Car Won’t Start On First Try But Will On Second – Check Now

There’s nothing more annoying for many car owners; the problem is that they have to start the car; at the first turn, the key does not start, but on the second try, the car runs smoothly. This kind of thing always happens in cars, even though it seems strange.

A car that won’t start on the first try but does on the second might have issues with the starter, battery, ignition system, or a clogged fuel filter. 

If you are experiencing the issue, your car won’t start on the first try but will start on the second; this blog will talk about why that might happen and give you some ideas for how to fix it that I used to start my car.

Causes Of Car Will Not Start On The First Turn:

1. Weak Fuel Pump Or Check Valve:

In my case, a weak fuel pump or a broken check valve in the fuel system might be to blame. If the check valve isn’t keeping the fuel lines under Pressure, you may need to try again to prime the system and start the engine.

2. Fuel Injector Problems:

If there are leaking fuel injectors, there may not be Pressure at the rail in the engine. In this case, the engine might not fire right or start first. The fuel injection system can get the engine to start right on the second try.

Another problem is that the fuel pressure regulator needs to be fixed, which changes how much fuel gets to the engine. Fuel pressure in the line that isn’t stable can make it hard to start.

If there are problems with the fuel system, like a clogged fuel filter, a broken fuel pump run, or a fuel leak, the car is not getting enough fuel for the first try to start the engine.

3. Faulty Starter Motor:

A faulty starting motor sometimes fails to engage the flywheel on the first try. This can prevent engine cranking. A broken starter solenoid can cause starting issues by disrupting the battery-starter motor connection. On the second try, the starter motor may line appropriately; the engine runs great.

4. Weak Or Dead Battery:

Car Battery is weak or dead often causes this problem. When you turn the key, the starter motor drains a lot from the battery. If the battery is low, it may not crank the engine on the first try and prevent your car from starting. After the first effort, a small break lets the battery recuperate, making the second try more successful.

5. Faulty Temperature Sensor:

Engine temperature sensors can malfunction and transmit inaccurate data to the engine control unit, influencing the air-fuel mixture. Due to improper mixture, starting the engine on the first start makes the car not start. On the second try, the engine control unit may change the mixture, starting it.

6. Loose Or Corroded Battery Terminals:

Weak or the battery terminals are loose or corroded, which might interrupt the starter motor-battery connection. This weak connection can cause engine starting voltage dips. The second time, wiggling the connections may restore the connection and start the automobile.

7. Ignition System Issues:

When your car’s lights are functioning, it indicates that your battery is in good condition, so that it could be the ignition switch or faulty spark plugs might cause a failed first ignition. It can prevent the engine from starting.

Several things can cause a check engine light. Wiring issues, air intake leaks, or dirty sensors can cause this issue. The check engine light indicates a problem with your vehicle’s system.

8. Engine Flooding And Timing Belt:

If the engine fills up with too much fuel, it might not start the first time you try. Some extra fuel may evaporate on the second try, letting the engine start.

The timing belt or chain ensures synchronization of the camshaft and crankshaft movements. A failing timing belt can lead to engine issues.

9. Fuel Vapor Lock:

In hot weather, gasoline evaporation can cause a fuel system vapor lock. This can prevent engine startup. Vapor lock can be alleviated by letting the automobile sit before starting again.

10. Electrical Components:

According to specific comments, electrical components like the primary relay may cause starting difficulty. Your “Service Engine Soon” light may signal an engine issue if your automobile doesn’t start on the first try. If the primary relay malfunctions, the fuel pump may not engage on the first try. 

How To Fix Car Not Start The First Time But Starts On Second?

1. Check The Battery:

Keep the weak battery healthy for a key to start on first. If the battery is weak or dead, charge or th it. Replacing the battery and inspecting the cold start valve improved the situation. A defective alternator may cause your battery to deplete or not charge. Replace the alternator if needed.

2. Test the Starter:

Simple tests can determine if the starter motor is to blame. Make someone turn the ignition key as you gently touch the starter motor with a long stick. If tapping starts the engine, the starter motor may be defective and need repair.

Replace the starter with a brand-new one for a lasting fix. Before cranking the car, Turn the key ON for 2 seconds, then OFF, and repeat this 2 or 3 times. This can help prepare your engine and ensure a smoother start on the first try.

3. Inspect Battery Terminals:

Check battery terminals for corrosion or loose connections. If needed, clean terminals with water and baking soda. To strengthen electrical connections, tighten them.

4. Examine the Ignition System:

Check the parts of the ignition system, such as the spark plugs and ignition switch. If any parts are broken or worn out, you should replace them. When working with the ignition system, be careful. 

5. Check Fuel System:

Watch fuel pressure issues during and after the first crank. Pressure should reach 36 psi and last several hours. Remove the gasoline pump outlet, check the valve, and see if residual Pressure reduces quickly.

When you prime the fuel system by turning the key to the ‘ON’ position, you should hear the fuel pump humming for about 3 seconds. Then, repeat this process before attempting to start the car. 

6. Prevent Engine Flooding:

In cases of engine flooding, do not continue cranking the engine. Instead, wait for a few minutes to allow excess fuel to evaporate. Then, attempt to start the engine again. Note that a timing belt needs to be changed every five years or 60,000 miles. Whichever comes first.

7. Verify The Gear Shift:

Ensure your car is in “Park” or “Neutral” before starting it. If your car starts in “Neutral” but not in “Park” or vice versa, the neutral safety switch might be broken. This fix might need to be done by a professional.

8. Prevent Vapor Lock:

Vapor lock can occur under heat. Let your car sit before starting it again to fix this. Heat-resistant fuel line insulating coverings can prevent vapor lock if this happens often.

9. Fix A Faulty Temperature Sensor

This is what you need to do to fix a broken temperature sensor:

• Do a diagnostic check to make sure the problem is real.
• Find and repair the sensor that isn’t working right.
• Find and get rid of any error numbers in the engine control unit.
• Check to see how well the car starts. If needed, get skilled help to correct the diagnosis and replacement.

If you’ve tried several times and your car does not start on the first try, it indicates a persistent problem with a leaking check valve in the fuel pump.

Quick Answers:

Why Does It Take 3 Times I Tried To Start My Car?

Many things can make a car time to start, but it should run smoothly once it does. Some of these factors are the weather, the battery’s health, wiring issues, problems with the starter motor, and the health of the fuel pump.

Why Does My Car Crank Twice But Won’t Start?

The fuel may be impaired or not there, the air intake or filter is clogged, the electrical system isn’t working right, or the exhaust is stopped. To figure out what’s wrong, remove the places that are easy to check.

Why Does The Car Start On The Second Try?

If the car starts on the second try, it may be due to issues with the fuel system, a weak battery, faulty spark plugs, or cold weather affecting engine performance. The best course of action is to get a mechanic to determine the exact cause.

Sometime Car Cranks A Lot Before Starting?

A car that cranks for a long time before starting might have problems with the fuel pump, clogged fuel injectors, a weak battery, faulty spark plugs, or trouble with the ignition system. A mechanic can identify and fix the problem.

Finalization:

Finally, if your car doesn’t start the first time you try to start it but always does the second time, you need to figure out what’s wrong. A weak or broken battery, loose battery connections, a broken starter, or issues with the ignition system are all common causes. Regular maintenance, like keeping the battery connections clean and ensuring all the fuel system parts are in good shape, can help keep your car reliable and stop this annoying problem.