Long start

LIZ4RD

MEMBER
2000 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE
3.8L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
215,000 MILES

Okay, I have been here before. My car will crank for a long time. Approximately five seconds. Before starting. It will crank for about two seconds give a little put put. If I let go of the key because I thought it would start the motor gets flooded. But before, if I keep cranking on it even after the put put it will start. I have no clue at this point. I have no codes. I have replaced the fuel pump assembly, fuel filter, mass airflow sensor, idle air control valve. I have cleaned the throttle body, I have also ran a bottle of fuel injector cleaner. Also this long crank will occur every time I start my car and it does the "put put" even time and at the same time as other starts. Hopefully this isn't confusing I would post a video of it if I knew how to.

Tuesday, March 26th, 2019 AT 9:01 PM

6 Replies

LIZ4RD

MEMBER
32 POSTS

I am thinking it will be a fuel injector problem but I don't even know anymore. When it starts it runs like a dream. The only reason I am doing this it because I would like to install remote start.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Tuesday, March 26th, 2019 AT 9:08 PM

JOETECHPRO

MECHANIC
705 POSTS

Hey LIZ4RD,

It sounds like the fuel pressure is leaking back to the tank when the engine is off.

If you have the engine running and then switch it off, right after try and start it again and see if it has the same long crank.

If not then this may be the problem.

I have attached a guide to checking the fuel pressure system on your vehicle with a diagnosis chart.

Have a read through this and let me know if you have further questions.

Regards, Joe

Images (Click to make bigger)

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Tuesday, March 26th, 2019 AT 11:29 PM

LIZ4RD

MEMBER
32 POSTS

It is not I have checked that. I replaced the check valve and tested it by priming the system then leaving it for around six to seven hours then checked the fuel pressure it was still good. This long crank happens every single time I try to start it hot or cold.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Tuesday, March 26th, 2019 AT 11:31 PM

JOETECHPRO

MECHANIC
705 POSTS

Hey LIZ4RD,

Below is a guide with checks to run through for this issue:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-cranks-excessively-before-starting

I would start by checking for a vacuum leak, guide below:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

Then i would say you would need to look into what you are getting from the crankshaft position sensor when cranking, the output may be low.

A compression test after this will confirm you do not have a base engine issue.

Hope this helps, if you need further guidance don't hesitate to ask further questions.

Regards, Joe

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Wednesday, March 27th, 2019 AT 9:52 AM

LIZ4RD