I have noticed that my car is getting increasingly harder to start. I turn the key and you typically hear 4 pistons move before you release the key and the motor is typically moving and self sustained at this point. But I have noticed that with every new start, it takes more piston movements before the engine is actually going. Sometimes I have to attempt to start it 2 or 3 times before it will self sustain. The plugs are new [NGK Iridiums, 1 new coil pack, and a good battery.]

It just started doing this a few days ago and I can't figure it out. I don't believe its the fuel pump because I will KOEO (Key On, Engine Off)a few times in efforts to "prime it" to get the fuel in there before I actually allow it to crank with no status change. There are no codes and I had the codes checked ANYWAYS and no codes are being displayed on the OBDII scanner. What am I missing?

 

the starter itself.....

 

Wow lol.

I think it may be the fuel pump. It only does it when its at operating temperature and I notice that if I press halfway down on the gas while starting, it helps it start.

 

well then also check your iac as well. the late model lancers are nortorious for those as well...


josh

 

Check residual (key off) fuel pressure.

 

JRR, where exactly is the IAC on my car?? I'm assuming it's on the intake manifold rear the back...? Not sure what it looks like and I'm not very familiar with all the engine components so if someone could post a picture with a motor and an arrow pointing towards it, that'd be deeply appreciated.

 

+1^^^ Maybe your fuel pressure regulator is malfunctioning?

 

What I have noticed is that it doesn't do it when its a cold start, only when the engine has been running at operating temperature.