Well, I posted on a thread about ecotecs having problems starting a couple weeks ago. my 05 ectec cavy for the last couple months has been having issues starting when cold. it turned out to be a viscous problem with multiple sources. to get my car to where it will start on the second or third try when cold they have replaced the ECT sensor, the air intake temp sensor, and have done two carbon blasts where they try and clean the valves by squirting cleaner through the intake.

after this, my car doesnt sit and crank for 5-10 minutes before starting, it now fires up on the second or third try, so it seems like the carbon deal definately was the main problem.

my question is, has anyone else had carbon issues with their ecotecs? my car only has 10k miles on it, and after only 10k miles it doesnt even want to start because of all the carbon buildup and two faulty sensors.

i want to know if i had a lemon, if the new ecotecs are prone to these problems, or maybe i have just been getting REALLY bad gas(its possible, here in oregon they dont regulate their fuel). they claim the carbon build up was so bad it fouled the plugs enough to severly impede spark. do these cars get carbon buildup that bad that fast?

also, i know from the replies to the other thread that several people had starting issues, but most were do to faulty fuel systems...my fuel pressure is good, its getting plenty of fuel, has anyone had this exact same issue with their cars? the GM hotline the dealership who has been working on my car claims they have NEVER had a no start issue on ANY ecotecs before...is this true guys? anyone had their car crank and crank with no ignition?
am i alone in my carbon filled woes???

Think your alone, my 04 Ecotec, has 28,000 runs perfect all the time.




- 2004 Cavalier - 124k, owned since new

Techline may have never had a crank no start. But I have.

Fuel pump didn't turn on. So I checked the connector and reconnected the connector and it fired right up.

Do you have any drivability problems?

Any trouble codes? There is a GM bulletin out that states if you are having this problem and running code P0300
to clean the the CC and

Quote:

1. Clean the fuel system by following the applicable "Fuel System Cleaning" procedure outlined in SI.
2. Add fuel injector cleaner (Part Number 12345104) to the fuel tank in the approved quantities.
3. Refill the fuel tank using fuel from a high volume, high quality filling station.
4. Clean the induction system using GM Top Engine Cleaner. Follow the directions on the can but DO NOT force the engine to stall since forcing the engine to stall with liquid Top Engine Cleaner could cause the engine to hydro-lock.
5. Advise the customer to change fuel filling stations. They should use fuel from only high volume, high quality filling stations or they should use a Top Tier Detergent Gasoline if available.

Here's a list of some Top Tier Gasoline providers:
As of August 15, 2005, the following gasoline brands meet the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Standards:
• Chevron
Chevron has markets in 29 states in the West, Southwest and South, as well as in Alaska and Hawaii.
ALL grades of Chevron with Techron gasoline meet TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Standards.
• QuikTrip (not to be confused with Kwik Trip)
QuikTrip operates convenience stores and travel centers in a number of metropolitan areas:
- Tulsa, OK
- Springfield, MO
- Kansas City, MO and Kansas City, KS
- Wichita, KS
- Des Moines, IA
- Omaha, NE
- St. Louis, MO and St. Louis, IL
- Atlanta, GA
- Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX
- Phoenix, AZ
- Bartlesville, OK
- Miami, OK
- Vinita, OK
- Columbia, MO
• Conoco has over 4,000 stations located in 33 states.
• Phillips 66 has locations in 32 states across the nation.
• 76 has over 2,700 stations located throughout the country.
• Shell
Shell Oil Products has a network of nearly 7,000 branded gasoline stations in the Western United States. Shell Oil Company markets branded products through more than 10,000 stations in the Eastern and Southern United States.
• Entec Stations offer gasoline through stations located in the greater Montgomery, Alabama area.
• MFA Oil Company offers gasoline at "Break Time" convenience stores located throughout Missouri.
• Kwik Trip, Inc. offers gasoline at Kwik Trip convenience stores in Minnesota and Wisconsin and Kwik Star convenience stores in Iowa.
• The Somerset Refinery, Inc. offers gasoline at Somerset Oil stations in Kentucky.

Info - Misfire DTCs P0300, P1380, P1381 and Catalytic Converter Damage Due to Installation of Alarm Systems

Do you have an aftermarket alarm?