My 1992 Dodge Shadow has a fuel injection engine. I cant start the dam thing in the cold mornings and after work unless I hit the gas. I know I need to service the car soon, but in the mean time; is it ok to tap the gas trying to start it.
2006-12-12 15:06:42 · 17 answers · asked by caveman 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
i own a repair shop,and its not good for it,,it may start flooding out on you if you keep doing this,,if you ever get it flooded ,you,ll never get it started ,,we had one,and never did have to hit the gas any to start it,,you need a new fuel filter or cold start valve on it,,have auto zone scan it for you and see if it has any bad sensors on it,,its a Free check ,and then you,ll know maybe some of what might be causing you to have to do this,,good luck with it,i hope this help,s.,,have a good x-mas.
2006-12-12 15:25:13 · answer #1 · answered by dodge man 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, as most have already pointed out, on a fuel-injected car, when you tap the "gas", all you are doing is opening the airflow valve. No gas gets injected into the engine.
However, certain types of fuel injection systems benefit from the increased air that enters if you hold the pedal down part way. The old K-jetronic versions found in some BMW, Audi, Volvo, and similar European vehicles all seem to start better if you just press the pedal down a bit and hold it until the engine catches.
If your vehicle is hard to start, and will only start when you hold down the pedal, you might want to check your air filter; it may be plugged up so badly that it's not allowing enough airflow at idle position. Still, at least it starts; I'd keep doing what works. A complete tuneup is probably a good idea.
2006-12-12 15:28:56 · answer #2 · answered by Vinny 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be a bad fuel pump relay, plugged fuel filter or an overall weak fuel pump with a faulty fuel pressure regulator. Also check if it has a cold start fuel injector. Check your idle air control valve it may be stuck in a closed position preventing air from entering the engine thus resulting in hard starting. Pumping the throttle will only let air in because the fuel injectors are controlled by the computer which gets its information from engine sensors. I don't think you'll damage or short circuit the injectors by tapping the gas. Hope this helps.
2006-12-13 02:41:50 · answer #3 · answered by Jesse D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When the engine processor detects that the gas pedal is wide open while the engine is cold, it will shut down the signal for the injectors. This is to keep you from flooding the engine, allows spark plugs that are already wet with gas to dry out, and protect the engine. Fuel injected cars do not need you to pump the gas pedal. Pumping the pedal may make it harder to start. Calm yourself and trust the car.
2016-05-23 16:48:55 · answer #4 · answered by Greta 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there is absolutely no need to "tap" the gas on a fuel injected system. fuel injected systems are pressurized and need no "pumping". Older carbeurated cars could use a good pump or two to jet an initial amount of fuel into the cylinder to start the combustion sequence. Hope this helps. if you need any parts.. give me a yell logixautoparts.com
2006-12-12 15:14:50 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can tap on it, but it wont make much difference. fuel injected engines do not pressurize untill you turn that key on. you can pump that gas pedal all day, but unless the car is on, you want get anywhere with it. when you turn your key on, it primes the fuel pump, which pressurizes the fuel system, thus fueling the injectors. the only cars that pumping the gas works on are carbeurated ones. they have a mechanical pump which you have to pump the pedal sometimes to squirt the fuel into the throttle, but not a fuel injected
2006-12-12 15:22:26 · answer #6 · answered by john m 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It wont hurt it either way and since the Dodge shadows are only single port fuel injection sometimes it is best for them to have the gas tapped once or twice. I have a friend that use to have one and she had to do the same thing to start hers.
2006-12-12 15:19:47 · answer #7 · answered by Cassie B 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It wont hurt on a fuel injected car, try turning the cars ignition to the ON position and leaving it there for about 5 seconds, then trying a normal start without pumping the gas.
2006-12-12 15:16:54 · answer #8 · answered by I THUMB DOWN N00BS 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If thats what it takes to start it then do it. I have a 99' Monte Carlo with fuel injectors and out of habit I always tap the gas to start it. Especially in the cold. Havent had a problem (well not yet anyway)
2006-12-12 15:10:12 · answer #9 · answered by Chicago Girl 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
There is absolutely no problem in tapping the gas pedal while starting. I use a hyundai verna which needs tapping in the morning. But do get your car serviced soon
2006-12-12 15:10:18 · answer #10 · answered by Eddy 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