F355 starts only on second try.

Dan, dunno if this will make you feel better, but this happens on my '95 355 and at least half of the 355s I know. Solution? I just live with it starting on the second try!

vty,

--Dennis

 

not to be repeatitive of issues, but the alarm modules most likely cause this. It has to sent the codes to allow ignition to start firing apparently and sometimes does not do it. I had this issue on mine, and replaced alarm ecu's(2) and this cured it. About a grand from ferrari. they are rivetted in behind the drivers seat, relatively easy to change. Pretty good guess i would imagine... I have a set you can swap with and try if you like. Just a thought....

 

How about overnight fuel pressure bleed off? You can check this vs alram by varying the time you key the starter. Just give it a short blip and see if #2 try starts the car. The do the same with a long blip followed by #2 try. If the long works I bet you are charging the fuel circuit. That all happens as check valves fail

 

Couple of points - I don't think the 95 came with factory alarms - mine was dealer installed - aftermarket MX brand...

I know of 5 355 spiders (not all 95) that do the same thing on cold start - first time primes the fuel - second time actually starts it... Could be what Billybob is talking about.

I just had an everything 30K done (and I mean everything was replaced, rebuilt, or checked) - and mine still starts on the 2nd try - did before as well.

Billy can help me on this - but I was told it is something to do with coldstarts and fuel pump initiation or prime-ing - when on the second try it is primed and will start.

I think mine starts on the first try if I turn the key to the 2nd position (just before you are turing the car over) - if you wait for a couple of seconds - then turn the key over - it will start... Of course - driving all my other cars - I 99% never do this - due to habit... So I just do it twice.

Either way - if it is anything to worry about - there are many of us 355 owners who have exactly the same problem...

 

I heard that this was a compression thing. My friend with a Duc has the exact same problem starting the bike when cold. First time around no go, second time around no problem.

How long do you crank for on the first time around?

 

My 97 F355 always start on the first try.

Regards,
Christophe.

 

My 95 whould not start first try for about a year and now starts right up on first try. Could it be a sensor like air temp sensor or water temp sensor? Is the cold start determined by water temp or air temp? Does this determine enrichment on cold start? I have heard there are two water temp sensors in the block for each computer and they go bad routinely and some dealers like Auto Gallery recommend changing them every 15,000mi. Do these sensors determine enrichment when cold?

 

My 98' 355 has never started on the first try during the two years I've owned it.

 

I'd go with Billybob.

My 348 never starts 1st time after several hours/overnight rest.

Suspect Check valves on fuel line circuit - wherever they are ?

 

I'm sure you all are, but just reminding you......... I always leave the key in the II position for about 30 sec. before trying to start the engine. I have not experienced the problem of having to try a second time to start the engine.

 

fwiw, mine always started first try. sounds like something is progressively "deteriorating" (lack of a better word) based on your description... keep us posted if you figure it out.

 

The OEM alarm turns itself back on after a couple of minutes even if the car is open. Check the blinking light on the dash.
Never had a problem starting my '98 but the F1 box forces me to wait until the gearbox actuator hydraulics are ready.

 

My F 355 (96) starts fine cold. Only after driving and parking the car for mayby 20 minutes do I have to start twice before the engine starts. I guess my problem is opposite of you guys. Any ideas of the problem?

 

It's always best to turn the ignition switch to the position where the dash lights come on and wait around 20 seconds. The reason is to allow the pumps to build pressure in the fuel system. The pumps run as soon as the ignition is turned to this position and prime the system to around 55PSI. With this procedure my 355 always starts first time, even after standing for a couple of weeks.

Slow fuel pressure build-up can be caused by:
- Blockage in the system (e.g. choked fuel filters, dirt in fuel rail)
- Problems with the Fuel Pressure Regulators (FPR) which are vacuum operated valves at the ends of the fuel rail
- Worn out fuel pump rotor cells

One of the posts on this thread mentions the engine catching then cutting. This can be caused when the FPR holds fuel pressure (as they should) with the engine off, sufficient to run for a few seconds but when it's run again the pumps can't get upto pressure quickly enough and the engine dies.

When diagnosing engine problems, before diving into the electronics and pulling off sensors it is always better to take a thorough look at all the pipes and hoses on the engine ESPECIALLY the FPR vac pipes which on the 355 are tricky to see. Most of the time, problems with modern engines are down to simple air leaks, broken hoses or with electrical connectors rather than the modules themselves. The actual electronics are pretty reliable.

One major air-leak path is through the vacuum reservoir on early cars. Any unmetered air getting into the intake system will affect staring, idling and emission control.

If you want to you can easily check your fuel pressure and speed of build-up by connecting a pressure gauge to the schraeder valve connection which is on top of each fuel filter. Remember to replace the black protective cap afterwards.

I don't mean to be a smart @r$e, I hope the info is useful.

Rob.

 

when was the last time you changed the fuel filters ?