starting problem

[onavi]

Sometimes when I go to start the car, I have to turn the ignition anywhere from 1 to 6 times to get the car to start. It doesn't matter if the engine is cold or hot. I hear the engine trying to start, after like 5 sec, I stop so I don't burn the starter up. The battery is fine, there are no fault codes. Recently it seems like its taking more times turning the ignition to get the car started. Sometimes, its the first time, other time its not.

Its an 2003, I4 with 76k on it.

Any ideas?

[william m dowd]

Try cleaning you MAS sensor and did you put in a new air filter, don't stomp on the gas pedal while starting leave it alone I don't know if any of this will help. I have 57,000 and recently had to clean out my throttle body and MAS sensor and it starts faster.

[onavi]

I'll have to give that a try.

[Big Wheezy]

Next couple of times you go to start it, turn the key to the "RUN" position (without actually trying to start the car) 4-5 times and wait 2-3 seconds each time, then try and start the car. If the check valve in the fuel line goes bad the car will lose fuel pressure while its sitting and clicking to start several times builds the pressure back up with the fuel pump, if the car starts after being switched to RUN from OFF several times it could indicate that is the problem. In an ideal world you'd use a diagnostic scanner to check for fuel pressure and ignition, but the key cycling will give you a starting point to eliminate or further research the fuel system.

[sam333]

To add to what Big said, if that does not work then try... Does it chug and run a little rough after it starts ? If it does, try opening the throttle all the way and cranking. Sometimes a leaky injector will cause a cylinder to be flooded with fuel even before you try to start the car. Opening the throttle all the way will help clear the flooded cylinder. You can find the leaky injector by pulling the plugs and smelling for raw fuel( before you try to start it).

[onavi]

Today, the car started on the first try every time. Today, it was a bit cooler outside than it has been recently, wonder if that has anything to do with it. This weekend, I'll clean the throttle body, MAF, and pull the plugs and check them out. Just need the car last till the spring when I'll trade it in, cause I know it needs new CV/axles, and the rack and pinion needs to be replaced as well. Can't see spending that much on a 9 year car.

Thanks all!