Hard time starting

Hello,

It sounds like the car is in limp mode due to a dirty throttle bore. here is a guide to help you fix the problem:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/reduced-power-limp-mode

This guide can help as well:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-cranks-excessively-before-starting

Please run down this guide and report back.

After every gas fill up car is hard to start...

Is the Malfunction Indicatro Light showing? Such probems are common when there is a fault with the EVAP system.

Dont know what the Malfunction Indicatro Light is. And if there is a problem with the EVAP system ( what does that stand for ?), how is it corrected ?

The CHECK symbol in dash.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzfR84T6pBY

Check above link.

Sometimes it has to crank for awhile more time than it should. So what is causing the hard starting only sometimes?

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.com.

That is a tough one to answer, especially since it is not all the time. I have some questions. When it does happen, is it always on a cold start, warm start, both? Does it start right back up when it happens? Is there anything you can think of that may happen prior to the problem? Are there any specific conditions which seem to increase the likelihood it will happen?

Let me know.

Joe

Last night it about an hour after I got home.
Car did crank, but not start.
2 hours later it would start but stoll, sounded like bubbling ( too much liquid ? ).
This morning it started normal.But I didn't drive it, because I didn't want to risk to be stranded.
Any suggestions what it could be ?

Just to add to this one, have you tried scanning for pending codes? This cars are widely known for bad crankshaft position sensors that cause all of the symptoms you described. Unfortunately, on the 2.4L engines, its located behind the timing belt so the timing covers will have to be removed in order to inspect it. Best of luck.

Took it to two mechanics. No codes or reason we're found. Last one recommend that I should take it to hyundai. They said it was the purge valve, got it done. Didn't have a problem since (3weeks ago).
That's about how long it took between the first and second time to occur. Guess I'll find out if the problem is really solved or not.

That would have shown up in the testing i gave you as no spark and no injector pulse, although the injectors and coil would have power supply.

A purge valve isn't going to cause a crank, no start.

After the first time when it hapened. The mechanic I took it to couldn't find anything and suggested that bad gas might have been the issue. It took about 3 weeks until it happened again. That time, it would start after I waited for a few minutes and then tried again. It would start just fine a few times and have the same issue again the next day. That's when I noticed the gas smell, I took it to another mechanic who also wasn't able to figure out the problem. He then recommended to take it to hyundai as they would know more about that particular model. Who then diagnosed that it was the purge valve.

I'm not able to run all those tests you were describing in an earlier response. As you can tell, the problem occurred again. It is now about a month after the Hyundai dealer replaced the purge valve.
It will crank a few minutes after it didn't. So there is no way to have a mechanic run those tests when it happens. Can you give me an ballpark estimate, on how much a crankshaft sensor replacement would be ?

this time it stalled after it started and then wouldn't start for a few minutes.

It al goes back to my first answer. Those tests HAVE to be run when the problem is present.

But how, if the problem is resolved after a few minutes and I don't have a mechanic with his tools riding with me at all times ?
So far, it happened 4 times in the last 2 months. Only the 2nd and third time were less then 24hours apart. The rest 3 to 4 weeks.

It's not easy but this is the type of problem we face a lot. If the problem is that intermittent it's about impossible to diagnose. The mechanic has to be able to duplicate the symptoms to be able to diagnose the problem. If you just start throwing parts at it, that can get very expensive and we simply don't work that way.

Well, if there really is no way other way to figure out whats wrong unless it actually just happened. Where would you recommend to get started. Compression test, crankshaft sensor ?
I need to get something done about it.

There seems to be a problem with the security system as well. Sometimes the remote won't open it and the key won't turn either. Could that be a reason for tbe related?

The keyless entry and the immobilizer are 2 completely different systems and neither one will prevent the key from turning the lock. The burglar alarm system is controlled by the keyless entry but it should be obvious if that is triggered. One particular situation of a defective alarm relay could cause a no start.

The 2nd option I'm very sure is what's happening. I am not able to open the trunk with the remote. Just the key and I always have to disarm the alarm first or it goes off
Now if the security system will cause a no start situation, would the engine even be able to crank but not start ?

You're just beating a dead horse here. There are dozens of possible reasons for a no start but until you determine which functions dropped out, you're just spinning your wheels. You can spend a fortune throwing parts at the problem with no success.

I am just trying to narrow down the options to get to the bottom of this.
In this case of the alarm system creating a no start issue, would there be any power to the car or would that not work either ?

when ever I fill up the car, it very hard to start, it turns over many times like it is not getting gas. and if it does start it will not idle by itself. Once I have it running for a couple minutes it will start fine and run fine unitl I fill up with gas again. I am thinking it is the pressure in the gas tank needs to build up to run. But would that be because the fill filter is getting clogged? or the fuel pump is not working correctly, or somthing else?

Hi alBundy,

Thank you for the donation and sorry for the delay in answering.

Your problem seems peculiar and the is no technical explanation for such a problem. There are no neccissity for any pressure buildup etc to restart after refilling.

Did the Check Engine Lamp shows anytime while driving?
Did you try to retrieve for Diagnostic Trouble Codes?
I would sugget trying the following if it helps. Before starting, turjn ignition switch ON for 2 secvonds and OFF, turn ON again for 2 more seconds and retry starting. Let me know if there are any difference.

I have taken the gas cap off to release the pressure and then I started the car just fine. I then went to a gas station and fill up and they tired what you suggested. To the Car to the on position but not start it, let it sit for 2 sec, I then turned the car off and turned it back on and it still started hard. I would turn over but No gas was getting to the engine. Even when it started it would not idle be itself. I would have to give it gas and wait about one minute then it would idle by itself.

Seems something is causing the fuel pump not to work when fuel is added to tank. I would suggest checking if there are any contaminants in the fuel tank. They could be churned to affect the fuel pump when refilling.

Apart from above, I could not find any other data or reasonable cause for the problem.

I tried starting my car is was hesitant and bucking a bit as well and the idle speed was bouncing around, wouldnt stay running almost as if its choking I gave it more gas and still it would Buck and the eventually not turn over I had a PO 171 code I've already changed m.a.f. sensor and don't see any cracks in vacuum line. I would like to know what the real problem is so I can fix it...please help thank you Joe

171 can be caused by a lot of things, but check fuel pressure with a gauge auto parts rent it. low fuel pressure is one of the causes. and a lot of times the main cause

2000 Hyundai Sonata mileage: 78,000. Thanks for taking the time to answer my question. My car is very hard to start. The only way to start it is to start it and not give it any gas for a minute or so. It takes six tries before you can get it to stay running. It has a service engine light on the dash and disconnecting the battery cable has not eliminated the light. Once started it runs fair but it cuts out as if it is running lean. The problem seems to be getting worse. We do not have a local dealer. Any input you can give me will be appreciated.

The service engine light indicates a problem in the computer controlled engine management system. We recommend a scanner that you can use to scan your computer for faults or error codes. The information should pinpoint the malfunctioning component. Once you have made the repairs you can use the same scanner to clear the check engine light.