seems to gradually be getting worse, any sugestions? Thank you Tim
Sunday, March 21st, 2010 AT 3:16 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
LEGITIMATE007
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,121 POSTS
Hi the best thing to do now is verify the spark and fuel pressure, listen to see if you hear the fuel pump come on when you turn the key to the on position, also the fuel pressure regulator, may be faulty too, checking the fuel pressure will help determine if it is faulty
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Friday, March 12th, 2021 AT 9:40 AM
Tiny
LEGITIMATE007
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,121 POSTS
https://www.2carpros.com/how_to/how_to_test_an_ignition_system.htm
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Friday, March 12th, 2021 AT 9:40 AM
Tiny
LEGITIMATE007
  • MECHANIC
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https://www.2carpros.com/how_to/how_to_check_fuel_pressure.htm
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Friday, March 12th, 2021 AT 9:40 AM
Tiny
LEGITIMATE007
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,121 POSTS
By the way, how did it feel starting it, before the tune up?
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Friday, March 12th, 2021 AT 9:40 AM
Tiny
TIMFINN5
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
My car Started ok before tuneup but was getting gradualley worse. After tuneup it started better at first, but I could still tell there was a hair of roughnous which has progressed into a littlle bit of a rough cold star and if I go to the store and It does not want to start sometimes, But if I give it a little gas It will start. Any Ideas? Thanks Tim
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Friday, March 12th, 2021 AT 9:40 AM
Tiny
LEGITIMATE007
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,121 POSTS
Hi tim, I'm thinking that the firing order, is possible wrong or the gap. But more likely the fuel pressure might be off, indicating a fuel pressure regulator problem or dirty filter, or even a bad fuel pump, Do a throttle body cleaning too. And is there a check engine light on?
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Friday, March 12th, 2021 AT 9:40 AM
Tiny
LEGITIMATE007
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,121 POSTS
https://www.2carpros.com/how_to/how_to_tune_up.htm
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Friday, March 12th, 2021 AT 9:40 AM
Tiny
TIMFINN5
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Yea took it to a mech. Today he did a fuel pressure check seemed fine. Then he hooked up the diagnostic computer? He seems to think the throttle contrl body needs cleaning, after putting his finger in and pulling out some carbon deposits. We will see for 60$ can't be too bad. He also is a certified master mec.
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Friday, March 12th, 2021 AT 9:40 AM
Tiny
LEGITIMATE007
  • MECHANIC
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You would be surprised what a simple cleaning will do for your cars performance. Its like haveing a tuneup. Keep me posted please
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Friday, March 12th, 2021 AT 9:40 AM

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