Car dies first time I start it?

[malibu91]

Hi, My VT Acclaim has been playing up. Symptoms are that when starting the car, it fires and then dies straight away. If I turn the key and start again the car fires up normally.

The only way to avoid this is to turn the key to the ignition setting for a few seconds and then start the car, in which case it fires up perfectly.

Any ideas?

Jules

[D3CID3R]

fuel pump...?
first crank primes it.. 2nd crank it start.. could be dying?

[Snerty]

Defiantly the fuel pump. It will get worse when you have less than a 1/4 tank and you are idling for extended periods. Without much fuel to cover the pump it gets hot and fails with increasing reguarity until at the worst moment and place..you are stuck ..Cheapest option is to buy an after market one from Bursons..Also you must change the filter. this is very important

[malibu91]

The filter is due for a change anyway, so I guess I will do both.

Could this also possibly explain why when giving the car "resonable" acceleration from standstill, (like when you give it a little bit of stick to enter traffic) the car feels like the transmission is not engaged for a moment? It doesn't die, it just takes a millisecond to engage, and then comes on with a thump. Sorry if this sounds vague. There's no error codes BTW.


Jules

[D3CID3R]

wouldnt be error codes because it isnt dead yet

[Snerty]

Actally..Try change the filter first.. Usually when the pump dies. it is ok off the mark...most of the probs occure when starting and idling..The fuel filter being blocked or having warter in it will cause the splutter you described... When you undo the filter you will find the system is pressurized.. if this is the case then I would be looking at the filter. When you change it (Special tool required) Or try Push the fuel line hard on to the filter then pull back on the retaining locks on the collar (You will see what I mean when you look at it) Then whilst holding the retaining lugs in, twist the fuel line back and forth and pull fuel line off the filter..(Hard to do until you know how} Once you have got the filter off..Blow through it from the engine side and see what comes out..if it is clear change the pump. If shit and wter comes out..Thats the prob

[malibu91]

Thanks for the great advice guys. Fuel filter was changed 100,000kms ago. The car's now at 240,000kms.

I changed it myself, so I understand what you mean in regards to the clips. From memory I should remove the fuel relay and turn the engine over to remove pressure first?

Anyway, I'll grab a filter and try that, and if the symptoms persist head off to Burson's for a pump and a fuel tank drop out. I assume you have to drop the tank for a wagon?

[pablo]

Hey malibu91, how about coming back here and letting us all know how you got on when you changed the filter. It would be a good referance to others when searching for info who have the same symptoms and are looking for answers.

good luck!

[ruggj]

Before you buy a new fuel pump, I've had this happen before, but it was the immobilizer turning the car off, and the reason was the 2 metal parts in the ignition barrel had moved, and the key wasn't contacting it the whole way, it would always almost start then die, then i'd try again and it would work, I rotated the ignition barrel to line it up better and worked fine.

Then ages later the fuel pump actually died, but the exact same situation, both completely unrelated, so before you shoot off to buy a new fuel pump, just check that first to make sure. Otherwise it really sounds like a faulty fuel pump, if it's struggling to start you can hit the tank with a hammer (not too hard otherwise you'll crack the tank) and if your car starts then its definitely the fuel pump.

[SirNemesis]

Before you buy a new fuel pump, I've had this happen before, but it was the immobilizer turning the car off, and the reason was the 2 metal parts in the ignition barrel had moved, and the key wasn't contacting it the whole way, it would always almost start then die, then i'd try again and it would work, I rotated the ignition barrel to line it up better and worked fine.

Then ages later the fuel pump actually died, but the exact same situation, both completely unrelated, so before you shoot off to buy a new fuel pump, just check that first to make sure. Otherwise it really sounds like a faulty fuel pump, if it's struggling to start you can hit the tank with a hammer (not too hard otherwise you'll crack the tank) and if your car starts then its definitely the fuel pump.

This. If it kicks once then stalls it is the anti-theft. Try a spare key if you have one, and make sure the silver ring on the column is clean. It is a very common issue.

[malibu91]

OK Thanks for all the info. Once I get to the bottom of it I'll post back.

1/ Check Key/barrel/Immobiliser
2/ Filter
3/ Pump.

Jules

[theghostoftime1978]

could be crank angle sensor or fuel pump

[MrSirWantalot]

I had same prob, turns out it was the immobiliser not turning off, so I replaced the key & have had no trouble since

[malibu91]

OK, sorry for the delay. I keep pretty busy.

I have checked the barrel and pryed the contact lugs out a bit. This made no difference.
I just swapped out the filter (friggin brittle clips are a real PITA).

I blew through the old filter from outlet to inlet and heaps of black particles came out ointo my hand. Like HEAPS.
I assume this is old stale fuel caught in the filter.

I'll let you guys know how I go with cold starting.

Jules

[Longman]

Hi,

I had this problem for months and months, then I put a new battery in and it hasn't happened since. May be a coincidence, may not.

[guerilla_radio07]

I had the same issue, turn the key would start but die straight away thought it was my fuel pump but left it because it's pretty low down my list (for the time being) ended up buying a new battery as the other one died on me. Havnt had this problem happen again (yet) the car I'd always low on fuel I never put more then $20 in.

[malibu91]

Well the replacement fuel filter has not helped. The battery is only about 3-4months old, so I would assume it is OK. I guess the fuel pump would be next, but I'm not looking forward to dropping the tank after stuffing around with brittle fuel line clips already.


Jules

[DJ_Smak2003]

maybe your just turning the key too fast... turn to reds... you hear the fuel pump.. pump fuel to the motor, then turn further
but if you dont let the fuel pump do its job it may have enough fuel left behind to kick over and fire for one second and dies before the pump can catch up

[malibu91]

That's quite an interesting thought. However having owned the car for 10 years, I have never had to sit in the garage with the lights on for a bit to get it started.

Sometimes I need to try 3 or 4 times to get it going, and it just tries to start and then coughs and dies.

Jules

[sneezy1]

The filter is due for a change anyway, so I guess I will do both.

Could this also possibly explain why when giving the car "resonable" acceleration from standstill, (like when you give it a little bit of stick to enter traffic) the car feels like the transmission is not engaged for a moment? It doesn't die, it just takes a millisecond to engage, and then comes on with a thump. Sorry if this sounds vague. There's no error codes BTW.


Jules

To me this sounds like your traction control engaging.....try disabling it and seeing if it makes a difference.

[malibu91]

Will do.

Jules

[HarmlessMuffinMan]

Have changing your filter and pump :P

[CHA53R]

Try hopping in and closing the door. Click the key so it engages unlock. Put the key in and start. Mine does the same thing. It's my effn key not turning my immobilizer off properly.

[malibu91]

Will try that too (before replacing the pump). Cheers

Jules

[malibu91]

Well bugger me! The last 6 times I have got in the car I have tried CHA53R's suggestion and the thing has fired straight up!
I guess I may be looking at a new key when I get tired of playing games with the immobiliser (I assume the issue is with the key, not the immobiliser?)

Jules