What might be wrong with my car? It increasingly takes longer for the engine to turn over when I turn the key.

Question

I have a 2000 Dodge Neon. The engine used to turn over as soon as I turned the key. Now it takes about 5 seconds for the engine to start. It's been suggested perhaps the starter or else the fuel pump. what do you car heads think? Thanks!

This only happens after the car has sat overnight or for quite awhile. It does not do it when I go into a store then restart. I had my car tuned up about 7 months ago, thinking it might be the reason. But, that did not help.

Answer 1

Does the battery have enough juice? If it is turning over, but reluctantly, it may be that your battery is not 100%.

Answer 2

When was the last time the car was tuned-up? It could be the starter if the starter makes a sort of scrapping sound before turning over. It could be the spark plugs not getting spark fast enough, spark plug wires? It could be the fuel pump/filter? Make sure the fans and radio are off, turn the key to the first position do not start the car, then listen ing for a humming sound coming from the back of the car. That is your fuel pump, start the car. If it still hesitates on start up itis a starter or spark problem. Either way take it to a mechanic you can trust.

Answer 3

I think what you are saying is that when it's cold, you turn the key on and the engine turns over, or cranks, for 5 seconds before it starts running.

If that is the case, your battery and starter are not an issue. I doubt that it's the fuel pump, but it could be.

Have you had it scanned? Could be a temp sensor or throttle position sensor.

Answer 4

You can't turn the check engine light off, not even by unplugging the battery. It is a computer wired vehicle and the computer has pulled a code meaning something is not right somewhere. Take it to the dealership and ask them what the code is and have them clear it, but if you don't fix the problem it will continue to pull that same code. It is probably 50.00 max for them to clear the code. You can't do it any other way.

Answer 5

First check the air filter and change the fuel filter. If that doesnt help either change the spark plugs or take it in for a diagnostic. I hate doing the trial and error method it can turn out to be more expensive than the actual problem. If you are intent on doing it yourself, after the plugs, check plug wires, then the fuel pump. Usually the fuel pump going bad it wouldnt start at all.

Answer 6

You don't say how many miles are on the car. However the first thing that comes to mind is a tune-up. You could simply need new spark plugs. This will be the case if you are showing a corresponding degradation of fuel mileage. Your favorite mechanics has the diagnostic tools to help and fix. Good luck.

Answer 7

Battery Original? Check to see if posts and wires are clean and make good contact.
Good battery...Last oil change? low on oil? Low oil causes increase in drag and difficult starts until oil pressure rises.
If both good.....fuel pump. Can be checked at most Auto zones if you have a check engine light, if not, have a pro or trusted mechanic check the pressure per dealer specs.

Answer 8

Sounds like classic fuel pump check valve or fuel pressure regulator leakage. Have the fuel pressure holding test preformed. After the initial long crank time it is alright and restarts fine unless it sits overnight? Or long crank in just a couple of hours?

Answer 9

Sounds like the battery is getting old. Clean the cables and charge it, then test it. If that proves not to be the issue, have a currant test done on the starter.
If you have ever overheated the engine, trade the car off. Too hight a repair expence to merit repairs.

Answer 10

its loosing the fuel pressure.have a pressure test done on it,alsocheck the gas filter,it could be dirty,sometimes when it sits (like overnight)dirt has a chance to settle in the filter and when you start the car it flushes out the dirt,allowing fuel to flow.