I have a problem with starting after driving in hot weather. It cranks over, fires, runs a second or so and then dies. I found out that you can start it with your foot on the gas and if you rev it to 3,000 - 4,000 RPM for about 10 seconds (people stare at you ), it will then idle and you can drive it away after that. I changed the fuel filter (it was dirty), I repaired a PCV vent hose on the front valve cover which was leaking, put in fuel injection cleaner, and I turned the screw that sets the closed position on the throttle body just a wee bit because the butterfly was sticking shut very slightly. I pulled one spark plug to see how the plugs were holding out -- OK. These were all worth doing in any event, but....

I still have the hot start problem. Any ideas? Is there a place on the web where I can review TSB (Technical Service Bulletins)?? Oh, 80,000 miles. Just bought the car used in June. It's a 2004 V-6 automatic. Nice car, fun to drive normally.

 

One common failure item for starting problems in warm weather is the IAC, Idle Air Control valve. It is located on top of the engine, easy to replace. Can you get a service record for the vehicle to determine if the IAC has been replaced before?

 

Thanks for the tip, it seems like a logical next step. I suppose I could get out and tap on it next time to verify it's the problem. Probably just have to replace it and see what happens. It sure looks easy to replace. If it works, I post an update so that others can benefit.