quick facts...96 max/automatic/122000+ miles/ no transmission switch or anything related

question...i've been having issues starting for a while and thursday is my day off of work. my question is this, i've checked a few things, but have notice everyone is having a similar or exact same problem. i start my car and while my engine is cold i have to rev it up to get it to start. my dad believes it has to do with the air tempeture sensor not responding right or the MAF. at autozone an employee told me that the MAF has a screen and if it falls out, it could result in failure. i have no CEL and my only code is 0304 (devlish KS). the car does crank when i turn the ignition, but all i usually get is the starter motor winding, trying to push the engine. i've already burnt one starter. i know the starter is not the problem. can anyone give me a list of things to do or check. thanks

 

i just read the "ignition switch" write up. does any think that this might be my problem???

 

bump..i need help/

 

Seems like you problem is spark and/or fuel related.

Leaky injector ... CPS ... ECTS ... fuel filter ...

My MAF screen was out for a few years and it always started up nicely.

 

would a leaky injector be noticable. i really don't see a leak. i changed my fuel filter 2 months ago. is time ot change it again?and whats CPS and ECTS??? i figured it wasn't the ign. switch cuz i get this problem only on cold starts. thanks nmexmax

 

inj. leak into the intake and flood the engine when the car sits (cold starts), you cant see it. maybe some black smoke when it does start.

 

how could i find out whether the injector is leaking. i read all the faq's and i didn't see this. damn...this website, after reading all the faqs...was a great investment. whoever started it...thanks a lot.

 

it's right here in the "service buletins"

http://www.jatan.net/tsbs/041594.pdf

 

CPS = crank position sensor .. a CEL would be lit though, same for the ECTS, Engine Coolant Temp Sensor.
Most likey a leaky injector .. I think I have one, the little ***** needs a kick in the *** 1/3 times I start her.

 

this ones got more detail

http://www.jatan.net/tsbs/057030.pdf

 

but what if i don't have that Consult or whatever. i usually check my CEL with the PCM/screwdriver DIY procedure!

 

bump. anyone know how to check INjector leaking or not.

 

Leak down test found in the first link ...

 

so i need a fuel pressure gauge and that's it. i understand how to do it sort of...i just wanted to know if there was a way without the gauge since i don't have one.

 

Ask your dad ... You DO need a gauge in order to determine the values that would be considered in or out of spec.

 

well its not a leaking injector. i borrowed the gauge from my neighbor and he said that its working properly. funny how i never knew he knew anything bought cars. Nmexmax...my parents are just recently divorce and my father moved 30 minutes away from me. its kinda hard to get down where he lives unless i must. gas is to expensive to make too many trips a week down there.

 

i'ma try to unplug the MAF Sensor and Replug it in. see if thats my problem. i just spoke to my dad and he says usually if a injector is leaking black smoke would come out. he states that i have a cold start problem and i need to go from the actual inserting of the key and follow the points to find my problem. he really can't help me until saturday and i work a double that day. so if anyone can help me...ima try to fix this tommorow.

 

I had a CEL accompanied by trouble starting earlier this year and I found out that one of my CPS's had went bad. I got it changed and all was well.

I had trouble starting again a month ago, no CEL, and had a good shop that I use check it out. It ended up being the OTHER CPS... I had changed it out and all is well once again.... It was strange though that the second one didn't cause a CEL....

Bottom line: Check the voltage to BOTH of them....

 

when my EVAP sys was messed up it had toruble starting from cold in the monring.. would almost die... 1nce it did die.. but the EVAP would give u a code though.. so i dont know just run the diagnostic on it... OBD... or the snap on tools manufacture diag... unless u have consult.. then use that..

 

I'm having similar starting problems, but usually when it's warm. I turn the key and the engine will take 5-10 seconds to turn over and start to run. Half the time, there is a serious smell of gasoline. Strange part is this does not happen every time I start the car. Any suggestions?

 

you should try the leaking injector.

 

Can someone tell me the difference between the thermostat and the engine coolant temperature sensor? Thanks.

 

ECTS reads engine temp, thermostat opens or closes to adjust the temputrature