Why won't my car start right away?

Question

I have a 2000 Dodge Stratus. Recently, the car has a mind of it's own. Sometimes it starts with no problem, and sometimes it takes longer to turn over and finally start. I also recently have started smelling what I think is gas odors. I've been looking for leaks and haven't spotted any. It's gotten worse over the last few days. I've had a couple people tell me that it could be something as simple as the fuel filter, which I'm changing in the next couple of days. Does anyone think that this could be the problem or is it something else?

I have checked the battery connections and I don't believe it's the starter because the car not starting right away, and the gas smell seemed to start at the same time. Any advice is always helpful!!! Cars stress me out, I'm getting a horse and buggy. Oh, and a snowmobile for the winter.

~NIKKI~

Answer 1

my answer is just try to check it out on auto repair shop...

Answer 2

May be leaking fuel injectors. The seals around the injectors may be bad causing fuel to leak into the combustion chamber when the engine is off. This will cause the engine to flood and will be harder to start. This will also give you the gas odor you smell. I know you can't afford to take it to a shop, but this is not a "do it yourself" project.

Answer 3

It could be just the fuel filter, but it could also be the fuel pump, you should take it to a mechanic you trust to get checked.