Once in a while, of couse not when mechanic is looking at it, my 98 SE will not start, unless I step on the gas at the same time. Which I understand you should never have to do. Is this true??

Also, sometimes the tach will drop slightly below 500(around 350)or fluctuate between 500 and 1200 erratically. I do feel a engine change when it happens. But both issues might happen once or twice a week. Other times its fine.

Starting problem has happened when the car hasn't been started for a while or its cold or wet outside. Other times with the same conditions
its perfectly fine. Any help out there??

Thanks

 

Yup. You should never have to step on the gas. Modern fuel injected cars of today don't need that.

One thing to do, though, with today's cars, is turn the key to the RUN position and wait a sec before turning the key to start the motor. While this is not a needed step, it helps get the electronics ready for lift off, so to speak. By doing that, you let the fuel pump pressurize the fuel lines so the ignition process will go quicker, and make your starter last longer

As for your erratic low idle observance, do a search for cleaning your throttle body. Lots of discussions here.

DW

 

also make sure your fuel filter has been changed

 

i have the exact same problem, but i haven't found any cheap solutions except for turning the key to "on" position and waiting 5 or more seconds before starting. this seems to solve the problem. I did read a thread which addresses this problem and it required replacing a part which was located in the fuel tank. i forget what it was called. either way, it was an expensive fix and not a 100% guaranteed fix.

jhlee