This afternoon, my car wouldn't start. The engine made all the right noises, it just wouldn't turn over. I didn't hear any weird hissing or clicking noises. It finally started after 5 or 6 tries. The battery indicator on the instrument panel indicates plenty of charge and there were no warning lights. Any thoughts or recommendations?

Edit 8/3: To those of you who suggested that it was the engine coolant temperature sensor you were right, and you're my favorite people for two reasons: 1) Now my car works. 2) My mechanic/crush asked for my number. You're all coming to our wedding.

 

When you say it wouldn't turn over, you mean that the starter/flywheel wasn't turning the engine? I only say this, because people commonly misuse the term 'turning over'

 

Well, okay, the engine made all the right noises like it wanted to start, but it never roared to life. Whatever the technical term for that phenomenon is .

 

could be the fuel pump...just a guess...sounds like my old honda. what time of the day were you having trouble with this? first time?

 

What year/engine? Was the engine hot or cold? Did you smell gas or anything unusual? Have you checked for stored dtc's? (doesn't necessarily need a cel to come on for codes to appear)

EDIT: sorry, just noticed it says 99 2.8 in the title

 

The car had been in a parking garage for a little more than two hours. It was not hot. I didn't smell gas or anything strange. No strange sounds. It's a 1999 2.8. Nothing worrisome on the drive home after it finally started (maybe my swearing scared it into starting). I don't have any way to check for codes today.

 

could be a fuel pump, happened to me in another vehicle. eventually it just went and wouldn't start

 

How did it run after it finally started? Did you just fill the gas tank?

 

I just refueled this morning. It was fine on the drive home, shifting cleanly, ran cool, nothing out of the ordinary except for the starting trouble.

 

If its something that only happens after you refuel, I would say it has to do with the evap system, probably the purge valve. I would see what happens next time you start the car and next time you refuel.