Need some help with a starting issue. 2006 H3, have had it for about 6 months and it runs fine besides this starting issue. I've been trying to piece together a pattern of when it seems to happen but very little consistency. So I go to start it, and it will turn over and crank, sounds like its going to fire, and when I release the key it stops cranking and tries again right away. I try again in a few seconds when it settles down, and it turns over, but never fires up. Everytime this happens, it will start on its own in 10-15 minutes. It always fires up after a waiting period. It happens maybe 1 in every 20 time starting it. It usually happens in patches, where it will do it every 3 or 4 starts for a couple days and then I won't have a problem for weeks. The one thing I've noticed lately is that every time I fill the tank, it starts after fueling, but the next time I shut it off it will have the starting problem when I come back to it, so the time after I fill-up and drive away I know it better not be shut off somewhere where it will be a problem to be stuck for 15minutes.
Taking it to a mechanic isn't helpful because other than the recent pattern there is no way to know if/when it is going to happen. Anyone else had a similar issue? Would love to hear some ideas. Have done some basic checks but wondering how I can check if its a fuel delivery issue, and if it is, why its so sporadic? Thanks

 

no idea,,, none of this might make sense??
so id put in oem plugs, cant hurt and its about the only changeable thing, check clean the air filter. theres no fuel filter.
get code reader. see if any codes show up.

oh my!,,i just started with a scanguage2 and the books in the h3!, i think it shows fuel pressure,dont remember!! havnt messed with it enuf for all functions.

so im tossing out ideas till an x pert shows up!!

oh, im curious,if u turn key and let go how long does it crank on its own?? does it crank,,stop,,start again??
the book says the computer does the cranking after u turn key,huh

 

thanks for the ideas, I'll take just about everything. I'd also read that once you turn the key its on its doing its own thing for cranking and the computer takes over. The first time when I know I'm in for a wait it stutters on the crank and then recranks and stops pretty abruptly. When I try over the next few minutes it will just turn over and over until I let go of the key.

I pulled the air filter last time it did it to me and didn't help get it going, but since you mention throwing a code I think I will start there, I wonder if maybe the computer is throwing some kind of lockdown code that has it waiting 10 minutes before being able to properly start. I'll change plugs this weekend and pick up a scanner to check that out. Thanks for the start, any other ideas from anyone and I'll keep you guys posted.

 

Do you have an aftermarket Alarm, or a Remote Start?

 

videotape every start with your phone so you can catch doing it when it does it. taake that to your mechanic. Maybe he can do something with that.

 

I had mine do that once. The key I was using was sticking as it went it, so I started using my spare key. My spare slides in fine and has never had that happen. (Knock on wood). Have you tried another key?

 

no aftermarket alarm or stereo or anything like that, I haven't tried the spare key, but will definitely give it a shot! And thank you for the idea of video taping it with my cell phone to show mechanic, thats a fantastic idea. I'll post results for anyone who should have this problem in the future. Keep the ideas coming and thank you all!

 

You likely have a bad ignition switch (shorting) like many other GMs.

 

This could be your problem. The pass lock. Performed daignostic system check and found B2957, current tested and found high resistance in pass lock switch in ignition replaced ing. swith HSH. reprogramed theft system tested. This corrected the problem. This problem was on my 2006 H3.
This problem would happen sometimes. Vehicle would need to set for 10 mins. then would start. Part number 15795321.