Start problem

[123zoom]

hey, i have a 02 p5, and sometimes when i goto start it, it kinda stalls, i can get it started in one turn, but i have to hold the key.......the only thing i have done is a stereo system, i have a panasonic deck, 2 pioneer 12's in a sealed box, and a kenwoood 1000watt amp, but i dont' have a capacitor, cuz i was told i dont' need one since i dont' blast the system everytime and also at night i dont' see my lights going on/off, thats y i know i dont' need a capacitor

 

[ELEmental59437]

that was a very long two sentences...

Have you tried disconnecting the fuse for the amps and starting it? I dont think it would be your system draining the power that the starter needs, but its worth a shot.

Did you only notice this after the system?

 

[123zoom]

yea, only after i got the system.........................is there neway to check if my battery is draining out or nething

 

[Sir Nuke]

yea, only after i got the system.........................is there neway to check if my battery is draining out or nething

this may sound like a SILLY question...but you DID hook up the ON/OFF remote wire for the amp to a source such that it only powers up the amp once your head unit is turned on? or put a switch in line with it so that YOU have to turn it on and off.....for IF your amps are staying powered up all the time they are going to put a slow drain on your battery.

 

[123zoom]

i only got 1 amp for the subs.................and it only turns on when i the deck is in use, but if the deck is off, then the amp dont turn on

 

[1sty]

Sounds like you may have a charging issue. The Protege did have some alternator recalls. Try unhooking the amps fuse on the power wire as suggested before for a few days and see if it gets any better.
Also, if you have a multimeter make sure your car is charging at a sutable voltage and theat the resting voltage of the battery is good.

 

[Sir Nuke]

and if you DON'T have a multimeter to check the battery with while the car is running...to ensure the charging system is putting out like it should....trek down to the local AUTO ZONE as they can test it for you right there on the spot, and that is free.

 

[123zoom]

see, the thing is, that this problem doesn't happen on a regular basis, it happens like once in awhile at random, if i had to give u a number then maybe once every 2 weeks for sure, sometimes once every week. you mentioned that the protege had an alternator recall, i have a protege5, and if there was a recall, shouldn't the dealer have sent me the notice???

 

[1sty]

A mis-term on my part it is actauly a TSB.

 

[ELEmental59437]

Is the weather still cold up there? Maybe thats the problem if its not every time you start it

 

[1sty]

Look up THEMAN in the members list and go to his website.
He has put together a list of all the Protege TSBs.

 

[hihoslva]

Two other things can cause this, totally unrelated to your audio system.

The Protege is fuel injected. Do NOT put your foot on the gas when starting it! There is no need to "prime" the fuel system, as with a carbuerated car. You *might* be doing this without even noticing it - so just pay attention to not do it.

And - because the car is fuel injected, the electric fuel pump runs before the car does. If you get in and just spin the key to "start" quickly, it is possible that not enough fuel has yet flowed to the engine to get a good start. Try going a little slower with the key - if you put it in "run", without starting the car, you can kinda hear the fuel pump start up - very low whine. I'm not saying to wait a few seconds, but just slowing down how fast you turn the key to start can aid in starting the car.

Both of these are worth a shot.

~HH

 

[123zoom]

i have never put my foot on the gas while starting the car. now that i think about it, when it does happen i think i do turn teh key reallly fast, maybe i should slow it down abit and it might make a diff.