a few days ago, i tried to start my car, and it wouldn't go. i heard the initial ignition sound, but i guess it just wouldn't start. (at the time it was about 7pm, about 3.5 hours since the last time i drove it). i pumped on the gas (which i never expected i would ever have to do) and i tried it again, it wouldn't go. after a third time of multiple pumps of gas and a little waiting time, it finally started.

today, i tried to start it, and it wouldn't go. i pumped the gas once or twice, and it worked.

what could i do to eliminate this problem? i want to be confident that i can always start my car...without depressing the gas pedal too. i envy hondas, even some of the early 90's models...i can distinguish their start. it makes a few quick spurts and it starts (very quickly). with my maxima, it takes about 4 spurts (i don't know how to explain that sound, sorry) to start.

any solutions? thanks

 

Perhaps the fuel rail lost its residual pressure during the idle period. Next time you have a similar period of disuse, try this experiment. Turn the ignition key to ON, wait 15 seconds, then turn the key to START. This brief delay gives the fuel pump some time to build normal pressure. If your car starts readily and runs well after this brief delay, that will confirm this fuel pressure hypothesis.

Possible causes loss of residual fuel system pressure include
- an external leak anywhere in the fuel loop
- a leaky check valve
- a bad fuel pressure regulator
- one or more fuel injectors which sticks open

Please understand this "brief delay" is offered as a diagnostic measure, not a remedial one.

 

I had trouble with my maxima starting too. It did the same thing yours is doing, we took it in and they said that there was a bad cell in the battery. Put it this way, the stock batteries suck. You might want to try replacing the battery, that solved it for us

 

I believe the problem lies at least partially with the condition of the injectors, as DB Martin suggested. I was experiencing the same symptons. After running 3 bottles (1 per tank) of injector cleaner through the car, it is 70% improved. You might give it a try. BTW - I used Chevron's "TECHRON" brand. It is pricey, but IIRC, it is the only injector cleaner approved for use in BMWs by the factory (used to have a couple of them...). You know how picky those Germans can be...so it must work.

 

I've had good luck with this kind of "Snake Oil" product. It's inexpensive and easy to administer.

I tend to be skeptical of "Miracle in a Can" product claims, but fuel injector cleaner has helped me. I recommend it to address an existing problem, but not for use on a regular basis as a preventive measure.

Techron has an excellent reputation but I consider all name brand product to do an equally good job at cleaning injectors. Let me emphasize cleaning injectors. Techron may do a better job at loosening carbon crud from intake valve stems, but that's a different problem.

 

my dads friend is the head-mechanic for bmw where i live and he said never to pump your gas when starting my(our) cars because we have fuel injectors and it really fu*s up your car when you do that...what he said to do was press on the gass all the way the start the car dont pump...ok peace