Occasional hard start

CRAFTCREEK

MEMBER
2002 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
150,000 MILES

2002 monte carlo ss 3.8. About once a year the car will not start. Example: Stopped at a store, came out and the car wouldn't start. Seems to try to start initially, but the motor seems to "stumble" and not start. Sometimes it seems to kinda start like it is "dieseling". Then after sitting for 10 - 60 minutes it will start like nothing ever happened.

1 Reply

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Next time it happens don't wait look for fuel an spark-Do below

Get a helper disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine at least 3/16 away from ground -have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, Do you hear the fuel pump come On when you turn key on? If not check fuel pump fuse and fuel pump relay if so, check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs, coil's resistances, distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors and computer Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it.