i thought the long crank was the starter so i replaced it several weeks ago since my car has 115k miles and it still on stock starter. its been starting better than before after the swap but just now, when i went to lunch, it crancked for a few seconds before it started. my fuel needle was on E. do i need a new fuel pump? how much do they typically cost?

I have the same issue, and it goes away when the tank is actually filled. You may well be right...

It's struggling to get fuel, mines done that for years.

It is because the fuel pressure drops when you turn your car off and let it sit. Like a bottle of pepsi. It is fine but you shouldn't run the tank all the way empty

Have you replaced fuel filter lately? It is worth a shot!

I replaced the fuel filter at 70k. That is not the issue.

Fill the tank up and see if it goes away.

You could also prime the engine before starting (turn key to ON, leave it there for a few seconds.)

I would replace the fpr first.

I wouldnt even think of the fuel pump yet, believe it or not check your crank sensors and cam sensor. Since they are magnetic they collect metal shavings over time so the ECU has a hard time reading the position of the crank or cam. You can take them off and clean them by hand, they're pretty easy to do.

they aren't that hard to get at either, that could be it.

it wouldn't hurt to change the filter again either though. i think it's a 30K service item. make sure to prime the car also it will help. if you turn the car off and then start it again in a minute or so when the tank is low does it still crank hard? you could have a small leak in the fuel line somewhere do you ever smell gas?

mine does it too, i think it does it on all of our cars, your just not suposed to let it run that low. cuz then the fuel pressure kinda goes away, and also you get some water vapor in the tank, also not good so dont run the car that low.

esp during the colder climates