Q: Engine starts, but will not restart for an hour

asked by on September 20, 2016

My car’s engine does start, but when I turn it off and then try to restart the car, the engine runs too rich. I have to leave it for about an hour before it will start again. The fuel regulator has been replaced, but the problem still persists. What is your advice for what will solve my car’s problem?

If you have confirmed correct fuel pressure when you changed the fuel pressure regulator, I would next check the engine coolant temperature sensor for the fuel injection system. That sensor, if failing, is generating a false "cold" reading, causing the injection system to run too rich. Also check the thermo timer portion of the cold start injector circuit. That system may also be generating a false "cold" reading, causing too rich of a mixture. If you would like to have this checked, a certified professional from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to inspect the starting problem.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Car tries to die when I give it some gas.
A unmetered air leak can cause this symptom of the engine sputtering or dying on acceleration. Rubber intake boots and vacuum lines need to be checked for leaks. If no obvious leaks are detected then the intake system may need...
My EVAP canister has a small leak
Hello! I suggest that a technician with a smoke machine test your EVAP system. The smoke will come out of any area of the EVAP system that is leaking. Most Auto shops will have a smoke machine. I would recommend...
Engine runs like it is flooded hard to start
Hi there. Most of the time this is caused by a bad fuel pressure regulator (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-fuel-pressure-regulator). Typically, an old fuel pressure regulator will be blown out from the new fuel pump due to the higher pressure. This is going to...
What does charging system failure mean?
It sounds like your alternator or voltage regulator may be failing causing the battery to not be charged properly. When this happens the drop in voltage will cause the charging system failure light to come on. As you know, the...
Tries to run but won't get over 400 rpm before dying.
Hi there. Check for the three essentials that the engine needs to run, fuel, spark, and air. If you are having fuel and the pressure is 30 psi or higher, then check for spark on the spark plugs and wires....
Do you have Female mechanics?
Yes, of course, but mechanics are dispatched based on geography so whether a particular mechanic resides close enough to you would be the issue. I would suggest that you call the Service Line directly at 1-844-249-6752 and let them know...
I have p0128, p0304, and p0420 engine will not run.
I believe it was the P0128 code that did it. This code indicates a faulty thermostat or a faulty coolant temperature sensor. If the P0420 code has been around for a while, this would not only not have caused the...
Vibration at 55mph
You will need to advise of the tire sizes you are using, since if you have oversize tires then your speedometer is not accurate and you may be doing faster speeds than what is on the speedometer and your engine...
Just replaced pressure plate and clutch disc wondering if it's possible that I put it in backwards would my truck still run
The clutch cannot be put in wrong. If you have are having problem with the clutch not releasing then you may have to pump the pedal up and down all the way down and up to to get the clutch...

Related articles

Does Running My AC in the Summer Keep My Engine Cooler?
When When you engage your air conditioning in your car, it is usually summertime and hot outside. Air conditioning serves to remove heat from the inside of your vehicle by circulating a refrigerant through the evaporator core in your dashboard,...
4 Essential Things to Know About Your Car’s Fuel Gauge
Few Few things are as frustrating and worrisome as running out of gas. Most people will do their best to make sure that they always have some gas in the tank. However, if there is an issue with the fuel...
3 Essential Things to Know About Your Car’s Temperature Gauge
A car temperature gauge shows how hot the engine is. If the temperature gauge reads high, your car could be leaking coolant or have a bad water pump.