2004 97k miles I just bought this car recently not cranking or starting at all. Previous owner said that it was the immobilizer?? I knew that wasn’t the case so I got to fix it up.

First the alarm system had to be reset. With doing this it finally started to crank but wouldn’t fire at all. I changed the crank position sensor and made sure it’s connected. Still nothing.

Decided to pull the plugs and they were caked. Got new NGK plugs and it started right up. After getting it running I had some 02 sensor codes. So I replaced those hoping that it would fix the struggling start but nope.

On a cold start it will crank for a good bit. Even then after cranking for some time it will catch on a few cylinders but then just keeps cranking. Turn it off and back on it will crank for more it should but will start.

It does start, but really really struggles to get going. Once it gets going it runs okay not great for a few seconds but will then even itself out and is smooth. I don’t have any codes so no misfires or anything.

I haven’t checked fuel pressure or my coil grounds yet.
What else should I look out for?

 

Maybe clean throttle and idle air control valve passages. Test the IACV.

 

How do I test the IACV?

 

Check fuel pressure, compression and then for spark on each cylinder. That's a good start.

 

One way to test IACV (stepper motor type) is to block the air pathway (two stoppers), start the engine (should barely start, then idle very low), the IACV will be commanded to open after a short time running then unplug the IACV electrical (that should leave the IACV in the open position). Turn off engine, then reconnect air pathway. Do not reconnect electrical yet. Start engine again, should start quickly and idle very high. If still struggles to start and idles low, then the air path is still plugged or the IACV is faulty.

Maybe clean it up good first the try starting (that might solve it without the test). The ETM might show other tests.

 

What two air pathways am I blocking?
I’m guessing you mean to disconnect the two hoses from the intake that go to the IACV and plug those hoses.

 

Only need to disconnect one, then plug both holes that are created. Alternative is to clamp one hose (if still pliable). The concept is to stop air flow in the path that goes through the valve.

 

Sounds like fuel pressure. Check that. You can spray starting fluid or gas in the intake while cranking to verify the issue is fuel and not fire. Intermittent issues with the ignitions system and starting are not common. IACV does not typically cause hard start issues but it could be possible. Usually unplugging it is a decent test but plugging it will be more definitive.

 

Sounds like exactly what I dealt with when my fuel pump went out. Check that before anything, mine would also restart just fine if once it was running, turning the engine off and then right back on, it would start up first try.

 

I also had a first thought of fuel pressure/fuel pump. You could try priming by key on/wait until the pump stops, then key off and repeat a couple of times before cranking. If priming solves the issue, you know it's fuel pressure. But keep in mind that if if fails this test that does not mean it is not fuel pressure.