Struggling to Start - Video

[Sian]

Hi guys,

I finally managed to record the MR2 struggling to start. Half the time it starts perfectly and half the time it struggles.  It's never sounded this bad before, it was more of a spluttering today.

It's not battery or alternator. After hearing the stuttering I'm wondering if it's air filter.

It's been like this once or twice a week since I got it in summer so it's not a cold weather thing. It usually does long journeys and is perfect when running. Any ideas?

 m https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqYetJC ... e=youtu.be m

Thanks everyone  s:) s:)

[paulj]

I can only offer bad news sadly, but based on my son's Astra so could be totally erroneous (hopefully).  His car was randomly failing to pick up like yours and it turned out to be a slack timing chain.  On Astra's it is oil pressure tensioned and became very serious.

On ours the chain is spring tensioned so if it is that, the "getting to know your tensioner" how to will help.

I may be barking up the wrong tree so see what others say!

[Carolyn]

I can only offer bad news sadly, but based on my son's Astra so could be totally erroneous (hopefully).  His car was randomly failing to pick up like yours and it turned out to be a slack timing chain.  On Astra's it is oil pressure tensioned and became very serious.

On ours the chain is spring tensioned so if it is that, the "getting to know your tensioner" how to will help.

I may be barking up the wrong tree so see what others say!

The tensioner is spring loaded but it is an oil pressure device.  Doubt it would cause starting problems, though.  So many possibilities unfortunately.  Air filter, dirty MAF are good places to start.

[Sian]

Thanks for the replies  s:) s:)  I'm sure I'll get to the bottom of it eventually!

[jonbill]

Sounded like it started ok to me - is the problem that it doesn't catch first time?

[Carolyn]

Just occurred to me:  The slightest foot pressure on the throttle when starting will do it.

[Sian]

Sounded like it started ok to me - is the problem that it doesn't catch first time?

It is hard to hear, it's not the best recording but at 2 seconds it sort of stutters straight after catching.

Just occurred to me:  The slightest foot pressure on the throttle when starting will do it.

Will cause it to stutter? My feet are nowhere near the pedals when turning it on. Unless you mean I should try starting it with a bit of pressure and see if it still happens?

[Carolyn]

Pressing the pedal when starting will cause a problem, I was just checking.  As for the occasional stutter, I wouldn't worry about it. Engines don't always catch completely on first fire.

[Sian]

Pressing the pedal when starting will cause a problem, I was just checking.  As for the occasional stutter, I wouldn't worry about it. Engines don't always catch completely on first fire.

It's definitely not a happy starter. I do want to get to the bottom of it but if you don't think I'll cause any damage just living with it for now?

[Carolyn]

I don't think it will do damage.  Have you done all the boring stuff?  Air filter, clean MAF, change plugs...?

[Sian]

I don't think it will do damage.  Have you done all the boring stuff?  Air filter, clean MAF, change plugs...?

I've been preoccupied as I'm about to go away for two weeks. I've tested battery, battery drains, alternator, cleaned maf, not looked at plugs but I know the previous owner changed them about 7 months ago. I will check them and the air filter and any other suggestions once I'm back and can give it my full attention. Trouble is I just don't know where to start! I'd just thought it needed a new battery but that didn't solve it so now I'm stumped! Thank you for your help Carolyn  s:) s:)

[m1tch]

Have you unplugged the ECU fuse and waited half an hour to reset the ECU in case its a fuel trim issue?

[ilovejapcrap]

Previous owner changed plugs but are they right ones ?

I'd be checking basics like that for sure

[lamcote]

I'm probably wrong but it sort of sounds like you don't release the ignition key from the engine cranking position until almost the end of the video. Presumably that last click is something else. If not, would that be a problem?

[Sian]

Have you unplugged the ECU fuse and waited half an hour to reset the ECU in case its a fuel trim issue?

I've not unplugged the ECU but I've had the battery disconnected overnight and I've heard disconnecting that would do the same thing.

Previous owner changed plugs but are they right ones ?

I'd be checking basics like that for sure

I'd have to check that for sure but I'd be surprised if they're wrong, but yes I'll check.

I'm probably wrong but it sort of sounds like you don't release the ignition key from the engine cranking position until almost the end of the video. Presumably that last click is something else. If not, would that be a problem?

I release the key as soon as the engine kicks in, which is well before the end of the video. What you probably heard was me actually letting go of the keys. I didn't move my hand straight away as I didn't want them to make a noise on the recording!

[loadswine]

Might be worth checking and cleaning the earth connection on the crank position sensor. Wouldn't do any harm.