Hard to start in the mornings and after sitting for more than an hour?

GENEVRA

MEMBER
2004 PONTIAC GRAND AM
10,450 MILES

Car is hard to start in the mornings and after sitting for more than an hour. Takes 3-5 tries with /without pumping the gas. It will turn try to turn over but does not catch right away. Sometime I can smell gas with several attempt to start the car. When the car does start the rpm runs at 20 in idle. Some times when cutting off the car and removing the key and opening the driver door the radio continues to play. The radio should stop playing when the key is removed and the driver door is opened. Do you have any suggestions.

1 Reply

WRENCHTECH

MECHANIC
20,761 POSTS

It sounds like weak fuel pump but to be sure lets do a pressure test this guide can show you how. You can rent a gauge from the autoparts store for cheap or free. Check the images below.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Fuel Pressure (Key ON, Engine OFF) .................... 358-405 kPa (52-59 psi)

FUEL PRESSURE GAGE INSTALLATION AND REMOVAL

TOOLS REQUIRED
J 34730-1A Fuel Pressure Gage
J 34730-262 Fuel Pressure Gage Fitting

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

CAUTION:
- Gasoline or gasoline vapors are highly flammable. A fire could occur if an ignition source is present. Never drain or store gasoline or diesel fuel in an open container, due to the possibility of fire or explosion. Have a dry chemical (Class B) fire extinguisher nearby.
- Wrap a shop towel around the fuel pressure connection in order to reduce the risk of fire and personal injury. The towel will absorb any fuel leakage that occurs during the connection of the fuel pressure gage. Place the towel in an approved container when the connection of the fuel pressure gage is complete.

NOTE: Clean all of the following areas before performing any disconnections in order to avoid possible contamination in the system:

- The fuel pipe connections
- The hose connections
- The areas surrounding the connections

IMPORTANT: Position the fuel pressure gage fitting to avoid contact with the belt.

1. Install the J 34730-1A with the d 34730-262 to the fuel pressure service connection, located on the fuel rail.
2. Turn ON the ignition.

CAUTION: Do not drain the fuel into an open container. Never store the fuel in an open container due to the possibility of a fire or an explosion.

3. Place the bleed hose of the fuel pressure gage into an approved gasoline container.
4. Open the bleed valve on the fuel pressure gage in order to bleed the air from the fuel pressure gage.
5. Command the fuel pump ON with a scan tool until all of the air is bled out of the gage.
6. Close the bleed valve on the fuel pressure gage.
7. Command the fuel pump ON with a scan tool.
8. Inspect for fuel leaks.

REMOVAL PROCEDURE

1. Place the fuel pressure gage bleed hose into an approved container and open the bleed valve to bleed fuel system pressure.
2. Place a shop towel under the fuel pressure gage adaptor fitting to catch any remaining fuel spillage.
3. Remove the J 34730-1A from the adaptor fitting.
4. Remove the J 34730-262.
5. Drain any fuel remaining in the fuel pressure gage into an approved container.
6. Install the cap on the fuel pressure connection.

Check out the images (Below). Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.

Image (Click to make bigger)