First things first, no codes. I had my auto tranny replaced yesterday.
I went to start my car today, and it would crank and crank (and crank some more) but would not start. A couple of times I saw the RPMs jump quick to 100-200 but wouldn't start.
It just became embarassing because all of my neighbors were around. Its definitely not a battery or starter problem. Both of them are fairly new (Sept. 08). NGK Platinum spark plugs are less than 3k old (changed them as preventative maintenance)
After about 10 minutes of trying, I tried jumping the car and also went WOT trying to start it. It started reluctantly.
I drove around for 10 minutes. I turned the car off, and tried starting it again. It started right up. So I turned it off and tried one more time, and it started; but it cranked a little more and stumbled a bit.
I did have symptoms of this problem last week. However, the car would start. Pretty soon the car probably won't start at all.
Any ideas what this could be?

On a side note: this damn car. I fix one thing and than theres another problem.

 

updated OP

 

First, any codes?

Second, did you sand down the bellhousing and oil pan/block to ensure a good ground to the starter? If not, have you run a ground to the starter (you can just use jumper cables, or whatever for testing) to see if it helps any?

 

jumper cables didn't help at all.
no codes.

 

So you connected a jumper cable from the negative battery post directly to the starter?

And my other questions?

 

My car does the exact same thing when it's low on gas (usually less than 3 gallons in the tank), so do you have a good amount of gas in the tank?

 

no codes.
didn't sand anything. how would that help?
tried using jumper cables as a ground to the starter, still the same cranking symptoms.

yes.
other questions answered above.

 

3/4 full on shell 93

 

As above, ensures a good ground path from the engine to the trans.

 

check the CKPS Ref sensor ... under the oil pan, make sure the wire is hooked up.

Sanding the bellhousing (clutch housing) where the starter bolts will ensure a good Gnd conntinuity. If there's gunk in the way, it makes for a poor contact. Jumping from the Neg side of the bat ensures a great Gnd, thus why Pmohr suggested.

To me, it sounds like it could be MAF or CKPS / CKPS Ref related. You're getting fuel? Can you smell it - after cranking for a while with all the injectors firing, you'll smell fuel. So, if you don't ... then there's a problem. The fact that it started and ran for 10 mins is not a 'great' feat by any means ... you need it to run all the time, any time.

 

having the same problem... Sanded the bell housing down.. Gonna try sanding it some more.. Might be my crank shaft sensor