Engine won't start first time, but will after short pause on second attempt

check the voltage regulator

You may need to reset the system.

SEQUENCE ACTIVATED BY THE PARKING BRAKE .
1. While engine is running (key in ignition switch), apply the brakes and hold the pedal down.
2. Move gearshift lever to neutral.
3. Apply the parking brake Once Twice
Note: The system can be set - at time of installation - to require that the parking brake be applied once or twice.
If set for two actuations, pause one second between the two.
4. Remove key from ignition (the system keeps the engine running).
5. Exit the vehicle.
6. Within 60 seconds, close all doors.
7. The system will stop the engine and blink the parking brakes once to confirm the sequence is valid (vehicle is
ready for a remote start command).
SEQUENCE ACTIVATED BY THE REMOTE CONTROL
1. While engine is running (key in ignition switch), apply the brakes and hold the pedal down.
2. Move gearshift lever to neutral.
3. Apply parking brake.
4. Send the start command (Model 801 & 2101 - Model 903 ).
5. Remove key from ignition (the system keeps the engine running).
6. Exit the vehicle.
7. Using the remote, send the STOP command. The system will stop the engine and parking lights will blink once
to confirm that the sequence is valid (vehicle is ready for a remote start command).
http://www.astrostart.com/Support/Guides.aspx

If you have tried cranking up the engine a few times, but nothing happens, you should pause after the first few times. Then retry after 2 to 3 minutes; it may start. But, the main fault possibly lies in the ignition relay, so that would have to be replaced to stop this problem one and for all.

You probably should perform a fuel pressure test to see if the fuel pressure is bleeding off of the fuel rails when the engine is shut off. If it is, you could have a bad fuel pressure regulator or a bad check valve in the fuel pump module (which will require replacement of the module).

One way to test for this condition without any tools is like this:
cycle the key ON, wait about two seconds, then OFF, wait about 2 more seconds, and back ON again. Repeat his 3 or 4 times before turning the key to the CRANK position. If the engine starts immediately every time you do this, then the hard starting is definately caused by the fuel pressure bleeding off.

Hi there,

Do not replace any further components until you have your On-board diagnostic (OBD2) codes read.

Your vehicle is fitted with a sophisticated OBD computer which monitors the performance of all engine emmission sensors and components.

By jumping pins 5 & 6 of your datalink connector (DLC connector located under dash, above driver's knee), your Engine Check light will flash the codes present stored in memory.

1. Run the engine until it reaches operating temperature, then turn engine OFF.
2. Using a thin jumper wire (speaker wire will do), join pins 5 & 6 (note this connector may be upside down).
3. Turn ignition key to ON (do not run engine) - the Engine Check light should start flashing.
4. The 1st group of flashes is the 1st digit of the code; (short pause), 2nd group of flashes is the 2nd digit of the code (short pause) and so on. Note: codes will be separated by a long pause. E.g. Flash, Flash, Flash (short pause), Flash, Flash (short pause); Flash, Flash, Flash denotes: Code 323 etc
5. Codes will usually repeat - turn key to OFF, once codes have been correctly read.

If the above procedure works for you, please post your codes on here and one of us will assist you with further diagnosis.


Cheers,

G'day mate i think you will find only the dealer can using a special little resistance tool which are normally to expensive for the average garage, take it for the service it new enough to look after

normal air temputer pressure will effect as car becomes out of tune over time

You said you have fuel flowing from the inlet line of the injection pump? But not at the injector lines?

Hey there!

To find the code, get a pencil and paper, sit in the drivers seat and gaze at the instrument panel. insert your key in the ignition. (do not turn) Look at the dask and watch the area where the "check Engine" light comes on.. turn the key on-off-on-off-on (semi quickly) do not start the engine.
leave on . the engine light will start flashing. it's like morse code. it will flash a set of numbers then another, then pause, then next number and next, pause (for instance if it is a code twelve, it would flash as follows.. * (short pause) ** (longer pause) if there are other codes, it wil flash them too. so if there were say two codes, say 34 and 35 , it would flash as follows, *** (short pause) ****, (longer pause) ***(short pause)***** ( longer pause) it takes a little to watch the codes and write at the same time. sometimes helps if you have one person watch the light and one write the codes. If you miss one, don't worry it usually repeatseach code three times. if you can't get it quick enough, turn the key off, then wait two - three seconds and try again. let me know wha the codes are and I'll try and help you. good luck.

http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/3331/obdikx3.jpg

The above link is to a diagram of your ALDL connector, all you need is a paper clip, straighten out the paper clip and insert one end into the diagnostic test pin and one in the system ground pin (terminals A & B).

