QuestionQUESTION: I've been having a problem with my 2002 Sonata not wanting to turn over the first couple times the key is turned. If it does turn over it then cuts out and I get and can smell gas. When I checked the codes it said I had some type of leak (gross) not minor. I was going to try changing the fuel filter but haven't been able to locate it and I don't see anything leaking on to the ground. But, I will say I did find my oil was about dry a couple months back. though I was going on about 5000 miles since last changed. Any ideas?
ANSWER: Hi, Tammy. I'm going to need to get a few more details from you so I understand exactly what's happening with your car and develop some theories as to the cause.
1. Based on all the details in your description, I'm presuming that your starter motor turns the engine, but the engine doesn't start running on its own. Please verify this is correct or, if not, do your best to explain to me what is occurring.
2. When the starter motor turns the engine (and the engine doesn't start), does it turn it at the normal speed, or slower or faster than normal?
3. Does the vehicle need to sit without being driven for a certain amount of time before this condition will occur?
4. Does this same problem occur when you attempt to restart the vehicle after refueling?
5. The diagnostic description you report sounds like an evaporative code. Can you tell me the actual code number (rather than someone's description of what it means? Tell me any codes that are stored in the engine control module (ECM). It's possible that it's related to the issue you're having.
6. What engine do you have (2.4L four cylinder, or 2.7L V6)?
The fuel filter on your vehicle is in the fuel tank. It's doubtful that the fuel filter is the cause of your problem.
No oil on the dipstick doesn't mean there's no oil in your engine. Typically, the dipstick won't register once the oil is more than 2 quarts low. For your vehicle, that would mean you have less than 2.5 quarts in the engine. If your engine were indeed dry of any oil, it would have seized. 2 quarts in 5000 miles is not abnormal. It's advised that you check your oil at every fueling, but realistically, unless you have a significant problem, once every 1000 miles should suffice.
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QUESTION: I'm sorry the car is a 2.4 4 cyl automatic. 59,000 miles. The starter seems fine, it's like it's not getting enough gas when turned over. (motor turns norm.)Or will start but quickly die out again unless I rev the engine.That's why I thought the fuel filter was clogged. and it's actually every time I go to use the car.I can't remember the actual code, But it was listed as a generic code with that description. Sorry for the slow response.
Thanks,
Tammy
By the way: P0455 Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (gross leak)
AnswerIt's doubtful that the P0455 code is related to your issue. The only thing that would possibly cause P0455 and the car to crank and not start would be a broken vacuum hose or line between the intake manifold and the purge control valve. And chances are good that such a problem wouldn't cause anything more than a couple additional trouble codes. The car would probably still run normally. But start checking that just in case. It's a simple and easy check to do.
Presuming the vacuum line/hose is okay, I'd primarily suspect that your fuel pressure is bleeding off when the engine is turned off. To check this, you'll need to attach a fuel pressure gauge and monitor its behavior after the engine is stopped. If the fuel pressure continues to drop and falls below 20PSI or so, you have a defective fuel pressure regulator.
