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Author | Topic: Hard Starting |
Weezy POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:CHANDLER, AZ, US |
posted 08-25-2019 05:53 PM
Hey everyone, Just curious as to what you think I might be experiencing. For the 3-4 years I've had this car, every time without exception when I go to start the car, it starts right up. The last 3 or 4 times, it has not started right away. I have to keep the key pressed forward for 2-3 seconds before it starts. My first two thoughts are fuel pump or starter. I know others have had issues with hard starting when the engine is hot, but this is from a dead cold start in case it matters. I keep my battery on a battery tender and I do not believe it is the battery. Volts usually register about 13.x I'm not mechanically adept, so testing fuel pressure or whether or not the starter solenoid is functioning properly is not in my wheelhouse Thoughts? |
alrtg POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:Westminster, MD, USA |
posted 08-25-2019 06:06 PM
Does your car still have the factory end on the Positive Battery cable? IF it does not, and the existing end is one of the generic types that simply bolts onto the cable end, check for corrosion and/or loose connections at that point. Also double check the Negative cable to be sure it is properly attached at the ground bolt to the chassis. IF your car still has the factory cables intact, try cleaning the connections if that has not been done in a while. |
Weezy POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:CHANDLER, AZ, US |
posted 08-25-2019 06:45 PM
As far as I know, it is factory. I bought the car with 5400 miles, so I doubt it has been replaced. Thanks for the advice alrtg! |
ed monahan POA Lifetime Site Supporter Prowler Junkie Personal ScrapBook From:Cincinnati, Oh, USA |
posted 08-25-2019 07:59 PM
Check UNDER the RED cable with your hand to make sure the coating has not worn off by rubbing on the back edge of the battery. Feel it, don't look at it. |
Tony Goertz POA Site Supporter Administrating Kat Personal ScrapBook From:Lucan1, Ontario, Canada |
posted 08-26-2019 08:41 AM
Just to clarify... you have to hold key over for 2-3 seconds..... so I understand that the engine is cranking over all this time. Does sound like a fuel issue.. Search about fuel pump or fuel rail leak down. Maybe someone can post more info. |
alrtg POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:Westminster, MD, USA |
posted 08-26-2019 04:18 PM
quote: IF the Battery Terminal looks anything like this with Bolts clamping down on the cable end, it is likely not factory. This is a photo of a "OE" Negative cable I found here on POA from 2008. http://www.prowleronline.com/ubb/Forum6/HTML/006646.html This message has been edited by alrtg on 08-26-2019 at 04:24 PM |
Weezy POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:CHANDLER, AZ, US |
posted 08-26-2019 04:51 PM
Tony - yes, it cranks the whole time until it finally starts. Last night while it was cold, I turned the key to accessory for a couple of seconds before I tried turning it on and it started almost immediately. alrtg, the positive cable looks oem, the negative has the clamps but not sure they still aren't oem. There is a bit of corrosion on the neg cable which I will clean off
quote: |
Tony Goertz POA Site Supporter Administrating Kat Personal ScrapBook From:Lucan1, Ontario, Canada |
posted 08-26-2019 05:22 PM
Again ..sounds like fuel. try this.. turn key on and wait till you hear fuel pump stop running. then key off... do this twice.. then start normally.. |
alrtg POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:Westminster, MD, USA |
posted 08-26-2019 05:25 PM
quote: IF that is a photo of your battery, the negative cable does appear to have a replacement aftermarket end attached. My suggestion would be for you to go to your local auto parts store and purchase a new replacement (black) cable. |
ALLEY CAT POA Lifetime Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:mesa, az, USA |
posted 08-26-2019 07:25 PM
Brian,,, Hate to say it but I'm thinking a fuel issue as well....could be fuel pump about ready to give-up. When I toured the CAAP plant long ago, first thing I seen when entering the assembly line area was a large pallet of new fuel pumps with shrink wrap around it. I asked WTH was that for, and was told those pumps were 'defective' and being returned to the vendor. Apparently, many weak ones went into the cars, as we had seven fuel pumps changed out under warranty claims (two Prowlers) due to fuel problems... Be glad you and others have gotten several years out of yours. This message has been edited by ALLEY CAT on 08-26-2019 at 07:27 PM |
garysss POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:Balto. Md. |
posted 08-26-2019 07:41 PM
My 99 has been doing this for years. I think it is most likely fuel pump also, but it has always started, so for now just dealing with it. This message has been edited by garysss on 08-26-2019 at 07:44 PM |
Weezy POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:CHANDLER, AZ, US |
posted 08-26-2019 08:18 PM
Sounds like I need to order a Tom Mills fuel pump kit. Even if not the culprit, can't hurt to put in a better version of the original, right? |
garysss POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:Balto. Md. |
posted 08-26-2019 08:53 PM
