Help: Car sometimes starts, sometimes doesn't
 

Hi Everyone --

I was about to come home from the shore yesterday when I got into my car and it wouldn't turn over. I let it sit for 20 minutes, then it started no problem and I drove it for a few minutes. I mistakenly shut it off and let it sit for another 10-15 minutes and it started and then stalled and would not start again. After another 20 minutes, it started no problem. So I pulled it into my driveway and left it there.

My first thought was the fuel pump, but in my experience, they either work or don't work. Usually they are not intermittent like this.

Anyone ever experience anything else like this? Opinions.

I am nervous to let a shop look at it unless it is something that is very straight forward.

Thanks.

I had the same problem this time last year. Ended up being the fuel pump/relay FUSE - it was NOT popped, though. The metal contact on the fuse itself was worn off after 10 years and caused the intermittent starting/stopping of the vehicle. Sometimes I would drive and the car would just die!

Replaced the blue fuse and NO problems ever since.

Cost me a new fuel pump, fuel relay, and $100 dealer visit.

Sucked.

So after all of that work, you still had the problem and then replaced the fuse?

I'm guessing that should be the first thing I check.

What did everything cost you in total?

check the fuse, then main relay

x2 main relay.

Is your car a 6 speed manual or an automatic? I had a similar problem in a Supra years ago and it was a faulty switch on the clutch pedal.

6 speed... for a second after the first time it didn't start, I thought I forgot how to start a stickshift. ha.

First, check the battery terminal connection before anything else. I had the same thing, after 2-3 attempts the car would start. Almost bought a new battery, my mechanic just tightened the terminals and fixed everything. Worth a try.

Update: My sister's bf took the car to the local shop today and had no problems starting or driving it. He kept it in 2nd gear for the the 1-2 mile drive.

my guess is fuel pump relay under steering column

Yup, that's what it was. Thanks everyone who commented.