Hard to start but smooth idle - Page 2 - DodgeIntrepid.Net Forums - Dodge Intrepid, Concorde, 300m and Eagle Vision chat

**cdmccul** · 12-06-2012, 10:24 AM

BEFORE you try to start it after sitting two days, open the hood and find the fuel pressure port - should be on the front of the engine, just under the thermostat housing if you have the 3.5, and along the driver's side (I think) of the intake manifold, along between the intake and the valve cover, on the 3.3. Unscrew the cap, and wrap a rag around a small screwdriver - press in on the tip of the valve with the screw driver and see how much pressure you get.

If the regulator and check valve and injectors are all sealing properly, even a car that has sat months at a junk yard will have a strong spray of fuel. If you don't, then it narrows it down to a fuel problem at least.

If you DO get a strong spray, then we need to look at MAP and IAC issues I think.

bpifer15 · 12-06-2012, 10:32 AM

Great. I will try to locate the fuel pressure port tonight so I know where it is. I will let you know what happens on Monday.

GTXKen · 12-06-2012, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdmccul

BEFORE you try to start it after sitting two days, open the hood and find the fuel pressure port - should be on the front of the engine, just under the thermostat housing if you have the 3.5, and along the driver's side (I think) of the intake manifold, along between the intake and the valve cover, on the 3.3. Unscrew the cap, and wrap a rag around a small screwdriver - press in on the tip of the valve with the screw driver and see how much pressure you get.

If the regulator and check valve and injectors are all sealing properly, even a car that has sat months at a junk yard will have a strong spray of fuel. If you don't, then it narrows it down to a fuel problem at least.

If you DO get a strong spray, then we need to look at MAP and IAC issues I think.

I would look to the MAP sensor if you are having issues on start up. Did you pull any codes? Did I misss this?

bpifer15 · 12-06-2012, 01:05 PM

No I did not pull any codes. I am planning on stopping at Autozone tonight so they can pull any codes for me.

**cdmccul** · 12-06-2012, 01:18 PM

They won't be able to pull any codes for you.

Do the key dance, count the flashes.

bpifer15 · 12-09-2012, 07:00 PM

Ok, so the car sat from Friday evening till Sunday late afternoon. Before starting I found the fuel pressure valve and pressed it in. I got virtually no pressure at all.

JimS · 01-02-2013, 04:56 PM

hmm having similar problems to this guy though mine will I can hear backfiring under the hood if I stomp the gas while trying to start it. only had it happen twice but was after sitting for a couple days. finally started real rough and just had to keep giving it gas lightly til it smoothed out. it does idle rough but that I am pretty sure is my ignition wires which I am changing out today. Been getting jerking too on hills too but no codes were coming up. guess I will try the wires and plugs then the crank and camshaft sensors and if all else fails a 2x4 lol I refuse to take it into a mechanics only to get bent over the counter. Reading this thread would I be better off trying out the MAP sensor before the crank and camshaft sensors? My fuel pump is fine and have plenty of fuel pressure. Also it seems worse when its cold out.

hmm ok did just get a 21,41,51

cboone09 · 01-15-2013, 08:24 PM

I'm havng the same problem on my 96 3.5 except if i let mine sit for more than a few hours it does wat yours did in 3 days

95intrepid99kid · 01-15-2013, 08:38 PM

JIMS, have you tried replacing your spark plugs? I had the same issue you had, until I changed my plugs from Bosch Platinums to Champion Coppers, gapped to .035. Make sure to gap them properly, and then try. This cleared mine up quite well.