Hard to start after a fender bender?

[Cranky-Condor]

Hey all....

My boss also has Toyotas and his daughter is having issues with her 2000 Celica. Someone rear ended her and did some minor bumper damage which has been repaired but now when she goes to start it, she has to turn the engine over for a "long" time before it starts. Appearently it runs fine once started, it just takes a "long" time to start.

First thing I thought was some kind a fuel pump/check valve type issue or a fuel line leak where the fuel was running back into the tank and took a while to pump back to the engine....

Anyone very heard of this happening and are there any other possible solutions? Thanks!

Warren

[Ace2424]

If it is cranking strong, I would say fuel. What could have happened is the impact shook the fuel tank and if she hasn't been buying the best gas all the time, there could be sediment in the tank that got shook up and is now clogging the strainer.

I would also check connections and also look at the front end under the hood. It is possible for the car to shake so much that even stuff up front could come loose.

[renatodato]

Could be just coincidence. Try jumping it to see if it starts right away. If it does, it's just the battery/charging system. If it's been in the shop, the battery could have been drained. Shops are notorious for leaving accessory lights on, draining the battery. Although, I don't know the nature of the fender bender, depending on the impact, anything can happen. Try the simple fix first. Jump it.