Car: 2002 SE

Hey guys, it's been a long time since I've been back here. I've had a CEL for a while and my local mechanic told me it was a pollution system related problem and there's no rush to get it taken care of. So I've put if off for a while and my NYS inspection is due next week so I had to get the CEL addressed. My mechanic also told me it was a job only the dealer could resolve.

So I dropped the car off today and got a call from the service advisor saying I had 3 things wrong with the car. First was an O2 sensor, then there was an EVAP leak, then the ECM needed to be reprogrammed and finally the vent control valve and canister needed to be replaced. So I reluctantly agreed because I had no choice since the car wouldn't pass inspection.

All was well and I drove the car home. However I now notice a starting problem. When the car has been sitting for some time and it's cold the car starts fine. However, after a drive when I restart, it starts for a second then dies. However if I give the car gas while it's about to die then it starts and stays on. It's a definite problem.

My only guess is that when they reprogrammed the ECM they messed something up. What else could cause this? It was FINE prior to the dealership. I want to go back there tomorrow but I'm sure they'll try to get more $$$ from me or say they didn't do anything wrong.

I doubt its a weak battery because I went for a LONG highway drive to get the battery to charge, then I got home, turned the car off and on again and it would start then immediately die

Any advice? I'd like to go back there tomorrow.

 

Go back to the dealership. Could be a list of things.

 

My guess would be the ECM. It wouldn't make sense for anything to be loose only at the restart and cause a reaction like that. Take it back to them and make sure they fix the issue.