Starting problems

MOSBO1654

MEMBER
2000 TOYOTA ECHO
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
138,000 MILES

I have a manual 2000 Toyota Echo with about 138K miles on it. The car is having trouble starting. It always ends up starting but it takes several seconds of having the ingnition turned. The problem seems to not be as bad once the car has been running for a while and has only been off for a few minutes. Also once the car starts it is almost like its going to cut back off for the first couple seconds. The battery is only 6 months old so I am assuming that isnt the problem, but I really have no idea what the problem could be. Also the check engine light is on but I had the code read and the guy said it was the O2 sensor. Any help would be appreciated.

2 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,874 POSTS

First, the O2 sensor could be part of the issue. However, to me it sounds like it is taking too long to get fuel pressure built up. What I need you to do is check fuel pump pressure (cold). After checking it and the regulator, when you shut the key off, pay attention to fuel pressure drop off. It should maintain pressure for some time. If it drops fast, either you have a leaking injector, leak in the fuel line, bad check valve in the fuel pump. Let me know and I will tell you what to check next. If you need directions, go to the "How To." Site on our home page and select checking fuel pump pressure.

Let me know what you find.
Joe

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Friday, November 19th, 2010 AT 2:39 AM

MOSBO1654

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Sorry it took so long to reply but I have been busy with school. I cleaned the MAF sensor and the light still came on so I took it to autozone and they gave me the code P0420. I read that this is probably due to needing a new catalytic converter if the problem continues after replacing the O2 sensors. My problem is that I dont want to spend a ton of money on this car since the only reason I have it is to save money, so if I just continue driving it as is will it lead to bigger problems? Also I couldn't figure out how to test the fuel pressure because there is no port on the fuel line.

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Wednesday, November 24th, 2010 AT 5:47 PM