Terrible Start Up

[BallSackJack]

I've been searching around previous posts here and on other forums, however, I still cannot find much information on this topic. I have a 98 firebird, 3.8L and I've owned it for about 3 years. Since I've had the car it's had trouble starting up, but it's really gotten bad the last few months. It takes 10 seconds to start it, the starter clicks, but the car seems hesitant and when it finally starts up it stumbles for a bit until I give it some gas, sometimes it kicks on the SES light for misfiring, but soon goes away. I've replaced plugs and wires, cat, my coil packs tested out to be fine. I was wondering if the ICM was bad and if theres anyway to test it or how much it'd be to replace it if thats even a possible problem. I've replaced the battery and starter within the last week (starter completely died two days ago) however, even after a new starter it is still hesitant to start and takes 10 seconds or so. Also it seems to be dumping a lot of gas out when I first start it, quite a strong odor. I apologize for the length of this post, I just want to get all the details out! Thanks for your time!

[deftons56]

Re: Terrible Start Up

check your fuel pump and injectors?

[BallSackJack]

Re: Terrible Start Up

Fuel pump was replaced since I've owned the car, I dunno if that matters though, also the injectors have been cleaned within the last 3 months. I hear the fuel pump when I first put the key in the ignition and it appears to be delivering fuel, since it dumps it all out right after it starts, but does that still mean the problem may be caused by a bad fuel pump? Thanks for your response!

[cam98aro]

Re: Terrible Start Up

check the battery cables, im betting thats your problem right there

[BallSackJack]

Re: Terrible Start Up

Checked the battery cables today, thought that might be it, but they checked out fine.