My only mods are the GST 93oct basemap (not the cold weather one) and an HKS drop-in filter.

The last couple weeks I had noticed my car was taking longer to start. I wasn't sure if i was just imagining it but now there is definitely something wrong. My car will never start on the first try from a cold start. I've never had it not start up on the second try though, and it seems to otherwise run as normal.

I'm pretty sure its not cold weather related... it's been 15-20 celcius every day for the last month.

Has anyone else had this problem? I'll be making a dealer appointment this week, but wanted to see if anyone else has encountered it.

The only other related issue I had was a few days before this all started, where i tried to start the car but it seemed like a couple of cylinders were mis-firing or not firing at all, as it sounded REALLY rough and the rpm bounced between 0-250. It started fine on the second try...

TIA for any input.


edit: I should also add, I ALWAYS turn the ignition to acc and let the fuel guage fill up + give it 5 seconds before starting the engine. I believe that was the fix for many of the cold start issues?

 

There has been several threads on this and it is normal. My car does it every once in a while. If it is doing it often I would take it to th dealer.

 

Yes I am from Vancouver as well driving a W/W Sportback Ralliart and experienced the 2nd problem you mentioned, about cylinders mis-firing and taking longer to start. And it only happened recently. My old 08 Lancer however had the cold weather start up issue more often last year in the winter. I also had to depress the gas pedal while cranking up.

I believe it has to do with some moisture condensation on the relays. The dealer didn't want to do anything about it since they couldn't replicate to see the problem when i took the car in.

Cobb AP stage1-93oct tuned

 

I do have the same problem too few days ago mine took couple seconds longer than usual to start up the engine. It's been around 10 C lately, will the 'engine block heater' solve this problem or it's another electrical issue?

I did give it couple of seconds in acc mode and I heat up my car atleast 5 mins every day when I'm not using it. =(

 

My RA is 100% stock and I've noticed that every once in a while it'll fail to start cold the first time; I have to try 2 or 3 more times to get it started. Sometimes this happens if I drive it a lot one day, then park it and try to start the next day.

 

Don't necessarily mean to bump an old thread, but I am experiencing this issue. Its been cold and rainy the past few days here (in pittsburgh) and my SB Ralliart has not started twice, i just let the car sit in ACC for a few seconds and it starts up.

Called the dealer, explained the problem, and he said, "Yeah, sounds like there's some condensation within the ignition." So they may have heard of this problem alot or at least enough to have a hold on it. Here's to hoping that it all works out.

 

The manual does state that in great climate changes the engine may not turn over immediately. It does require you to pump the gas pedal. I have experienced this 3 times so far and I live in NY. It usually happens when its really hot and humid one day and the next a bit cooler and dry. One time it took a full 20-30 seconds to start. This is pretty normal for this car.

 

let it sit in acc for a few seconds before starting...problem fixed

 

Got the car back from the dealer, they did leak tests and said they checked all the circuitry and whatnot. And didn't find a problem.

Better safe than sorry I guess.

Just seems off that I have to keep the car in ACC just to start it up... oh well, now I know.

 

I don't know if changing out the fuel relays would help with your starting problem, but here's a link to another thread about that if you want to check it out.
https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/09...uel-relay.html

 

Turn the car on but don't start for a few secs. It'll let it prime the fuel system first.

 

+1. I used to have a similar issue with cold starts. Turning the "key" over to the ON position and letting the fuel system prime before cranking is the only thing that has worked for me. Haven't had a rough/no start in a long time now with this method.

Edit: just saw OP's edit. Not sure anymore, sorry for the confusion!

I have the GST 93 basemap + HKS panel too, haven't had any issues with my starts in the cooler weather so far. Temps have been down to 45F (7C) here without any major issues...it does sound like you're having the typical symptoms as the cold start thing though. Good luck, keep us updated if you can!

 

Is the ACC the position that makes the loud clicking noises? That would get annoying having to do that everytime.

 

no, ACC position = the position where all your accessories (except windows)power up, which is 1 position before you go to the ignition ON position.

 

you push the key nob in and turn one click...you'll hear a few ticks from the fuel pump and the center display turns on gas level fills up and then turn one more time and car will turn over to start. simple as that