Mine still always starts cold, so yours might be starting to go bad. Toms kit is the way to go. Try turning the key to on for a few seconds, but not starting, then turn off and back on again and start it this time. It lets pump build up extra pressure and sometimes starts right up. This message has been edited by garysss on 08-26-2019 at 08:54 PM |
Tomcal POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:Commack, NY, USA |
posted 08-27-2019 03:34 PM
Sounds like fuel pump issue. To test, when engine has not been started for more than 24 hours, turn ignition switch to Run and listen for fuel pump hum. If more than 2 seconds, then pump is not holding pressure. To test further, connect a 100 psi pressure gauge to fuel line port on drivers side of engine. Pressure spec is approximately 58 psi +/- 5 psi Ignition to Run position and check pressure. Turn off, but keep pressure gauge attached. After 24 hours do not touch ignition switch and check pressure. It should have not dropped more than 5 or 10 psi, If pressure drop is greater, then fuel pump should be replaced. This message has been edited by Tomcal on 08-28-2019 at 03:22 PM |
Weezy POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:CHANDLER, AZ, US |
posted 08-27-2019 09:24 PM
Tomcal, thank you very much for the rundown on how to test the fuel pressure, very much appreciated! Now on to Amazon for a fuel pressure gauge lol |
Tomcal POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:Commack, NY, USA |
posted 08-28-2019 03:47 PM
Weezy, Fuel fitting on engine is a Schrader Valve (Tire valve style). Whether you purchase a fuel pressure gauge as a Kit or only gauge and hose, hose end connector MUST be for a Schrader Valve. When attaching gauge, hold a rag around hose end fitting, as fuel line is under pressure and will spill fuel. |
dru POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:Texas |
posted 08-28-2019 09:15 PM
Weezy, Tom is correct about checking the fuel pressure at the schraeder valve, and about what the pressures should be. This post talks more about the pressures in the first part and again near the end. http://www.prowleronline.com/ubb/Forum2/HTML/005361.html Check the fuel pressures first. If you can't do it, have someone check them for you. If the pressures are good, then probably look elsewhere for your problem. This message has been edited by dru on 08-28-2019 at 09:17 PM |
Weezy POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:CHANDLER, AZ, US |
posted 10-29-2019 04:37 PM
I know many on here appreciate updates when we find out the reason we had an issue that we posted about, so here is my update for you. I took my Prowler in for some services (rad flush, oil change, etc) and had them test the fuel pressure while they had the car. They hooked up the gauge and it started with 55 lbs when they got the car end of the day. By morning, it was at 0. Fuel pump was dying... Mechanic said he tried to find a replacement with no luck - interrupted him to say I can find one! Got on the phone with Tom Mills and I ordered his fuel pump replacement. Tom had it in the mail same day and I received it 4 biz days later. I had the mechanic install it for me and he said the install was really straightforward. Back to being golden and thank you again Tom Mills! I bought his front mud flaps which were excellent, now the fuel pump. I wouldn't hesitate to purchase anything from Tom... just waiting for the turn signal relocation kits to go on sale and I'm ordering those next! haha.. |
Chose POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:Sainte-Julienne |
posted 10-29-2019 08:02 PM
quote: Je viens de commander ses garde boue. J'ai hâte d'installer ça. |
Don Keebles Prowler Enthusiast From:White Plains, MD |
posted 11-01-2019 10:16 AM
My car doesn't start first time, also have to turn over a couple of times. might was well go ahead and replace the fuel pump - where does one get the fuel pump, does it come with instructions or an easy fix? I know how to hold a spanner and more importantly how to use a hammer |
FormerDodgeGuy Prowler Enthusiast From:Florida |
posted 11-01-2019 11:55 AM
http://www.jeffersonautocollision.com/prowler-parts or Two places that sell it. There is also a thread that pretty much walks you through how to do it and was essentially the start of it all and led to the development of the kits. I am sure someone will post the link. Hope it helps! |
ed monahan POA Lifetime Site Supporter Prowler Junkie Personal ScrapBook From:Cincinnati, Oh, USA |
posted 11-01-2019 02:28 PM
Don't buy anything from the Prowler Store in Fla. He steals everyone's designs, marks it up 500% and says he is the ONLY one that has the fix or part. Jefferson Auto is owned by a POA member who has developed several things for us owners. Support him. |
ALLEY CAT POA Lifetime Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:mesa, az, USA |
posted 11-01-2019 02:40 PM
quote: Totally agree,,,,support the vendors who support the POA website. |
Weezy POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:CHANDLER, AZ, US |
posted 11-01-2019 06:17 PM
… and Tom Mills provides very clear instructions with the new unit. He also offer for $25, a removal tool if needed. He provides everything you need, shipped it right away and I had zero issues. I personally had the install completed by a mechanic because my car was in the shop for other services and drove the car home with no issues |
FormerDodgeGuy Prowler Enthusiast From:Florida |
posted 11-04-2019 12:24 PM
quote: Yikes! I was just putting it out there. Options are a good thing for some people. I didn't know it was like cussing on here. LoL! |
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