No start on first attempt. Starts on second or third attempt

1997 GEO PRIZM
100,000 MILES
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POTHOUSE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
is it the ignition the starter? I do get a high squeeling sound when the car first starts which could be a loose belt. Could that have anything to do with the problem?
May 3, 2013 at 6:53 AM
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KASEKENNY
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 18,907 POSTS
More than likely this is a weak fuel pump. When you turn the key and the engine just cranks over, then it starts on the following attempts then the fuel pump was able to prime the system and get it to start. Here is a guide that will help with how to test this and find out if it is low:

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

If you need to replace the pump which I suspect it what we need to do, then here is a guide that will help with this:

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

Here is the process from the manual that will help with replacing the pump as well.

Please let us know if you have other questions. Thanks
Jun 26, 2021 at 6:20 PM
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