Alright guys im startin to have a problem with startin my car only thing is it only happens when i get a lil low on fuel. Normally when i have only about 4 gallons left or so. I was wondering if this could be the start of a starter going bad. I norm park on a decline not very steep and it only has problems the first time i start it in a day or after atleast 8 hours of it being parked. Also it doesnt happen when i have a full tank of gas.

 

dont let it get below a quarter tank, problem fixed

 

Sounds like fuel pump going bad

 

What are detailed symptoms, such as follows?

Does engine turn over at normal speed, but no start?

Does starter simply click when keyswitch is turned to start?

Does engine and starter stay silent when keyswitch is turned to start?

Try starting w/ following procedure to see if it helps the problem. Turn keyswitch to ON, wait 5-seconds, and turn to start. This allows the fuel pump time to build fuel pressure to normal, even it was initially zero. If this helps, you may have a leaky fuel injector, leaking fuel pressure regulator, or leaking fuel pump check valve. It may hurt fuel economy slightly, but nothing to worry about.

good luck

 

well the symptoms are simple when fuel is low it takes longer like the clicking lasts longer before the engine starts but it always starts. and i have had kinda bad fuel economy i avg around 18 mpg combined even when i tried to save gas by accelerating slow and keeping constant speeds i still avg at best 19. I have a 3.0 and i know there is lower but my book say like 20city 28 highway so yea and i have like half and half city and highway.
If its the fuel pump how much is it?
Fuel Filter?

 

my 98 2.3 also does this sometimes when it is below 1/4th tank, but my gas mileage seems fine

 

My car takes longer to start when gas is low, that's normal, because the fuel pump has to work harder to move fuel. However I wouldn't say it takes "longer" to start my car, just an extra second or 2. If your starter is really laggin, your fuel pump may be goin, but if you're parking on an incline with a low gas level, it's probably just working harder to move the gas

 

If the starter "clicks" but doesn't engage and turn over the engine, it has nothing to do w/ fuel delivery. It's a starter problem; solenoid contacts are worn and when solenoid closes, a poor connection is made and not enough voltage/amps are available to turn the engine over. So you hear only a "click".

Fix is simple, pull starter and replace solenoid contacts or replace starter. Starter is difficult to remove on 3.2 TL's (read $$), requiring CV axle to be removed for access. I would expect to pay $200-$300 for a shop to repair.

good luck