2003 buick century starts with starting fluid, but not on its own

2003 BUICK CENTURY
103,000 MILES
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JOHN GRICE
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  • 4 POSTS
The car will start with the aid of starting fluid. After it starts it will run until you urn it off. Then it will not start again until you spray it with starting fluid again.
Feb 11, 2012 at 12:27 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,246 POSTS
Check fuel pump pressure. It sounds like it has a weak or lazy pump.
Feb 11, 2012 at 12:41 PM
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JOHN GRICE
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  • 4 POSTS
Fuel pressure is 60# at startup and about 55# when it is running. The relay and regulator have been changed. Could it be the crank sensor or the cam sensor? What does the computer use on start up?
Feb 11, 2012 at 4:39 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,246 POSTS
Is the fuel pressure that high with the engine off (when it won't start)?
Feb 11, 2012 at 7:05 PM
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JOHN GRICE
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  • 4 POSTS
YES. SOMETIMES AS MUCH AS 70#.
Feb 12, 2012 at 1:30 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,246 POSTS
If there is spark and fuel, it should run then unless the injectors are not firing.
Feb 12, 2012 at 1:43 PM
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JOHN GRICE
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
WE BELIEVE THAT IS THE PROBLEM. THE INJECTORS ARE NOT FIRING, BUT ONLY ON START UP. ONCE THE CAR FIRES ON STARTING FLUID, IT RUNS LIKE NEW UNTIL YOU SHUT IT OFF.
Feb 15, 2012 at 6:22 AM
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