Hey all, lots of great info here.

I have an 04 TL auto. Seems the last month or so it is hard to start. Cranks fine but does not start for about 15 to 20 seconds. Usually need to depress the gas pedal (I know it is FI) and it will start, run rough for a few seconds and then be fine. Filled up a few times with premium and added injector cleaner but still hard on starting. No codes on. Any thoughts?

Many thanks!

 

Don't you normally fill up with premium? If not, that could be your problem.

 

That is what I am thinking. I was using the mid range rating of what 89 or so instead of the 93. Hope it didn't wear out the injectors or something. Will run a few more through to see what happens and then stick with the highest octane premium I can find. Could the lower octane have pre worn out the plugs? Thanks.

 

Hmmm, not sure about the plugs. Try running a can of Seafoam in your gas to clean the injectors. I think it's one can of Seafoam to half a tank.

 

I have to press my gas pedal a little or it cranks awhile before it starts but not much of a problem, whatever works.

 

doing this is a sign of something not being right with the car. A number of things could be wrong such as the timing off slightly or a bad fuel pump or severely clogged injectors, or fouled up spark plugs or a bad battery.

This is what I would do:
1. Go to autozone and have the battery tested -> Replace if it gives below 550 CCA
2. Go to auto parts store and dump a bottle of redline SI-1 fuel cleaner in gas tank, fill with premium fuel.
3. Drive till that full tank is gone and see if the problem is less severe or gone. If not then:

1. Have the starter checked.
2. Have the fuel pressure checked
3. Pull out the spark plugs and inspect, replace if fouled.

 

Nothing is wrong with mine, runs very good, starts easily, I was only commenting to the OP that I press the gas pedal a little for quicker starts.

 

When you go to start it for the first time of the day, turn the key on but don't start it. Listen for the fuel pump to come on near the rear of the car. Modern cars trigger the fuel pump relay for a few seconds to pressurize the system as you turn the key for quick startups. Most use some sort of oil pressure backup in case the fuel pump relay goes bad. If you crank long enough and it gets oil pressure during the cranking, the oil pressure switch will close and trigger the fuel pump and the car starts.

Another test for this is to start it up when cold, let it run for just a couple seconds and turn it off. Try to restart immediately and if it starts up normally it's most likely the fuel pump relay.

Injectors and plugs don't get ruined by lower octane fuel. It causes detonation which physically damages the engine and reduces mpg and power. However, premium fuel usually has more detergents than lower grades. If you run premium for the car's entire life you should never have to use a fuel system cleaner.

 

Can of Seafoam in half tank and it starts like normal. Note to self, spend the extra pennies and ALWAYS buy premium....Thanks all for the tips and commentary!

 

mirage - any update on this or has the problem disappeared?

I had this happen to me twice today. I've never had this problem before. I would turn the key and the car would crank fine but won't turn over. (Not sure if I'm using the right terminology). Battery seems fine. Lights and radio work.

When it finally started, the green key light on the dash flashed the entire 10 minute ride home. I started the car later without any issues and there were no flashing lights.

 

just curious when i go to start my car right away only in the morning when i leave for work it sounds like a buzzing and i have to turn it off quick and then turn the key back on to start the car and it fires rite up its only that first inital start i try to make. even when im at work for 10 hrs and its night time i dont have that problems its just in the morning when it sits over nite. could that be a fuel pump relay or what?