Starting problem

[Spud]

Hi all,

I have noticed that my 3MPS has developed a slight and occasional starting problem.

When the car is cold (parked over night), it start perfectly fine first thing in the morning, maybe half a crank and it would sit at high idle (~1500rpm).

When the car is hot, it will also start perfectly fine. Half a crank and she's up and running.

But when the car is warm, for example, parked at an undercover shopping centre for a couple of hours, it sometimes refuses to start. I would crank the engine for 2-3 secs and it will hesitantly kick over, goes into a very low idle (maybe less than 500 rpm) for a second before it picks up again back to normal idle.

Anyone got any ideas or suggestions?

Spud

[Nuliaj]

How many k's have you done? Try cleaning your MAF?

[MattMPS3]

Dont go shopping !

Are you giving the car a bit of throttle when starting, or just foot off and turning the key.
I have had a similar experience with mine a handful of times where it has started with the low idle, then picked up again, I just keyed it off and back on the be safe.

If I were to guess the car is reading residual temperatures that are still hanging around "under bonnet" as there wouldn't be much fresh air circulating in an enclosed carpark, the car thinks it is going into a warm start program, when it starts it is actually colder than it thinks and takes a moment or two to rethink, my best guess anyway.

[CharlieBrown]

I'd suggest talk with your service department...

If there is an issue about it - you might find warranty would pick this up.

[kblume]

Can't say i've had this issue before, mine always starts first kick.. As others have mentioned, it may be something simple like the MAF sensor needing a clean, worth a try.. How many kms are on your car Spud?

[Jmac]

Id give the MAF a quick clean and mention it at next service

[Spud]

Thanks for everyone's reply. My car has done 85,000km. Over the weekend I cleaned the MAF and also my K&N panel filter. The problem seems to have gone away now.

By the way, if any one is using a K&N filter, the clean and recharge kit is on sale at the moment at Auto Barn, from $30 down to $20. The kit includes the cleaning solution and the oil. I was surprised at how dirty my filter was after 80,000km.

Cheers,
Spud

[Jmac]

Good stuff,

Thats the only problem with the K&Ns, if you over oil some can contaminate the MAF..
(not necessarily the problem in your situation).

[fuz]

I have this problem guys - just wondering where the MAF can be found so I can clean it? I also have the k&n panel installed..

[Nirvandan]

I have this problem guys - just wondering where the MAF can be found so I can clean it? I also have the k&n panel installed..

I hope this is what you looking for

Cleaning the MAF & IAT sensors