2000 4.4 Problems Starting

[HellzMindPlaya]

Is the one way valve you are talking about inside of the fuel filter? When I had a service 2 done at about 98k they replaced the fuel filter.

[supersteve]

I had previously posted on this.

I haven't had the problem come back since using the fuel injector cleaner for about 60 gallons running Mobil premium and cleaning the power lug on the firewall.

Just for Sh^ts and giggles I tried going back for a tank full on Hess premium. I'll let you know if it comes back.

[vinuneuro]

The SES is not an end-all method of catching problems. We had misfires with our X5 a couple years ago at idle right after start-up, W/O any SES codes..the problem was ignition coils. SES will only be triggered past a certain threshhold. The fact that that it starts(ed) on the second try means that the it is igntion/electric/electronic related. It is NOT a fuel pressure problem.

Make sure all your grounds are alright. You'd be surprised at the kind of problems they can create. Then look into the ignition switch, ignition coils, starter and then the ECU.

[supersteve]

I agree about the grounds. I cleaned all the battery connections and other connections under the spare tire. Problem continued.

I then cleaned the power lug under the hood on the fire wall. The problem seems to have stopped.

I was doing all of this while running Lucas FI cleaner in the fuel tank with Mobil gas (Again about 60 gallosn of gas). The only reason I went back to Hess gas was to in fact, rule out the brand or particular station as the cause.

I do; however, disagree that this could not be caused by fuel system.

If the FI system leaks down the pump may not be able to make enough pressure on start up to atomize the fuel. It only runs for a short time during the start. It then waits for a signal that the engine is running to start pumping full time. It's a safety to stop from pumping gas all over the place if there is a leak in the fuel system.

After a second or third try @ starting, the pump will be able to "catch up". This is why there is a leak down test. Once it's running the pump will run nonstop maintaining the pressure.

Neither a fuel leak down problem or bad connections will give a OBDII code. At least not an accurate one.

[supersteve]

I think I can say the problem is resolved. After sitting at the airport for a week, she started on the first try.

Just a reminder, I had run about 60 gallons of gas through with Lucas FI cleaner. I also cleaned the positive power lug under the hood on the drivers side fire wall. This power lug supplies battery power for everything but the starter.

It took fifteen mintutes to disassembly, clean and reassemble the power lug. It didn't look corroded; but, it looked glazed and the problem stopped as soon as I cleaned it.

Anyone else try it with good results?

[HellzMindPlaya]

I Disassembled it and cleaned in with a rag because i couldn't find a wire brush and it didn't help at all. You are saying to clean it with a wire brush or something right? I need to try the fuel injection cleaner also. Thanks for the input.

[supersteve]

I did mean clean it with a brush; However, the problem continues.

Now, if I turn the key to #2 position when I first get in, put my seatbelt on, then start it seems to start every time (knock on wood).

I think it has more to do with giving the fuel pump a chance to pressurize the fuel rail than the seat belt.

I had a '91 Jetta. When the fuel pressure reg failed it had the same symptoms. I'm still unclear how the fuel pressure is regulated on the X5. I know there fuel filter has a check valve; but that doesn't regulate fuel pressure. if the system is regulated by a pressure switch (turns pump on and off) it could be that also. I will be looking into it more today and I will let you know.

[supersteve]

OK, this is what I have "fingered" out. The fuel filter has the regulator attached to it. The fuel filter can be replaced either by itself or as an assembly with the regulator.

Chances are, if the dealer replaced the fuel filter, they did just that and not the regulator also. If you ask they will probably say they do this to save you the cost of unneeded parts (cough, cough). This also adds to the cost in labor they can charge because they have to remove the reg from the old filter, replace the O-rings and install it on the new filter.

From what I can tell from the pictures, if they replaced ANY O-rings this is what they did. To replace the assembly there is only hose clamps.

The parts catalog @ RealOEM.com has both the assembly and just the regulator listed.
Assembly $83.70+core
Regulator $70.30 no core

I found the assembly @ www.autopartswarehouse.com for $62.71 delivered. It's on it's way.

I am determined to find out what is causing this. Stay in tune.

[sf_mike]

Looks like I may have finally resolved this issue. I took my X into the stealer last week, and haven't had a problem since then. Unfortunately it took them $250 in labor to diagnose the problem which turned out to be $14 worth of parts. Here's the resolution from the service department, this may be useful.

"VERIFIED CUSTOMER COMPLAINT. FOUND PROBLEM IS INTERMITTANT. CHECKED MEMORY FAULT, FOUND NO RELEVANT FAULTS. FOUND THAT WHEN ENGINE DOES NOT START THERE IS NO SPARK GOING TO ANY CYLINDER FUSES. CONNECTIONS OK, CHECKED UNLOADER RELAY, FOUND INTERMITTANT RELAY INOP. REPLACED RELAY AND TESTED MANY TIMES"

After seeing the many different suggestions, I'm guessing there is no "magic bullet" for this problem, but maybe this can help.

[supersteve]

Do they give a part number for the relay on your bill?