QuestionQUESTION: I own a 1997 Cadillac STS. If I let the car sit for 24 hours, it is very hard to start, engine spins good but wont start until the 5th or 6th attempt. It then sputters but after the start it runs great and will start on the first turn. If I only let it sit for 12 hours it starts reight up first time. What could be the problem?
ANSWER: Fuel pump test:
1. Get yourself a helper.
2. remove the gas cap.
3. have one person listen in the gas tank at the gas cap opening.
4. have the other person turn the ignition switch to the ON position ONLY so as the dash lights come on. Do NOT attempt to start the engine.
5. As soon as the ignition key is turned to the ON position, The person at the gas tank should hear the fuel pump run for TWO SECONDS and then it should STOP.
6. Does it ?.
If you do NOT hear it run, in most cases the fault is the fuel pump relay or the fuel pump..
let me know.
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QUESTION: The car does start after 5 attempts or so. It cant be the fuel pump becasue it does run the rest of the day and start with no problem. The only time it has a hard time starting is when it sits for a day.
AnswerNEVER say CAN'T BE. Check the fuel pressure first thing in the morning. and also check for spark plug ignition.
Spray a little starting fluid in the engine and see if it starts right up in the morning. If it does, I would lean towards weak fuel pump which is leaking back all the fuel from the fuel rails and fuel lines after it sets overnight.
