Will start one time a day it struggles but it does start?

Tiny
MAMAP2017
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • 3.1L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150 MILES
The car listed above will start one time a day. It struggles but it does start up every day once. After you turn off the car and try to start it again it will crank but no start until the next day. It has brand new fuel pump assembly and filter, spark plugs and wires, battery and several other sensors and ignition switch all replaced in last year. The first two were replaced last weekend. Still doing the exact same thing after the replacement. It is getting fire and fuel to the injectors. I cannot figure out why it will start up and run fine once a day. I can drive all over the city but once you turn off the car you will not get it started again until the next day. Jumping it doesn't work and I tried spraying straight into the carburetor or whatever it's called it will start sort of but won't stay running. Like it's almost there but not all the way. The only way to start the car is the first start of the day. Nothing after that. I need help. Single mom and I need my car running.
Tuesday, August 30th, 2022 AT 6:55 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,149 POSTS
Hello,

When the fuel pump was replaced, what brand was it? I only use AC Delco because of these kinds of problems. Also, we should run the codes to see what comes up here is a guide to show you how. You can get a code scanner from Amazon for about $20.00.

Here is a guide/video to show you how:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Here is a scanner link:

https://amzn.to/3Qi1SS6

Here are the correct replacement instructions for replacement of the fuel pump in the images below.

Images (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, August 31st, 2022 AT 7:31 AM
Tiny
MAMAP2017
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I don't remember the brand I can check the receipt I got from Napa they are one of the better part stores here where I am. The pump was put on properly to my knowledge. Fuel is getting to the injectors properly, so it has to be on correctly. I am working on getting a scan done. I am currently working on that. Could it possibly be the coil pack? I've been doing some research since I cannot afford to put it in the shop, I'm doing everything I can to work this out. It's an older car and putting it in the shop would cost me more than I paid for the car three times over. I just don't have the cash for that. Will update with the code scan info once I've done it.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, August 31st, 2022 AT 7:49 AM
Tiny
MAMAP2017
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I've done the scan the only code that came up was crank shaft position sensor and it came up twice, so I replaced the sensor with a brand new one. The car will not start still. I'm at a complete loss here. I don't know what to do.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, September 1st, 2022 AT 3:08 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,149 POSTS
It sure sounds like the fuel pump is not working, when you turn the key on without cranking the engine over can you hear the pump running in the tank for about 5 seconds? If so, we should do a CAN scan which is easy, and it does the entire car and all the systems you can get a CAN scanner from Amazon for about $30.00.

Here is a video to show you how:

https://youtu.be/u-4syLc-ifQ

Here is a scanner link:

https://amzn.to/3o41KcZ

Let me know what you find.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, September 2nd, 2022 AT 9:41 AM
Tiny
MAMAP2017
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Yes, the pump kicks on every time I turn on the key. It is working, there is fuel getting to the injectors. If the pump wasn't working that wouldn't be happening, would it? The pump comes on. What is a can scan?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, September 2nd, 2022 AT 11:21 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,149 POSTS
A CAN scan is a diagnostic of the complete computer system (controlled area network) this guide can tell you more

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/can-scan-controller-area-network-easy

Let's check the fuel pressure because you may have a defective pump here is a guide to help also i have induced a guide that covers this subject, I would like you to go over. You can rent a pressure gauge at the auto parts store for free or cheap.

Also, I think it will help if you service the throttle body.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service

and

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

Please let us know what happens.

Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, September 3rd, 2022 AT 11:33 AM
Tiny
MAMAP2017
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Will look into all of the above and get back with you. Thank you
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, September 3rd, 2022 AT 11:40 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,149 POSTS
Sounds good please let me know.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, September 5th, 2022 AT 8:44 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Engine Not Running Content

Car Cranking but Not Starting? Try This
VIDEO
Car Cranking but Not Starting? Try This
Instructional repair video
Engine Not Starting
GUIDE
Engine Not Starting
Over the past 20 years at 2CarPros we have identified the top problems that are easily fixed. This guide can save you a trip to the repair garage or calling a tow truck and...
VIEW MORE