Guys,

I have this problem for the last couple months where on the first engine start of the day the car almost doesn't start. Meaning that it sounds like it is not going to start but then it starts. Then it's fine for the rest of the day.

I took it to the dealer, they kept it over night and saw the issue. They didn't know what it was, they changed the fuel pump, but it is still doing it on the first start of the day.

I also change my gas station just in case the gas was bad or something.

Any ideas?

 

I believe that is the bad OE battery. Get a new one, people have had great success with the Optima batteries... I believe that's what they're called.

 

yea taht sounds like battery; i had that when my battery was low on juice.

 

Why would it only do it the first time I start my car for the day?

Once it starts once then it starts fine the whole day no problem until the next day again. I thought battery too at first but the dealer tested it and I can start the car fine after the first time.

 

Well, I believe if you let the car sit for a long time, the battery is slowly draining. Once you start driving(I don't think your stops are as long as 10-12 hours apart) the alternator recharges the battery, hence the early morning bad starts. If you live in a cold place, this is another issue. Park in a garage at 40 degrees(lower during the winter) the battery will not be 100%. It's been talked about... do a search on batteries, there are plenty of stories.

 

whoo, 400 posts...01tl4tl, I'm catching up to ya!

 

^^ HAHAHA....

But to the OP - Your battery is having difficulty maintaining the charge for extended periods (ie overnight). But after you start your car the alternator charges up your battery which is giving you enough juice to turn the engine over.

 

Thanks guys, Next time I am at the dealer for an oil change I'll see if they agree to replace it under warranty. I have 38K miles.

 

While I would have tended to say the battery too.... I would fire my dealership if thats not the first thing they looked at when troubleshooting this issue..... seriously a Fuel Pump before the battery?

What is the sound it makes when it seems like its not going to start? Typical dead battery sound is a bunch of fast clicks.

Does it sound like the motor is turning over and just not starting?

 

It's hard to explain. It does not click at all.

The best way I can explain it is that it sounds like its starting normal at first but then almost dies like fuel cut off was kicking in or something, then it starts. I had a couple of times when it did not start on the first try but this doesn't happen anymore.