Strangest problem I'm having... sometimes my car fires right up, but now 2 out of 3 times it takes forever to crank over. Here's some background:

- Swapped out the battery with a new one, with no luck.
- Alternator is charging the new battery nicely.
- Starter is cranking (fast) for a good 4 or 5 seconds before the engine comes alive; and it seems when it finally does fire up, it is struggling for a second.
- Tried a new method where I crank the engine for only a second. Stop. Crank it again, and it fires right up.

Anyone know what this is? I'm getting my accessory belts replaced on Friday (car has 46k on it now) and I'd like to diagnose without paying the $90 fee...

Thanks guys!

 

Head for the auto electrical shop ASAP.

 

Hurry!

 

And what exactly did you reply for...twice? Nothing better to do I suppose?

 

Any codes? I had my crank position sensor go out and it caused my starts to be longer then normal.

6mt? Maybe your clutch engaged switch is wearing out.

 

Yes, its an '05 6mt. No check engine light, but haven't checked for hidden codes. Reset the ECU also, with no luck.

I tried starting the car also by pushing in the switch by hand and cranking the engine. After some searching, I am under the impression that with the Z's clutch engagement switch broken, it won't turn over at all. That's how my old car was, also.

 

When you stick the key in and turn it, do you give it a second or two for the fuel pump to do its thing or are you just sticking the key in and trying to start it immediately?

 

Yea I'm giving it a few seconds to prime the pump... No such luck; same problem

 

Fuel filter?

 

I don't believe our z's have fuel filters in them ...

 

turned out to be the fuel pump. very expensive... good thing it was covered under warranty