Then put the key in the ignition and turn it to the on position but DO NOT start the engine. You will then see the check engine light flash. It will initially start by flashing once, then a pause and then flash twice and it will repeat this three times. That flash sequence indicates 12, which just means the system is operating. Its the flash sequences after that that will give you the code if any are stored.

For instance if it flashes twice, then pauses, then flashes four times, thats code 24. So any flash sequence you get after the initial 12 (flash once, pause, flash twice) you need write those down. Below is a list of diagnostic codes to tell you what the codes mean.

Code 12
1 flash, pause, 2 flashes
Diagnostic: This Code will flash whenever the diagnostic terminal is grounded with the ignition switch turned on and the engine is not running.

Code 13
1 flash, pause 3 flashes
Oxygen sensor voltage stays between 0.35 and 0.55 volts for 30 seconds when the TPS signal was above 0.55 volts. The engine had been running for at least 40 seconds with an engine temperature above 110° F.

Code 14
1 flash, pause, 4 flashes
Coolant temperature sensor signal indicates a temperature of over 284° F for 4 seconds after the engine had been running for at least 10 secondsCoolant Sensor Circuit (high temperature) If the engine is experiencing overheating problems, have those fixed before continuing. Check all wiring and connectors associated with the coolant temperature sensor. Replace the Coolant temperature sensor.

Code 15
1 flash, pause, 5 flashes
Coolant Sensor Circuit (low temperature) Coolant temperature sensor signal indicates a temperature colder than -36° F for at least 4 seconds after the engine had been running for 2 seconds. See above, then check wiring connections at the ECM

Code 16
1 flash, pause, 6 flashes
Charging system voltage was either below 9 volts or above 17 volts for 10 seconds. System High Voltage If the voltage is above 17.1 volts for more than 2 seconds, the Service Engine Soon light will illuminate. Have the charging system checked.

Code 17
1 flash, pause, 7 flashes
PCM did not detect any spark reference pulses within 240 fuel control reference pulses (80 crank revolutions) while engine was running below 1200 RPM. Spark Reference Circuit.

Code 21
2 flashes, pause, 1 flash
Throttle Position Sensor, TPS voltage was above 0.8 volts for 5 seconds when engine was running and air flow was less than 15 gm/sec, or the TPS voltage was over 4.8 volts at any time.

Code 22
2 flashes, pause, 2 flashes
Throttle Position Sensor check TPS adjustment. Replace the TPS sensor. TPS voltage was under 0.2 volts for 4 seconds when the ignition was on. Check for a sticking, or mis-adjusted throttle position sensor.

Code 23
2 flashes, pause, 3 flashes
Inlet air temperature sensor signal showed an air temperature of -29° F for 4 seconds. Manifold Air Temperature. Check the MAT sensor, wiring, and connectors for a possible open circuit. replace the MAT sensor.

Code 24
2 flashes, pause, 4 flashes
Vehicle speed sensor signal showed less than 3 MPH for 2 seconds when engine speed was greater than 3000 RPM and transmission has not been in park or neutral for more than 4 seconds. Or vehicle speed goes from above 18 MPH to 0 in less than 2 seconds without applying brake. This code can only appear when the vehicle is in motion, if it appears when the car is not in motion, ignore it. Check ECM connections, any other problems should be diagnosed by a qualified mechanic.

Code 25
2 flashes, pause, 5 flashes
Inlet air temperature sensor signal showed an air temperature of over 218° F for 5 seconds when vehicle speed was greater than 35 MPH. Check the voltage between the MAT sensor and the ECM. voltage should be above 4 volts.

Code 26
2 flashes, pause, 6 flashes
Quad-Driver sense voltage shows a low voltage when battery voltage should be present, or if the sense voltage shows battery voltage when a low voltage should be present for at least 5 seconds when the engine was running. Have the car checked by a dealer.

Code 27
2 flashes, pause, 7 flashes
2nd gear switch was closed or grounded for 10 seconds when vehicle was in 4th gear, or 2nd or 4th gear switch was open when engine was first started. Gear switch Diagnosis Have the car checked by a dealer.

