Dear Scotty,
My kid bought a 2003 Chevy Malibu with a v6. It has 110k miles and he bought it from a family freind who had it since new, nice and cheap. It runs and drives well but most times you have to crank it longer than normal, maybe 5-7 seconds before it starts. It always starts, sometimes it takes the 5-7 seconds to get running.
When cranking, it cranks and does not sputter, then just starts and runs great.
We replaced the fuel filter and fuel pump and it still does the same thing.
There are no fault codes.
What can we do to make it start like a normal car?
Thank you Thrust! Part on order and will update when installed.
Fingers crossed it’s an easy fix!
We replaced the MAF and it did the trick! Thank you!
Dear Scotty,
The 2003 Malibu (V6 110k miles) is giving hard starts. Apparently, replacing the MAF sensor it made it a little better than before we raplaced the MAF sensor but the hard starting is still present. Just this weekend, we had to jump it because of cold weather and the amount of cranking it took.
With the fuel pump, filter, and MAF sensor replaced is it time to consider the ignition system?
Did you use an OEM MAF sensor?
https://youtu.be/064Ilsz8Fzg
I believe it was an OEM part, it is a Delphi part for a GM car.
I can see where that would make a difference.
Sure, if it still does it now, go to the FAQ section of this website and look up ‘why doesn’t my car crank or start’. It’ll take you through all the steps to diagnose the issue. It may be the ignition system, amongst a few other things. Keep us posted & good luck!
Thanks for the link! I will study this page and see what works. {black}:laughingoutloud:
So far this is what was replaced:
fuel pump
fuel filter
MAF sensor
crank sensor (front)
crank sensor (side)
cam sensor
The car still starts hard occasionally. Checking with jumper cable and spark plug out of engine again.
Checking with the spark plug and jumper cable connected from the plug to the negative battery terminal, we found that the spark appears during cranking, pretty much right after a few turns of the engine.
The spark appears to be orange on the ends and white in the middle but it seems not all the bright.
Also found that it sometimes hunts a little after starting and my kid tells me this is common and sometimes it dies when it does that, forcing you to restart the engine.
How old are the spark plugs?
Unknown mileage on the spark plugs but they have a tan/brown color on them and are dry.