My 2003 LX Coupe takes about 5-6 cranks to start when cold. Car has around 24k miles. Any help would be appreciated.

 

How is your fuel pressure? Get a fuel pressure guage on there and see how the fuel pressure is when you are cranking it over.

 

ok, I'll check. If it is a fuel pressure issue why would it be less cranks why it's not a cold start?

 

If you have a fuel pressure issue, the engine might not be getting enough fuel causing it to not start. After a while, the fuel pressure might build enough to start the car. I don't understand your statement about less cranks and cold start.

 

So, if I shut off the car and try to turn it on a few minutes later it's only 1 or 2 cranks but if it's been for a few hours it takes 5 or 6. Thanks.

 

I'm thinking it has something to do with the temperature of the engine, i would still check fuel first. I'll look into it and get back to you in a couple of hours. I talked to my teacher (who is a master ASE certified mechanic) and he agreed with me that the problem is most likely gonna be related to the fuel system. One other possibility is that the problem could be related to the coolant temperature sensor. If the sensor is telling the PCM that the engine temperature is 200° and its actually 70° the PCM is going to lower the injector pulse width and provide less fuel to the engine when it actually needs more fuel. I would think that checking the coolant temp would be easier than checking the fuel pressure (you will need a fuel pressure guage for it). You can put a voltmeter across the terminals of the coolant temp sensor and check the voltage when the key is in on ON position. If the voltage is high (like more than 2V i think) then the coolant temp sensor is not working correctly. You could also check the reading for the coolant temp sensor with a scan tool (which is better since you can see what the PCM is seeing). If you are going to do that, i would check the voltage at the ECU harness, the wires should be the same (they don't HAVE to be).