Starting but the odd delay

[coopns]

2002 Grand Caravan, new battery NAPA last month. Starter is less then a year old. Van starts fine but maybe once out of every 10/15 starts in takes an extra couple of seconds, not really long pushing the key but just holding it in longer then it should, kind of feeling like "is it going to start".

Any thoughts?

 

[pidster]

cranking at full speed? Just about every vehicle I've had experience with would take an extra second or two sometimes, especially when motor and ambient temps are hot.

 

[Gary Allan]

Are we describing cranking time ..or some time until it starts cranking?

 

[coopns]

Cranking time...

Again, it isn't long but long enough for a bit of doubt.

My dad keeps bugging me about the alternator, old school, "replace that alternator". Wouldn't be a factor would it?

 

[meep]

if the alternator was bad, you wouldn't be able to crank those extra seconds. Suspect fuel pressure regulator may be on it's way out, and it's taking longer time to build up enuf pressure to fire. You may want to "sniff" around under the hood, make sure you don't smell any unleaded wafting about.

BTW-- that alternator is a denso unit IIRC, same manuf that honda and some other makes use. In my experience they tend to last a LONG time, and cost $$ to replace, especially if you want it as reliable as the oem. Expect $300.

 

[racecougar]

Are you allowing the fuel pump to build pressure before you start cranking (turning the key to "ON" for a second or two before turning it to "START")? How long has it been since the spark plugs were replaced? I agree that the alternator is not the problem here, and that it could possibly be the FPR. I'd replace the spark plugs and fuel filter if they haven't been changed recently, then see if the problem persists.

-Rod