Hard/Rough/Hesitant Starts....anyone?

[Trmx2]

So I looked at all the threads relating to TSB's and other known issues, but haven't found an issue quite like mine.

My car has about 4500 miles on it and I purchased it in October. I have no mods other than a performance filter, and intake tube.

A handful of times I've when I've gone to start the car I've had some rough starts where the engine seems to struggle or shudder quite hard right before it starts, almost as if the engine is going to stall. I live in Miami so it's not related to cold weather or anything like that. I've been using the OEM fluids, etc.

Has anyone else noticed this? My car is a 2014 model, purchased in October.

[FR-S Matt]

Originally Posted by Trmx2

So I looked at all the threads relating to TSB's and other known issues, but haven't found an issue quite like mine.

My car has about 4500 miles on it and I purchased it in October. I have no mods other than a performance filter, and intake tube.

A handful of times I've when I've gone to start the car I've had some rough starts where the engine seems to struggle or shudder quite hard right before it starts, almost as if the engine is going to stall. I live in Miami so it's not related to cold weather or anything like that. I've been using the OEM fluids, etc.

Has anyone else noticed this? My car is a 2014 model, purchased in October.

Only when its really cold. Mine was a little rough this morning when it was 26 degrees. Temperature definitely affects it.

[Trmx2]

Originally Posted by FR-S Matt

Only when its really cold. Mine was a little rough this morning when it was 26 degrees. Temperature definitely affects it.

I live in Miami, it's never cold here, it has been "chilly" as we had a recent cold front come through, mind you the cold fronts here maybe drop out temps to upper 50's low 60's. I've had this issue though on days in the 80's though. This morning it was 75 degrees and I got a really hard shudder/rough start it seemed to take a while for the engine to turn over. I don't think it's battery related seems like the engine wants to stall

[Jdogg88]

I've had this issue also where the car wouldn't crank over after turning the key a couple times. Mines a 2013 made in October 2012 and completely stock.

[FR-S Matt]

Originally Posted by Trmx2

I live in Miami, it's never cold here, it has been "chilly" as we had a recent cold front come through, mind you the cold fronts here maybe drop out temps to upper 50's low 60's. I've had this issue though on days in the 80's though. This morning it was 75 degrees and I got a really hard shudder/rough start it seemed to take a while for the engine to turn over. I don't think it's battery related seems like the engine wants to stall

That is a very different issue. Never experienced that ever. Not sure if my tune matters or not.

[Trmx2]

Originally Posted by Jdogg88

I've had this issue also where the car wouldn't crank over after turning the key a couple times. Mines a 2013 made in October 2012 and completely stock.

Hm, mine will start and the engine will crank over but it seems hesitant at times and is rough. It's only happened a handful of times. I'm not sure if it's electrical related, or engine related. I would take it to the dealer but if they can't reproduce the problem they'll just send me on my way.

[Trmx2]

Originally Posted by FR-S Matt

That is a very different issue. Never experienced that ever. Not sure if my tune matters or not.

What tune do you have?

[JB86'd]

Are you turning the key to the farthest position before starting for a couple seconds, then trying? Or putting the key in and starting instantly?

[FR-S Matt]

Originally Posted by Trmx2

What tune do you have?

FA20club, from about 5-6 months ago.

[Trmx2]

Originally Posted by JB86'd

Are you turning the key to the farthest position before starting for a couple seconds, then trying? Or putting the key in and starting instantly?

Umm, I don't know, I think I put the key in and then wait, because I usually plug my phone in and such, but I turn my car on subconsciously so I'm not really sure. What would the difference be?

[Trmx2]

Originally Posted by FR-S Matt

FA20club, from about 5-6 months ago.

he uses EcuTek right?

[FR-S Matt]

Originally Posted by Trmx2

he uses EcuTek right?

Yes

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by Trmx2

Umm, I don't know, I think I put the key in and then wait, because I usually plug my phone in and such, but I turn my car on subconsciously so I'm not really sure. What would the difference be?

The fuel system in this car needs a couple seconds to build pressure before starting. If you're immediately turning the key to full on from it's initial position the fuel pump does not have time to prime the system, this results in the 'hard start' many people notice (i.e. takes a long time to turn over, sputters and starts rough). Turning to the position just before starting (you should see all the lights on the dash come on and hear the electronics power up under the hood) allows the car to pressurize and prepare for start. It doesn't take long, take a moment to check the dash and make sure you don't have a burnt bulb and you should be good to go.

Edit: Here's a few threads you missed in your search:

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37138
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25822
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23170

[Trmx2]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

The fuel system in this car needs a couple seconds to build pressure before starting. If you're immediately turning the key to full on from it's initial position the fuel pump does not have time to prime the system, this results in the 'hard start' many people notice (i.e. takes a long time to turn over, sputters and starts rough). Turning to the position just before starting (you should see all the lights on the dash come on and hear the electronics power up under the hood) allows the car to pressurize and prepare for start. It doesn't take long, take a moment to check the dash and make sure you don't have a burnt bulb and you should be good to go.

Edit: Here's a few threads you missed in your search:

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37138
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25822
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23170

Perfect, yeah the "sputtering" sounds EXACTLY like what happens. It's very odd, it feels almost as if the car is about to just die on you. lol

Thanks for pointing those out, I definitely missed those.