We have a 2004R Manual Tranny which is my Wife's daily drive. Been well cared for and still packs a lot of VOOM VOOM! We have been having a Hard Start issue which is quite sporadic. Sometime it would start on the 1st. crank without any issue and other times it takes several cranks over up to 5 mins to start.. Mechanics have not seen this problems themselves, so no recommended fix to date. Personally it seem to be a combustion issue?
Has any other Owners / Mechanics seen this problem or can anyone suggest some ideas on the issue?

 

cold start issues often trace back to fuel pressure. you can rent/buy a fuel pressure gauge to see what the residual pressure is when you first crank and then see how the pump tries to build it up when you crank. Could be a weak pump, leaky injector, pressure sensor issue etc but first step is to collect some data to see if the pressure is in spec. After that you can check spark - but usually weak spark presents as misfires during hard driving (ie a CEL P030x code). Next is fuel trim - here you can inspect vacuum lines, intake air boots etc, spray around with some carb cleaner etc, but again usually an air leak will present as a CEL (ie lean). Any other driveability issues - low on power, stumbling, wandering idle, puff of smoke at start up?

 

Hi MT.. Thank you so much for your feedback and possible fixes.. Will certainly give all a try and get back with results. Keeping my fingers crossed..

 

Hi MT.. I think that this Hard Start happens on a cold, warm or hot engine.. Haven't checked to see gas levels when it hard starts though but I will. No smoke when it starts but a small backfire once or twice.. Will sure monitor and post data with results