i have an issue with starting up my car. the car cranks, but i just have to sit there for a few seconds before the car actually starts. it's tough to explain over the internet...

my main point is that it only happens when the car has not been run in 2-6 hours...if i start the car in the morning when it's been off for about 10 hours, the car starts right up without the issue. Same when I start it anything an hour and less after being run...

really strange and i don't know waht the cause is and am wondering what i could be looking at for cost.

 

Do you have any CEL's? Do you have any problems starting you car right after filling up?

 

Sounds like the engine speed sensor. The part is easy to put on, and not that expensive. Once the sensor gets bad enough it will give a CEL.

How many miles do you have and have you replaced your coolant temp sensor that is in the coolant flange?

 

Have u tested your battery alternator? Take ur car to any autostore and have them do a test to make sure u dont need a new battery or alt.

 

The battery is only two months old (had a new one put in when I purchased the car)... So I don't think it's that. The car cranks over just fine, just doesn't seem to actually initiate the start-up.

I do not have an CEL's...car runs awesome besides this issue with 2-6 hours. Today I drove the car 2 miles to school at 7:00 AM. I started the car back up at 6:00 PM and it started up just fine...So it's only at 2-6 hours and doesn't always happen. There's just sometimes I'll try to start it up and it will keep cranking cranking cranking trying to start, and it just won't actually start.

I guess it could be the speed sensor but honestly how would I know? I've only had the car 2 months so what's been replaced/previous issues I don't really know...

Car has 109,000 miles on it btw.

 

Again, so car cranks but doesn't start: Coolant temperature sensor.... they go bad waaaay to often.

To confirm: Open the key to the start position without starting the car (do this when the car normally acts up) and leave it there for approx 3-5 seconds, then close the key completely, then attempt to start the car, it should crank and start right away.

 

Ok. How much does a Coolant Temp Sensor cost?

 

dirt cheap under 10 bucks i believe. And they should have it at almost any auto parts store. Install is on a4mods.

 

Yes, actually they're like 20 bucks with the little o ring and retaining clip.

 

Ok. I'm going to take it in soon. Do I have to go to a dealer or can any mechanic get this part and install it? What should I say too? That I am sure it's either a coolant temp sensor or engine speed sensor?