First off, my car is an 87 GTA. Does it have a cold start valve? My mechanic says it doesn't. I have to crank my car for 2 or 3 times for it to start, so I scanned the comp. I don't remember what numbers they were, but there were two. One said that the MAF was bad, and the other said that the fuel pump realy was bad. Could this cause extended cranks? Thanks.

 

if the relay is taking a while to engerize to the on position, that could cause the starting problem. As far as i know the MAF will not cause a starting problem, But I guess it is possibile. Could be detecting the wrong amount of air. Turn the key to the on pos. and see if you can hear the fuel pump kick on. Should hear a hissing sound. If you don't right off the bat. I would say the fuel pump relay is bad. The other thing i would check is to see if your fuel pressure regulator is maintaining the fuel pressure.

 

yes i have the same problem but it takes 2 cranks to start mines but i have a code 44 lean exhaust and a code 23 wrong mat sensor so i feel you man

 

Not to argue with your mechanics, but they may have forgotten some of the subtleties of these "older" EFI systems. I'm sure they are very knowledgable, and knew all this at one time, and have simply forgotten.

Remind them that the 1989 model was the first year without the cold start valve (and the last year for the MAF in ThirdGens). 1985-1988 model year TPIs all had the cold start injector. Remind them that a MAF reading is not even considered during the startup routine on these antique systems, and that the engine will run without a MAF on the Backup Fuel and Spark tables ("Limp Home" mode).

Remind them that there is a cold start control (temperature sensor/output timer) mounted to the front coolant crossover of the intake, just below the CTS (that's Coolant Temperature Sensor, in case they forgot). This control signals the ECM, and Cold Start Valve operation depends on this signal.

Remind them that these "old" TPI systems have a Schrader test port on the right fuel rail to moinitor fuel pressure, so they can prove or disprove the theory of the failed fuel pump relay.

I know they'l remember it all once you remind them...

 

Thanks alot.