'96 i30T

If I hold the ignition key in the starting position until the engine starts, no problem. But if I accidentally release the key from the start position to the on position before the engine actually starts, the next starting attempt requires 1.5 to 2 seconds to start the engine. Otherwise everything is ok.

Any idea what causes that?

Thanks,

Keith

 

Your initial start attempt has dumped some raw fuel into the cylinders which hasn't burnt yet. The second start dumps more raw fuel into the cylinders in yet another attempt to start. A few extra revs to get the correct amount of air in there is probably needed before she fires up.

What kind of service has been done to the car? Not that I think anything is wrong but are you due for a tune up soon?

You may want to clean your throttle body. It's very easy to do and makes a world of difference in how the car starts and idles. For a guide on how to do this see www.motorvate.ca There's a nice write up w/pics to show you how it's done.

 

I've had that happen on my car too. I think it might have something to do with fuel pressure too. When you first turn the key, the pump runs. After the failed start, all that fuel is no longer in the lines and it will take a few seconds of cranking to get everything flowing as it should. That's my theory anyway, I may be wrong.

 

I'm having the same problems is driving me crazy

 

My car used to have a hard time starting in the cold weather (like sitting overnight below 45 degrees F). In the morning I used to have to tap the pedal to rev it a little (up to 1700 RPM for about 10 seconds), and it was fine after that. But if I let up on the starter before it totally caught, the next attempt would be even more diffucult to get her running. When finally started, you could see a cloud of fuel moving down the driveway (great for the CAT, I'm sure). If you let up too early, the cylinders just get flooded and it starves for oxygen.

I cleaned the throttle body and intake plenum thoroughly, and since then (in ALL weather) she's fired up instantly after sitting dead cold for days.

Good luck!
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96 GXE Auto
KYB struts and 153k miles worth of paint chips