QuestionQUESTION: I have a 2002 Accent, manual transmission, 1.5 liter, 72000 miles. For the past week the car has started intermittingly. The car cranks, but will not consistently start. I took it to a repair shop when it did start and the mechanic told me the fuel pump is working and suggested I continue to drive it. I have changed the plugs and wires, fuel filter, and injection cleaner was added. I am puzzled at what I can do. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
ANSWER: Hello Gregg,
what do you mean by cranking but not starting? Is it starting late or not starting at all? Also do you have any check engine light?
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks for your quick reply.
My car turns over as if it is trying to start, but does not start all the time. There is no check engine light on. The Fuel Pump is working, I can hear it running in the accessory mode before attempting to start. On Thursday morning 7/26 the car did not start. I push started it and then drove it. Later, the vehicle did start on its own, including Friday morning. This has been an ongoing problem. I am very puzzled by this. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I have changed the plugs, wires, fuel filter, added injection cleaner. PS The timing belt was also replaced in January.
AnswerHello Gregg,
If you can start it by pushing it, that means your problem is at the starting system. Either your battery is weak and can not turn the starter fast enough, or the starter is giving up. If starter can not turn the engine above 500 RPM engine will not start. You can eliminate the battery by jump starting the engine. If it starts fine with a good battery's help then you have a battery problem. If it does not start with a jump start then you have a starter problem.
