Intermittent hard starting

Hi,

The ECM is in control of the fuel injection. Have you checked connections to make sure nothing is damaged, loose, or corroded? It's odd that it would work on and off as described.

Also, have you scanned the computer to determine if there are diagnostic trouble codes indicating where the problem is starting? If you haven't and the check engine light stays on when the engine is running, have that done. It may be very helpful.

Here is a link showing how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

I realize most people don't own a scanner, but often times a parts store will do it for you free of charge.


Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe

Thank you, get back to you.

It is the ECM that controls the fuel injection as you said. Is it not the ECM that controls the ignition spark? During the hard starting there's spark at the plugs and fuel injector were not pulsing.

Have you checked the MFI relay? See pic below. The MFI relay is located under the console side panel to the left of the radio.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

Let me know.
Joe

Is there any difference between the check engine light stays on while the engine is running or stays on while ignition switch is on position and check engine light blinking (on and off) while the engine is running or blinking while ignition switch at "on" position?

Hi,

Yes. If the light is blinking when the engine is running, there is a misfire which is likely related to a fuel or ignition issue. These types of misfires can cause damage to the catalytic converter. If it isn't blinking and you have a misfire code, it is likely emissions related.

Now, when you first turn the key on, the check engine light should turn on. Some stay on until the engine starts and others will turn off before starting. However, it shouldn't blink when the engine isn't running.

I hope that makes sense. LOL

Let me know.
Joe

Yes, it makes sense.

Good morning, concerning the article "https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing" you sent earlier, one of the sentences at step 3 " have an idea of what the problem is when you take your vehicle into the repair shop". The "an" should be "no" because if one have idea of what the problem is why should he take it to repair shop, or is it the direction that I am looking it from.

Hi,

What is meant is the code will get you started on the repair or let you have an idea of what is wrong if you take it to a shop for repair.

Is that what you mean?

Joe

Okay.