I am having a tough time figuring out the hard start problems with my Mom's car. The dealership was little help in that they got it started on the first try and packed it off. We get it home and POOUF! the car won't start again.

I have been looking over the archives and decided since I have some skill with building computers and installing stereos and rebuilding VW Bugs and 924 Porsches and 240D Mercedes, that I would give it a shot at tracing my Mom's car's system. I bought her the car and with that I became an indentured servant.

So my first order of business is the test the fuel relays and ECU (including the ground from Terminal 31 of the pump relay). Since there is no drain on the battery when off, I know that I do not have a short. It could be that I am losing my cranking amps from my battery to my starter if the fuel pump is engaging and I will test from the ignition to the fuse box/relay to the solenoid to the starter to the battery (and not necessarily in that order). From what I can tell the fuel filter is OK and I have yet to check the air filter. At one point I thought it was the Park/Neutral switch, however, the car is still turning over even if it isn't engaging. Oil viscosity is good and there are no obstructions such as shaved metal. Transmission fluid is bright red.

Anyone have any other ideas on what I need to look for? I have my meter, solder gun, lithium lube (and vasoline) and simple voltage tester and I will be doing a complete once over of the system.

Thanks in advance.

Charlane