Maybe crank position sensor.

 

Do a fuel pressure test if you haven't already.

 

and a compression test. you're not losing coolant, are you?

 

A common gm fail, especially when you like to run the tank completely empty between fillups is the fuel pump. Check the fuel pressure as stated above. Try turning the key to the "run" position for about three seconds then off for a few seconds then back to "run" for a few seconds- finally crank it. Had numerous pump failures with the same symptoms as you described. The on-off key method will extend starter life until fixed lol. Good luck.

 

I had to prime the pump as recaro86 stated on my SL2. The check valve was apparently leaking. Car would not start on first try if I just tried to start it. But, if I turned the key "on" for ~3 seconds then started, it started every time. Try that. Was not worth replacing the check valve as it was part of the sender unit in the gas tank.

 

^I had a 96 SL2 that the coolant temp sensor was shot in, it would try to do hot start/cold start when it shouldn't have. I don't know if the lsj works like the 1.9 did, but thats another thought if the fuel pressure is on target.

 

Well I had a chance to plug the car in today and pull the codes, all 13 of them here are a few that will ring a bell

1.P0017 Crank Sensor not aligned
2.P0122 Throttle Position sensor
3.P0123 same as above
4.P0128 Coolant temp is always low
5.P0222 APP Senor Sccel, pedal position
6.P0455 Large EVAP leak detected
7.P0233 Open or short Circuit in the Fuel Pump Primary
8.P0446 EVAP Purge/Vent Solenoid circuit condition. I just replaced the darn EVAP Purge solenoid.

The rest where just for the K&N intake I have on. so Where the heck do I start, How does all of this go wrong at once? I'm starting by replacing my Crank position sensor should be here tomorrow, as for all this other stuff I dont even know where to start anymore!!!!!! Darn RL!!!:bananahum

 

start with the lowest numbered codes first.

but i would have cleared all the codes and addressed whatever comes back.

 

1. Do what chicken says^^^
2. Check your gas cap
3. Read this thread

http://www.redlineforums.com/forums...ms/problems-troubleshooting/47541-hard-starting-hesitation-rough-idle-more.html

 

Well I replaced the Crank Shaft Sensor today, and nothing!! Still missing pretty bad and it still has starting issues. I know the saturn dealer flushed my injectors once, maybe ill have that done next. How much pressure should I get to my fuel rail?? I'll see if I can rent a set up to see what kinda pressure im getting at my rail. I'm guessing I should check my fuel system now. I really am starting to think my timing chain jumped a link. I changed my tenisnor and this is when all this starting and missing stuff started I see a lot of $$$$$ being spend to adjust the timing.

 

Where at in Idaho do you live?

 

same prob

i havent changed anything except exhaust on my car and having the same problem you are. it cranks but wont start sometimes on 2nd try but sometimes takes alot. i seriously doubt its not getting enough fuel because it has a horribly strong gas smell as soon as i try to start it. im not missing or anything when its running but when driving i sometimes feal it surge forward and kinda bog down when im trying to accelerate quickly... im replacing my injectors hoping it fixs it but if it doesnt... im lost

 

i havent changed anything except exhaust on my car and having the same problem you are. it cranks but wont start sometimes on 2nd try but sometimes takes alot. i seriously doubt its not getting enough fuel because it has a horribly strong gas smell as soon as i try to start it. im not missing or anything when its running but when driving i sometimes feal it surge forward and kinda bog down when im trying to accelerate quickly... im replacing my injectors hoping it fixs it but if it doesnt... im lost

Did you see that link that black stig posted?
It looks pretty good, and addresses the symptoms you mentioned.

I would start with it: http://www.redlineforums.com/forums...ms/problems-troubleshooting/47541-hard-starting-hesitation-rough-idle-more.html

^I had a 96 SL2 that the coolant temp sensor was shot in, it would try to do hot start/cold start when it shouldn't have. I don't know if the lsj works like the 1.9 did, but thats another thought if the fuel pressure is on target.

I think every SL2 ever had this problem

 

No gas leak...

I tried what you said, did it several times and layed under th ed car in several places..can fin sd no leak, and doesnt even have a gas smell down there, plus everythings coated in q&a even coat of dust, if there was a leak there should be a clean spot.

 

5 codes....

ok ran my car for codes and got 5.. first one
p0420 catalyst system low efficency... expected i have no cat.
p0017 crankshaft position timing misalignment..
p0446 EVAP vent system performance..
p1182 SUPERCHARGER INLET PRESSURE SENSOR PERFORMANCE..
p0068 MAP/MAF throttle possition correlation..
well... from my sysmtoms and what its saying here i think its safe to say that maybe my crank sensor needs replaced, and i need to change my air filter and clean my MAF sensor (live on dirt road) does anyone know where the crank sensor is?????

 

If I'm not mistaken it's right behind the harmonic balancer pulley.. but, when I got mine changed I just had a shop do it.. cost me like $130 I think.

Sent from my DROID Pro using AutoGuide.Com Free App

 

I would check the injectors before I started going after the crank sensor.

 

Crank sensor is a mother of a job, it is tucked behind the starter. Did you check fuel pressure yet so that we can rule out a weak pump?

 

not yet

going to the dealership tomorow to find out if its the power train relay again, or injectors, or fuel pump and filter, or harmonic balancer or crank sensor, or if im in over my head and need to jump off a bridge.... although if its injectors, theyre on the way in the mail and i think i can change em myself. if its crank sensor.. i found it and can change it myself, if its a fuel pump and filter... i think i can but would prefer not to try. lot different than changing one on an s10. its just kicken my ass cuz i just lost my job 2 weeks ago, got land lord threating to kick me out for only being 2 days late, bills got a noose around my neck, and of course... car breaks down. DONT EVER MOVE TO PONCA CITY.