How many times does it take to start you vehicle?

[alexatanes]

Hi Everyone:

I recently purchased a 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser Touring Edition vehicle. However, when attempting to start my Cruiser, it nevers does start on the first time, always on the second. My father and the delaership I bought the care from(not a chrysler dealer) stated that it was a Turbo and that is why. Can anyone shine some light on this? Is this normal. Also, I am missing a lug nut from one of my tires, where can I get another from? Thanks for your help in this matter.
Alex - Tampa, FL

[CREWZIN]

Alex,

Welcome to the forum. You bought a used vehicle. The first thing you want to do is change the plugs and wires. You have no idea when the last time they were changed. Almost certainly your starting problem will improve.

As for the missing lug nut. take a trip to Auto Zone or Advance Auto. They have a dozen or more lug nuts on display and pick the one that matches yours. Take one off one of your other wheels to take in the store with you for comparison.

Now, right in your area is one of the nicest group of PT owners you'll ever want to meet. We're the Tampa Bay PT Cruisers. No meetings, no dues. We meet on-line at: Tampa Bay PT Crusier Club - Home Page Come on over!

[Franksredpt]

If you need lug nuts, I got a ton of them. How many ya want???

[soonercruiser]

Welcome!
I've got two 2006s - an NA and turbo vert. Both have always started on the first try....unless the battery was dead (last month on the turbo).

Could be a problem with the fuel pump (in the tank). When you turn the key almost all the way over, be sure to let the fuel pump stop "whirrrring", and all the system warning lights to go off (about 2 seconds), then turn the key the rest of the way over to start.

Otherwise, like Crewzin said, the original ignition parts are poor to begin with.

[SRG]

I had had the same problem with my 04 Turbo GT. It was only on the first start of the day, from then on, the car started instantly.

Many turbo owners from around that time had the same problem, one thought floating around was that overnight the fuel pressure bled off and it took a few seconds for the pressure to build back up.

Last Sept. I traded in that car. I had it for 3 and a half years and 53,000 miles, ( I bought it used with 20,000 miles). I never did anything about the start problem, and the car always started and ran fine. T

You might want to seach the forums here and at other PT sites, I'm sure you'll find some posts about it.

srg

[madcow016]

I am having a similar problem. I have a 2001 PT Cruiser. Having intermittent problems starting. I think there is an issue with the PCM (computer) or the wiring harness connected to it. I am showing a diagnostic code of 601 which says "ECM fault." Most of the time it starts right up. The past couple months I will try to start the car and it starts up but immediately stalls out like the fuel pump isn't working. Occasionally it will overcome this and crank up normally if I hold the gas down. Most of the time, after 4 or 5 unsuccessful attempts, the engine will not even turn over at all. I have replaced the ECM from a rebuilt one I bought online several months ago. The code went away for some time, but now it is back. The connectors to the wiring harness are loose and I think this may be causing it to not get a good connection and the ignition and fuel pump wires of the harness may not always be connected. Sometimes trying to reseat the connectors to the ECM helps. As of right now, it does not help. When you turn the key, the car acts like it is not even being turned. I also notice some sort of oil or lubrication fluid inside the lower connector for the ECM. I try to wipe it clean and later on the oily substance has returned. I feel that this liquid may be affecting my starting issues. If anyone has any advice, please assist. Thanks!

[Mean Green]

SRG is correct. It is a problem for some. My '03 GT did this once in a while so I'd just turn the key on, but don't start it. Let the fuel pressure build up for a few seconds and then start it. I do this with all of my fuel injected cars and don't have a problem. If that doesn't work then crank it just once and then start it. This only happened to me in very cold weather.

[Teekypt]

Originally Posted by Mean Green

SRG is correct. It is a problem for some. My '03 GT did this once in a while so I'd just turn the key on, but don't start it. Let the fuel pressure build up for a few seconds and then start it. I do this with all of my fuel injected cars and don't have a problem. If that doesn't work then crank it just once and then start it. This only happened to me in very cold weather.

YUP, this happened to mine once, only in cold weather...I usually turn my key on, let the car do it's 5 or 6 dings (chimes) and then crank. Let all the computer stuff get settled...never had a problem afterwards.

[quicksilverdon]

Originally Posted by CREWZIN

Alex,

Welcome to the forum. You bought a used vehicle. The first thing you want to do is change the plugs and wires. You have no idea when the last time they were changed.

Won't help starting, but change the oil and put in synthetic. Same reasoning as with plugs and wires. The turbo needs synthetic.

Agree with turning key "on", waiting, then "start".