While Cold: Hard / Long Starting Issue

severeundersteer3000 · Post by **severeundersteer3000** » Thu Jan 10, 2008 10:40 am

Hi I used to be a active member 2 years ago but my account went away lol...

I am having a problem w/ my 2003 neon, it takes 3-6 seconds of cranking to start. It runs flawlessly and idles great once it has started.
If i have been running the car then shut it off, and quickly restart it, it will fire up instantlly like it used to.
Problem just came up in the last 2-3 months since it has been around 0 deg Farenhiet out.
The car has 56,000 miles and i change the plugs every 15,000mi it is due for plugs, wires, and alt belt @ 60,000mi
I am thinking maybe Fuel pressure regulator, fuel filter, or plug wires.
Also could this be a battery issue, i have had a 10" sub for 3 years and the car was purchased in sept 2002?
Also is the fuel filter/Press regulator covered under the 70,000 warranty
I can keep driving like this , but it is concerning that it is getting worse.
Thank you for your time and any knowledge you can offer.

-Tom

hansken_yo · Post by **hansken_yo** » Thu Jan 10, 2008 10:52 am

There is a cold start method for that kind of weather that is actually found in the owners manual. Can't remember where, but pretty much press the gas pedal all the way down and then release before starting the car.

If that solves the problem that's great, if not, i'm sorry, that is the only advice I have.

Welcome back yo

severeundersteer3000 · Post by **severeundersteer3000** » Thu Jan 10, 2008 12:04 pm

i have read that, it says turn key to run position before starting for a few seconds to prime the pump, then push the gas pedal a little , then start it.

I will try this, and let you know

Any one else had this problem

the search turned up nothing here or on neons.org?

severeundersteer3000 · Post by **severeundersteer3000** » Thu May 29, 2008 4:04 pm

Okay turning the key to the on position for 2-5 seconds before starting makes it start right away.

I bought a Fuel Pressure Regulator for $130 and will replace it

I don't have to change the fuel pump too do I?

I thought the FPR keeps the fuel system pressurized after the car is shut off?

Post by **occasional demons** » Thu May 29, 2008 6:23 pm

The pressure will only stay there for a few hours if that. There is a spec that states how much residual pressure should be left after a certain time. If it is not at spec there are a few things that can cause bleed down. An injector may be leaking, or the checkvalve. I'm not too sure where the check valve is. It may be in the FPR, or on the cowl. I think there is a dampner on the cowl, and the check may be part of that.

MoxHair · Post by **MoxHair** » Thu May 29, 2008 6:58 pm

cold hard and long....

interesting, probably the only time that those 3 words could be in the same sentence without anyone complaining.

own3d5974 · Post by **own3d5974** » Thu May 29, 2008 10:08 pm

your battery might be taking a poo