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Hard to start

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Old 08-03-2011, 10:57 PM
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Join Date: 07-29-2011
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Hard to start

Hello all, I'm new to the forums!

I'm having a similar problem as kmcrae... It has a little over 81k miles I have to turn the ignition over several times to get my 2008 2.2L to start. If I wait more than a minute or so to restart I have to go through the whole process all over again. Once it's running it seems to be doing fine. When it started acting up I went ahead and changed out the spark plugs, changed the air filter and changed the oil. None of this seemed to make a difference. I've also noticed that my mpg has dropped a lot. I normally get around 25mpg in city and now I've been averaging around 16-18mpg. I even ran Lucas fuel system cleaner through it and then premium fuel the next tank with no luck. Oh yeah, I also don't hear the typical hum of the fuel pump when I turn the key and wait to start it. Any advice would really be appreciated!
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Old 08-03-2011, 11:34 PM
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Welcome to the site. I had the same thing happen to my fathers 07. It needs a fuel pump because its not holding rail psi when its not running more than likey because the fuel ragulator is stuck open letting fuel drain back into the tank this also lowers the running fuel psi and causes your fuel milage to drop. you can confirm this with a fuel psi gauge and check the fuel psi after shuting off the engine. if the fuel psi drops to 0 of close to it farly fasts its time to install a new fuel pump. ( the regulator is part of the fuel pump package)
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Old 08-04-2011, 12:00 AM
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Also, with those miles, a fuel filter replacement may be what's needed.

However, since your mpg has dropped significantly, you may have a clogged catalytic converter. What's your running temp while rolling?
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Old 08-04-2011, 05:25 AM
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Originally Posted by nacademus
Also, with those miles, a fuel filter replacement may be what's needed.

However, since your mpg has dropped significantly, you may have a clogged catalytic converter. What's your running temp while rolling?
I believe the only fuel filter the hhr has is on the fuel pump in the tank.
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Old 08-04-2011, 06:15 AM
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I drove a 2008 for work and had similar issues and I read somewhere they use a shim in the starters that sometimes comes of kilter and can cause the celinoid gear and flywheel to not interact properly ... no authority , your post made me think of it ! Good Luck and Welcome

Ogre
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Old 08-04-2011, 08:32 AM
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Fuel pump is going out. Since it's a 2008 it's covered by the 5/100K power train warranty.
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Old 08-04-2011, 08:35 AM
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to the forum fairaljr!

Sorry to say, but you're in need of a fuel pump, let us know how you make out with the repairs.
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Old 08-17-2011, 04:30 PM
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Thanks for all the replies!... Sorry it took so long to get back. I've been super busy getting ready for my change of duty station. I'm going to take it to the dealership tomorrow and see if it's covered, if not I'll replace the fuel pump myself
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