2002 Chrysler Van

HALVO

MEMBER
2002 CHRYSLER VAN
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
35,000 MILES

The engine has developed a cold starting problem. When cold, the engine turns over as normal but is hard starting. While cranking it over, it sort of fires but will not run. After about 3 or 4 times of cranking it over, it will fire up, run rough for a few seconds and then run fine. Once it is warm, it starts right off as normal. It runs good under power as normal. Only when it is a cold start does it require several tries of getting it to start before it will run. I am not touching the throttle at all, just turning the key.

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,741 POSTS

Sorry for the delay in replying.

It sounds like fuel pressure might be bleeding down overnight. As a test, try turning the ignition switch to "run" but not all the way to "crank". After a few seconds, turn it off, then back to run. Do this a third time, then crank the engine. Every time you do this the fuel pump will run for about two seconds, then turn off. It doesn't run again until the engine computer sees engine rotation, (cranking or running). The long crank time occurs because the fuel pump doesn't run until you're cranking the engine during which time the injectors are bleeding pressure off when they fire. If it fires right up after cycling the ignition switch three or four times, watch for a puff of black smoke out the tail pipe right after it starts. If you see that smoke, suspect a leaking injector as the cause of loss of stored fuel pressure.

A leaking o-ring on the pressure regulator is another possibility although not real common. The fuel will just bleed back into the tank and not cause any other problems.

Caradiodoc