Engine no start and run issues?

MARIA STINSON

MEMBER
2003 SATURN VUE
2.2L
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
170,000 MILES

The SUV sometimes does not start in one try. If you turn the key it cranks but does not start so you have to crank it a few times before it starts. And sometimes it starts but roughly idles( kind of like a misfire) and then cuts off after 30 seconds or so or if you put it in 1st. If it does do the rough idling it usually starts up the next try just fine. It drives like normal once started. Spark plugs have been replaced. I can hear fuel pump engaging and their is pressure in fuel system at schrader valve. (How much pressure I don't but enough to spray gas) just wondering what the most likely culprits could be. Let me know if any more details are needed.

7 Replies

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

This is almost surely a fuel pump issue. So let's start right there. Here is a guide that will help do a pressure test:

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

Let me know what the pressure is and we can go from there. However, I suspect it is the pump so here is the info if you need to replace it.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-electric-fuel-pump

Here is the procedure from the manual so that you have that as well. Let me know what you find and we can take a different course if the pressure is okay. Thanks

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Tuesday, February 9th, 2021 AT 8:31 AM

MARIA STINSON

MEMBER
8 POSTS

Really appreciate your help. Okay, so I ran pressure check. With ignition to on and engine set to off pressure shot to 62 and immediately started to rapidly drop in pressure until it hit about 20 PSI. At that point it was still dropping but very slowly. I then was able to start the car at which time it shot back up to 62 and maintained it. I turned off the car, released the pressure via the gauge. Then I put ignition to on (activate fuel pump) once more to verify results and this time there was no pressure and it would not start the engine. (Of course) so I let it sit for about 2 minutes to try again and this time it started but cut off within a second or two, then the following start it fires up. Did this process several times and it's pretty consist any results. So it does seem to be the fuel pump in my opinion. Is that still your stance?

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Tuesday, February 9th, 2021 AT 8:31 AM

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

That is great information. That is exactly what we needed. I do still think the pump is the issue but it is the regulator that is part of the pump and responsible for maintaining even pressure across the injectors and keeping it from bleeding off.

I attached info on this specific component.

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Tuesday, February 9th, 2021 AT 8:31 AM

MARIA STINSON

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8 POSTS

Okay, sounds good. I noticed in the attached image it says it is on the secondary fuel pump module. Does that mean it's on the fuel transfer pump or is it on the main/primary fuel pump?

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Tuesday, February 9th, 2021 AT 8:31 AM

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

It is part of the main fuel pump. Saturn is weird. Take a look at the last 2 attachments. It shows the module which consists of a primary and secondary side.

Basically it is just needs a fuel pump that is in the tank.

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