2003 Gmc Sierra won't start on first try?

Question

Won't start on first or second try but will always fire up on third try. I'm wondering if it's the fuel pump itself or a relay?

Answer 1

You are either not getting gas like you are supposed to or it could be that you are not getting fire like you are supposed to. I learned in school that a car runs on two conditions. Gas and fire.

Answer 2

This one is easy. First of all get a tune up. This includes changing your plugs and wires, getting all new filters, all that stuff. You didn't say what exactly it does on the first two tries. If it just clicks you  may want to have the strater checked

Answer 3

last time that happened my dad had to jump his battery

Answer 4

Rob,, don't waste your money or your time on getting a tune-up (plugs /wires /fuel and air filters. THAT'S NOT GOING TO HELP, ,NOT THE PROBLEM.

Your problem is a fuel return issue, meaning you fuel system is not holding pressure when the vehicle is OFF. that's why you need to turn the key to start 3 times to start it. What your doing the fist couple of times is priming the system ).

As GUITAR G said, the pump MIGHT be faulty, but I wouldn't condemn it just yet.

On top of the engine , driver side there is a round metallic object on the fuel rail called (fuel pressure regulator) and it has a vacuum line going to it , remove the vacuum line and see if any gas spills out, if so, that's your problem.

Inexpensive and easy to replace.

Your problem is one of two things

1-- fuel pressure regulator

2--fuel pump

3-- nothing else.

but without the proper diagnostic tools to isolate which one, I would go with the regulator first (most times it is that).

Answer 5

You might have a fuel pump problem. The pump has a check ball which holds pressure in the fuel send line while the vehicle is shut off. If this check ball is not holding like it should, then you will lose fuel pressure after the vehicle is off and will require an extra prime pulse of the pump (which is what happens when you turn your key to ON or RUN). One way to check this would be to turn your key ON/RUN (not start) and do it a second and third time simultaniously. Do it all quickly within 5 seconds. This will provide 3 prime pulses and should build up the pressure. After the third pulse, quickly try to start the vehicle, if it starts good, replace the pump because your check ball/valve is leaking.

Answer 6

i would think fuel filter or air filter maybe even new plugs

Answer 7

Assuming you have maintained the tune-up schedule, bad gasoline s******g up your fuel system is a common cause. Whether you have fuel injection or not, add a can of fuel injector cleaner to the gas tank. In most cases like yours, that fixes it right up. If it doesn't, get serious with diagnostics, as running lean can destroy an engine. Regards, Larry.