Cranks and cranks to start

jack n · #1 February 23rd, 2005, 10:55 PM

When my 2004 LS was two weeks old, it refused to start for about one minute. It took lots of five-second starter bursts until it started. I rationalized that a particle blocking the fuel flow finally cleared. Subsequent starts were fine until yesterday.

Yesterday, months later, the same problem reappeared. Had to crank it many times before it started. Then it started immediately the next time.

No service light appeared on the dashboard yesterday or when it happened the first time. I always burn Mobil or Shell 93 octane.

I'm concerned this may recur, but refuse start at all. Any ideas what's going on?

eL eS · #2 February 24th, 2005, 05:41 AM

how does the exhaust smell after it turns over?

ekooke · #3 February 24th, 2005, 07:45 AM

2004? It's still under warrantee; make it a dealer problem.

pro-five-oh · #4 February 24th, 2005, 09:09 AM

You either need to get a code scanner on the system, or let the dealer do it. Unless you have real high mileage (tune-up, fuel filter) I wouldn't suspect anything but a sensor or computer calibration/update needed.

jack n · #5 February 24th, 2005, 06:04 PM

The dealer's service rep told me that if the service light on the dashboard does not turn on, there's no problem code in the computer. IS HE WRONG?

Since the problem has happened only twice in seven months, I could take it to the dealer a dozen times, and it probably would not happen.

I did not check the exhaust. Will try to remember next time.

The car has only 6,000 miles on it, since I have two vehicles.

jack n · #6 February 27th, 2005, 09:15 AM

I guess the question in my last post was not noticed. Will appreciate responses so I know whether to call the dealer tomorrow.

"The dealer's service rep told me that if the service light on the dashboard does not turn on, there's no problem code in the computer. IS HE WRONG?"

ekooke · #7 February 27th, 2005, 10:40 AM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by jack n:
I guess the question in my last post was not noticed. Will appreciate responses so I know whether to call the dealer tomorrow.

"The dealer's service rep told me that if the service light on the dashboard does not turn on, there's no problem code in the computer. IS HE WRONG?"

Everything that can go wrong that the OBD-II is capable of reporting doesn't necessarily make the service light flash. If the dealer doesn't want to pull codes, either buy your own code reader, or take it to another (more cooperative) dealer, or take it to an AutoZone and they'll read the codes for free.

thamarkman · #8 February 27th, 2005, 08:49 PM

My mom's LS had a fuel injector go bad causing a no start situation. The injector stayed open flooding the engine. Maybe this is an intermitent problem for you. I've heard of other people having to replace their fuel injectors also. But, its a new car, make it a dealership problem.

pro-five-oh · #9 February 28th, 2005, 07:35 AM

Codes can be stored without causing an engine light. They need to scan it...take it autozone for a scan. If they pull something up, you better talk to the manager of that service department about the intelligence of their service writers. [img]smile.gif[/img]

Blublocker · #10 March 1st, 2005, 11:00 AM

I agree with pro-five-oh...the computer stores all kinds of information and doesn't necessarily have to triger an engine light (hard codes vs. soft codes) I'd be pretty steamed if the dealership did not want to look at something under warranty.