For the past year my max has not been starting well. When the key is turned itll crank for a second then stop then crank again while keeping the key in the start position the entire time. It usually takes about 3 seconds of cranking then stoping then cranking before it starts. There is also some grinding sometimes, i thinks the starter on the fly wheel. At first my mechanic said fuel pressure regulator, replaced that and still happens. Also replaced battery and starter. Last time i saw my mechanic he now says it could be a sproket that controls the variable valve timing. Does that sound right? The car as 206,000 miles and i too think i has something to do with the timing. Has anyone else heard of a problem like this? Any help will be appreciated.

 

Possibly grounding issues. You could try and make a cable that goes from the starter straight to the battery. It should cost about $5 or so. That would fix any grounding problems and they are easy to install. You can search the .org for people who have made their own grounding kits. You can buy them also, but then they cost more than $5.

 

yeah i currently have that problem with my car ...it cranks and stops and i turn off then try starting it again it cranks some more then starts up with a grinding noise .below link says the gears inside have no more lube inside and that is the problem.Guess i'll replace my starter soon

http://www.motorvate.ca/mvp.php/516

 

Might be a bad starter...but replacing that cable will save you some money...try that first!!

 

Please find another mechanic, he's not doing you any good.
There is no variable valve timing on our motors.
The ignition switch is a known failure item on our cars.
Check the flywheel and make sure the teeth aren't damaged.

 

to the grounding reccomendations that is exactly what it sounds like.
do you have a CEL?

 

Grounding...

 

^that thread saved my life
and exactly why you search

 

are plugs and fuel filter fresh,if not try that...

 

sounds like a grounding issue, remove tranny and sand down surface between tranny and engine. i see allot on 5spd cars that had clutchs installed in the past. these vq's need a good ground between engine and trans or they will not run. crank rpm needs to be over 180 to start up.

 

I didn't know that... I'll have to add your name to the list.

 

Replace your ECTS if you've tried everything else its worth a go... will give you hard starts.. to the point that when it does start you have to hold the revs up for a bit