1999 Chevy Lumina Starter Issue with my 1999 Lumina 3.1 Sed

BAGWELL4480

MEMBER
1999 CHEVROLET LUMINA
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
34,000 MILES

I was having starting issues with my 1999 Chevy Lumina 3.1, I was trying to start it cold after it was not running all night, and I would turn the key, and I would hear the car sounding like it was wanting to start but like it couldn't find a spark, but eventually would start after several misfires. I assumed the starter was going bad.

I had the starter replaced, and it is still making this noise when I start the car cold, where it sounds like it wants to start and just doesn't at first, but it will eventually start though but it is super rough.

If you have any ideas what it might be, it would be very helpful.

Thanks,

Mark C.
Pittsburgh, PA

3 Replies

RENAUDTN

MECHANIC
636 POSTS

When you attempt to start the car, how does it crank? (Slow, fast, normal)
Check your battery (you can have it checked at an autopart store), and the cables just in case.

I'd check the fuel pressure to make sure it's not fuel related. Also, make sure you have good, strong sparks.
I would also check the timing.
Finally do a compression test on each cylinder to make sure you don't have a bad head gasket or valve.

Have you scanned your car for codes? If your car is really misfiring it should set error code(s).

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Wednesday, November 12th, 2008 AT 10:52 AM

BAGWELL4480

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I do not know if has actually misfired then, because I see no codes of any kind.

It cranks like normal, not fast or slow.

I checked out Jiffy Lubes website, and it says if the fuel system is clogged, it causes almost all of the problems I am currently having.

I think that is the route I am going to take going forward.

Thanks,

Mark C.

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Wednesday, November 12th, 2008 AT 11:15 AM

RENAUDTN

MECHANIC
636 POSTS

Okay,
Do a fuel pressure test; if not within specifications, check your fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel pressure regulator, fuel lines.
You could also have a bad/clogged fuel injector.

Good luck and come back if you need anything else.

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Wednesday, November 12th, 2008 AT 2:03 PM