I need to pump the pedal to get my engine to start on cold mornings

1998 MAZDA PROTEGE
135,000 MILES
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DANTHEMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I have problems starting on cold mornings. Anything below fifty five degrees, I have to pump the pedal repeatedly and turn over several times for extended periods for it to finally start. The car starts fine on warm days. Has a new battery. The fuel pump seems to be working fine. Curious if it could be the fuel filter?
Nov 30, 2011 at 7:43 AM
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RIVERMIKERAT
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 6,106 POSTS
Pumping the pedal opens the throttle body, causing the engine to suck in more air. It sounds like the injectors are dumping too much fuel on cold start conditions. Have the computer scanned for both soft and hard trouble codes.
Nov 30, 2011 at 9:45 AM
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MIKE H R
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  • 3,094 POSTS
It is possible that there may be some water in the fuel system, I use sea foam to clean out contaminates caused by the ethenal that is added to the gas. It creates build up on the fuel pump screen and the fuel filter. If you have not done it all ready I would change the filter.
Jun 18, 2018 at 11:29 PM
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