Not starting on first go every Morning

TAMARA123

MEMBER
2011 HOLDEN BARINA
1.6L
AUTOMATIC
12,000 MILES

Hi,
After a few months of purchasing the car and less than 5,000km mileage I noticed that occasionally I had to start a few times on certain days and mentioned it to the Service people. I left it with them and they said they didn't notice a problem with the starter.
But now it has done 12,000km and every day I have to start it a few times each morning. After the initial starting problem it works fine afterwards. Maybe it is after the engine has warmed up. Can you please give me some advice on why this is happening and what could be done.
Thank you.

1 Reply

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

Hard starting can be due to a number of factors.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-cranks-excessively-before-starting

As you mentioned it only happens in the morning, it could be a component that is not functioning properly when cold.
Sometime a faulty fuel pressure regulator can trigger this issue. As at cold temperature the internals can have too much mechanical resistance and not allowing sufficient fuel to flow to start the engine.
Testing the fuel pressure could be a good first step. Be sure to test it when it is cold (the typical time you have the no start issue), that way you will know if it is a fuel issue or something else.

Here is a helpful guide:

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

Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you.