HELP my car is a POS

[cassie]

the title says it all. So my car has been having ISSUES starting up. It cranks and cranks, whether its from a cold or hot start. SOMETIMES it cranks less than others....but not in any particular pattern. Things I have done since I noticed the problem:

Changed Oil
Changed Fuel Filter (today, YAY)
Got a new Air Filter

OKAY.....now my car is still doing the same $hit. I took it to ProCare and it was diagnosed as needing a new MAF sensor, but I couldn't get it replaced there b/c my warranty wouldn't cover it, they told me to go to a chevy dealership.

So, I took it up to the dealership they had it for 2 days and told me that:

#1 there was nothing wrong w/my car and that it started fine

#2 no codes came up

#3 that they wouldn't look @ my fuel pump until the fuel filter was changed (which would cost $62.95)

TO WHICH I RESPONDED:

#1 when I got there we went to start it up (so he could show me what was "wrong" and it CRANKED and CRANKED...so i was like "TOLD YOU!!!!!!!!" (yea, real mature, I know

#2 Um......I SAW the codes on the computer, the dude showed me them

#3 Um......Yea, I think I'll do it myself this weekend for $8.67

So, I changed my fuel filter....actually a couple hours ago, started her up, checked for leaks, and went for about a 10mile drive. I got home and let the car sit for like 5 minutes and when I went to start it up, it cranked and cranked!!!!!!!!!

I need some opinions on what could be going on here? Could it be as simple as needing new spark plugs? Or is this more of an in depth problem? Please help, I need something to ***** to the dudes @ the dealership about tomorrow.

thanks guys,
Cass

[hockeyman]

Hey Cas, if you need, I have a MAF for a 3.8 engine. Let me know if you need it. I replaced it when I wasn't sure what the car needed, and replaced the MAF to see if the SES light would go away or not. It didn't...
Let me know if you want it or not.
The MAF is still in great condition, and redy to install.

-Marc

[ June 15, 2003: Message edited by: hockeyman ]</p>

[gta8857]

I have something for you to try. I had the simular problems on my 88 GTA. It would crank and crank but wouldnt start. If it sat for ahwile it would. Then it wouldnt start. When i would open the gas cap it would release the gases then it would start just fine. I never found out why it did that. I sold the car.

GTA8857

[cassie]

Well, here's the thing. My warranty does cover the MAF sensor, I just need to get it installed @ a Chevy dealership.

But, it cranks and cranks and it DOES start....just aftre a lot of cranking.

[UNFNick2k]

what year is your car? bad gas or clogged fuel injectors maybe?

[Dominic]

spark plugs?

[cassie]

someone told me spark plugs....i dunno

i'm still learning about the engine crapola

new tank of gas now
98

[O2Bsogood]

My friend has an 85 Dodge Ramcharger that does the same thing. It's weird, sometimes it starts fine than sometimes it has to crank and crank. Lately it's been starting fine and running better than it ever has. It has us stumped. How long do you have to turn it over before it does start?

[mcgs999]

all these older cars you are mentioning are probably carborated engines correct? if so that would lead me to believe the problem that she is facing would have something to do with injectors or maf...

i could be wrong i am stupid

[dan miller]

i have had the same problem occuring with my car as well. what seems to have been a cheap fix is to "prime" the fuel system by turning the key to the start position without cranking it yet. when you hear the fuel pump whining sound die down then start the car up. sometimes this still doesnt work for me and then it just sits and cranks, but it always does start on the second try!

[tuffluk55]

put some fuel injector cleaner fluid in with the next pump of gas and see how that goes.

[*K*night Rider]

Do an LS1 swap.

[O2Bsogood]

My cousins car also has problems starting. She has a 98 cavalier. She'll get in it to start it and as soon as it starts it'll die. I told her to wait for the fuel pump to kick on and she did, and she had the same results, I get in and it starts and runs fine for me, every time. She'd get back in and crank it over like she's trying to break the ignition and it'd do the same thing, I'd get back in and it'd be fine. All I could figure is the car didn't like her. Maybe your car doesn't like you Cassie, do you mistreat it. But her problem was fixed the key she was using wasn't the original key, it was an extra. Now that she has the key that originally came with the car it starts everytime. You haven't had your ignition key replaced have you?

[cassie]

Nope, I'm using the same chipped ignition key. And I have to give it gas to start.....it always turns over...just after time.

should I try a tune up?

[HarrierDJH]

hey it might be the fuel pump going bad. happened on my vette and my corsica, turn the engine to start but dont crank it and see if u hear the fuel pump run