Thread: Help - need car advice

Hi guys,

I am hoping someone can give me a tip on this situation:

• Car starts cold without any problems
• However, if I stop several times to run short errands: starting is progressively harder every next time
• If the stop is for a longer time (say 1 hr) starting is perfect again

Any ideas of a solution?

(I can do some basic things and have had bad experiences from several mechanics so I prefer to handle on my own, if possible)

Thanks!
Ivo

hmm - spark plugs? that's easy and cheap to fix

Sounds like something n the fuel air mixture. Might be running rich. Unfortunately with todays computer driven engines this would take either the right hook up to fix it or swapping out a bad sensor or computer somewhere. Not usually a fix for someone without a lot of specialized tools. In fact the dealer is usually the best guy to handle computer problems. If it was an ancient carburetted model you could probably just turn a screw and fix it.

Sorry I can't help more than that.

good luck Ivo!!

Originally Posted by izlat

Hi guys,

I am hoping someone can give me a tip on this situation:

• Car starts cold without any problems
• However, if I stop several times to run short errands: starting is progressively harder every next time
• If the stop is for a longer time (say 1 hr) starting is perfect again

Any ideas of a solution?

(I can do some basic things and have had bad experiences from several mechanics so I prefer to handle on my own, if possible)

Thanks!
Ivo

How old is the car? If it is fuel injected it could be a leaky cold start valve.

Originally Posted by izlat

Hi guys,

I am hoping someone can give me a tip on this situation:

• Car starts cold without any problems
• However, if I stop several times to run short errands: starting is progressively harder every next time
• If the stop is for a longer time (say 1 hr) starting is perfect again

Any ideas of a solution?

(I can do some basic things and have had bad experiences from several mechanics so I prefer to handle on my own, if possible)

Thanks!
Ivo

Sounds just like a problem I had with my truck. Check your distributor. Mine was getting hot, I replaced it. The bearings were shot. Might be a quick and easy fix for you.

My money is on the Main Relay. What make and model is it?

If its your main relay it will start again after its had enough time to cool down some. There is a fix for it if its a Honda. Had the same problem on my Accord. So if you too have a Honda PM me and I will help you through it.

I'm going to bank on heat like everyone else here. Make/model would be a help

Wow - that's great, thanks guys!

The car is Toyota Celica 2001

Yes, I have been playing with old cars trying to adjust mixture, idle, etc but this is a newer system.

I will check the distributor, have to research the main relay thing... If these don't work I may need to go to the dealer. The car hasn't had it's second major tune-up so maybe I just need to do this - flush the injectors, etc. But if they are the problem, I would not expect the car to start easily when it is cold or has had some rest... Oh, I remember that I did change one of the oxygen sensors several years ago, I guess it could be a problem again

Thanks a BUNCH!
Ivo

Check the fuel pump power relay. When relays are hot the contacts/electromagnet winding can fail, becoming reliable again as they cool. Could be another relay too, but fuel relay gets the high probability guess from me. A Chilton's or similar electrical schematic will show you where to place a voltmeter to test it. I think the manual has a troubleshooting guide in it too, usually runs about 20 bucks.

My Honda Accord had the fuel relay problem.

Hate to go against the grain here but,, it's your starter, the bushings wear and when it gets hot from engine temp it leans into the coil, bogging down, once it cools it works fine.