car has trouble starting after being driven (not all of the time)?

Question

Car started fine. Drove it to store with no problems. Would not start. Radio and everything worked. It was trying to start. Let it sit for few minutes and then finally started. This has only happened twice. Any ideas?? Thanks

98 Chevy Malibu

Answer 1

sounds like the coil or starter getting too hot

Answer 2

You didn't mention if the engine cranked over nicely and didn't start, or if it turned over sluggishly and didn't start.

Don't ask me why, but all the cars I have ever owned were like that. (turned over sluggishly when run recently) Then I discovered how to overcome the problem.

When I buy a new battery, I tell the guy to put the most amperage possible on that battery tray, and then I pay the price. A good battery will force the engine to turn over and start regardless of whether it wants to or not. Your starter will last forever because you're not cranking as long.

All batteries last 2 and one half years whether they're super duper colossal batteries or down and dirty crapolla bargain basement batteries. Just be sure you keep your receipt so you can get a pro-rata on your next super colossus battery in 2 and a half years when it goes kaput.

As long as you want to dance to the tune, you gotta pay the piper.

Answer 3

When you say it was trying to start, was the engine turning over or was it just making a noise,like from the starter?

Also, it may be the engine temp sensor. If it reads the wrong temp of the engine, it will not deliver the proper amount of fuel to start it. Also could be the MAF sensor.

The computer should have stored a code to lead in the right direction

Has your engine light been on at all?

Answer 4

If you mean the engine turned over but it wouldn't start, bad oxygen sensors can do that. They think there's not enough oxygen in the exaust, so the computer adds more air and it makes the engine run too lean, causing it to bog down and be hard to start when it's only half warmed up. They run ok when they're cold because the computer gives it a richer mixture till it warms up.
If the car is pushing 100,000 the O2 sensors are past their lifesapn anyhow.

Answer 5

what is "trying to start"? hmm it didnt turn over, like dragging(voltage source)?it turned over slow(low voltage,bad starter, or major repairs ,can also be heat sink in the motor or starter.check the fan sendeing unit.)? turned normal(ignition)? turned fast(faster than normal,usually flooded)?
when you drive, then park and nothing, the problems could be numerous, and masked while daily driving in the past. have the cooling system checked though. Fix the oil leaks!!!! todays small cars usually dont have a 5-7 qt oil pan. it doesnt take long to run low. if your engine is worn, blowby wont allow the oil to drain back into the pan, causing a major mess. i believe most cars run a 3 1/2 qt oil pan? if your at the add line, with blowby, your already like 1/2 qt low, and blowby, and normal oil channels will hold atleast 1 1/2 qts or more, there is between a pint and qt of unusable oil in the pan after you lose suction.

ok so you started low,(3 qts) half is tied up in the system------------------------->

Answer 6

These symptoms usually indicate a starter problem.When the starter gets hot after running,the parts inside it swell and don't work properly until it cools down,then it works.This will only get worse,you need to change the starter soon,it has been trying to tell you.

Answer 7

starter is getting hot from either a leaking gasket where the exhaust pipe is connected to the exhaust manifold or, more than likely, it is overheating electrically / if your battery clamps are old and crusty, replace them and the amperage to the starter will flow more freely / or battery is getting old and lower amperage is causing starter to work harder than it should

Answer 8

what year and model car. sometimes in the older cars, if the engine timing is a little off, it will be harder to start unles the engine is cool or cold.

Answer 9

you did not mention if you left the key on after failure to restart . if you did, then your theft system went into a relearn mode. most probable cause would be ignition lock cylinder. need scan tool to verify b1629 code .

Answer 10

My ford truck did that and mine turned out to be a faulty emergency fuel shut off valve designed to cut your fuel off when you flip over