Another scooby newby question coming up ;-)

The engine often needs turning over for a couple of seconds before firing. A few occasions its taken 4-5 seconds. This seemed more than I would have expected. (MY00, 900 miles so far)

Anyone else had similar?

 

Should turn over instantly as far as I know.
My MY98 always has.
I'd get it checked if I were you.

Stef.

 

Mine is MY00, 1300 miles....
It takes a fraction longer to start also than I would expect! compared to my last non Sub car.

But I dont regard it as a problem. Though I have never had the 4 to 5 secs, 2 or 3 at most.
Swa

 

Mine's a MY00 and starts as i turn the key, make sure you press the clutch (release and drag) and do NOT press the accelorator (read the manual for starting instructions)

4-5 seconds sounds like a problem to me

 

Hi,

You might also try this:

Turn the key to the 'ignition on' position and wait for a couple of seconds for the fuel pump to pressurise the fuel line before cranking the engine on the starter.

The fuel line needs to be up to pressure before the engine can start - if you turn the ignition on, you can hear the fuel pump whirring for a couple of seconds.

You also shouldn't use any throttle while cranking the engine - leave it to the ECU to provide the necessary control in start-up.
If you flood the engine, it can be a bugger to restart.

Hope this helps.

Alex

 

I'll confirm what AdamM is saying.

My MY99 starts on about the 3rd "pulse(?)" of the starter motor.

However, on the couple of occasions it hasn't, it's been when I've been in a rush and not left the car in the "ignition on/engine off" state for a couple of seconds before starting.
On these occasions it's usually resulted in a good few seconds of starter motor followed by an initially (few seconds) lumpy tickover.

Paul L

 

AdamM's spot on the money. My MY00 from Holland caused me to panic twice: quick phonecall and the dealer told me to leave the car on ign for 5 secs prior to cranking. Problem solved (hopefully)

The starter motor is quite "lazy" too, which compounds the worry in my experience .

 

Thanks guys.

I'm doing everything everyone says (clutch pedal down, not touching throttle, leaving for several seconds with ignition on before starting). It's in for its 1000 mile service tomorrow, and i mentioned it to the service manager - they said they'd look at it.

 

I've had some hesitation from my car (MY00 4000 miles) when starting this winter, but since I'm in Finland it it sometimes quite cold, but now that it's getting a bit warmer the problem has disappeared. Maybe your problem also has something to do with the cold?