Code 28
2 flashes, pause, 8 flashes
3rd gear switch was closed or grounded for 10 seconds when vehicle was in 4th gear, or 3rd or 4th gear switch was open when engine was first started.

Code 29
2 flashes, pause, 9 flashes
4th gear switch was closed or grounded for 10 seconds when vehicle was in 4th gear, or 4th gear switch was open when engine was first started.

Code 31
3 flashes, pause, 1 flash
PRNDL indicates a gear other than park or neutral for 13 seconds for 3 consecutive startups when ignition was on, engine was off and vehicle speed was 0. Or the PRNDL status indicators (A, B, C, P) showed an incorrect combination of Lo and Hi for more than 10 seconds.
Check all connectors, and for a faulty switch.

Code 32
3 flashes, pause 2 flashes
EGR System Check vacuum hoses and connections for leaks and restrictions. Replace the EGR solenoid or valve.

Code 33
3 flashes, pause, 3 flashes
MAF Sensor Have the mass air flow sensor replaced.

Code 34
3 flashes, pause, 4 flashes
There was no MAF signal for over 4 seconds while engine was running. Check for loose or damaged air duct, misadjusted minimum idle speed and cacuum leaks. Inspect the MAF sensor and the electrical connections.

Code 38
3 flashes, pause, 8 flashes
The Torque Converter Clutch portion of the brake switch was open and caused the TCC to be inoperative, adjust OR replace switch.

Code 39
3 flashes, pause, 9 flashes
Torque Converter Clutch Check ECM connections, check for faulty Torque Conver Clutch solenoid.

Code 41
3 flashes, pause, 1 flash
Cam sensor signal was not received by PCM for the last 5 seconds while engine was running. Check for faulty connections, or a faulty cam sensor. Maybe also indicate a problem with the vehicle's timing chain.

Code 42
4 flashes, pause, 2 flashes
The Electronic Spark Timing (EST) signal did not change when the ECM applied bypass voltage to the ignition module. Check for faulty connections, or a faulty ignition module.

Code 43
4 flashes, pause, 3 flashes
Knock sensor signal was either above 3.5 volts or below 1.5 volts for at least 20 seconds. Check for a faulty knock sensor, or Mem-Cal.

Code 44
4 flashes, pause, 4 flashes
Oxygen sensor voltage was under 0.25 volts for up to 4 1/2 minutes of closed loop operation, lean exhaust. Check the ECM wiring connections. Check for vacuum leaks at the hoses and intake manifold gasket.

Code 45
4 flashes, pause, 5 flashes
Oxygen sensor voltage was over 0.75 volts for 2 minutes in closed loop operation with a throttle angle between 0.6 and 1.9 volts. Rich exhaust. Check the evaporative charcoal canister and its components for the presence of fuel.

Code 46
4 flashes, pause, 6 flashes
Power Steering pressure switch Check for faulty connections, or a faulty switch.

Code 48
4 flashes, pause 8 flashes
Misfire Diagnosis. Check the ignition and fuel systems.

Code 51
5 flashes, pause, 1 flash
Prom or Mem-Cal Make sure the MEM-Cal or prom is properly installed in the ECM. Replace Mem-Cal or prom.

Code 52
5 flashes, pause, 2 flashes
Cal-Pak Check the Cal-Pak to insure properation. replace the Cal-Pak.


Code 54
5 flashes, pause, 4 flashes
EGR #2 solenoid was out of range for 6 of 8 tests. 55 EGR #3 solenoid was out of range for 3 of 5 tests.

Code 55
5 flashes, pause, 5 flashes
ECM Check for faulty connections. Replace the ECM.

Code 56
5 flashes, pause, 6 flashes
Quad-driver voltage was incorrect for 5 seconds on the circuit connected to QDM "B".

Code 57
5 flashes, pause, 7 flashes
Boost control solenoid did not open bypass valve causing engine torque to be too high.

Code 63
6 flashes, pause, 3 flashes
EGR flow was incorrect. EGR solenoid did not work properly. Have vehicle serviced by a dealer.

Code 64
6 flashes, pause, 4 flashes
Same as Code 63 EGR flow was incorrect. EGR solenoid did not work properly.

Code 65
6 flashes, pause, 5 flashes
Same as Code 63.