car wouldn't start Need HELP please!
 

So I was out cruising around yesterday, and the darndest thing happened. Everything started off fine, then when I was taking off from a stop i noticed a very slight sputter. It only happened once so I thought nothing of it until... I stopped for gas later in the day (the car was started and turned off multiple times no problem). After filling up (93+ octane every time) the car just wouldn't start. It would turn over and try to run, but it would just die out immediately. Let the car cool down, tried jumping it, tried a rolling clutch start, tried starting for about 45 min intermittently with no luck. I even tried disconnecting the battery, fuses and ran codes. No codes came back, no check engine light, just wouldn't start. Got it towed 3 miles down the Rd, and wouldn't you know it as soon as it came off the truck it started right up with no hesitation. Drove it around my neighborhood throughout the day and haven't had the issue again. I can't afford to have this happen, so I would really appreciate some help. My vehicle is a 2009 sport touring 6mt. I searched all over the forum, and didn't find anything like this. Only found the steering lock and I don't think that it would've turned the way it did. Thanks in advance!

Steering lock
 

You better look for that DIY to disconnect that steering lock ASAP unless you want to get stranded again. My buddy and I where crusing the streets about two months ago and your story matches almost to the T. The only difference is that his started up after we jumped it. We headed to my house and followed the DIY for steering lock and no issues since.

While I was sitting at the gas station for an hour waiting for the tow truck I tried removing the slu and the set the car to access remove fuse and replace, and there was no change. I'm going to try it again since I'm at home now with access to all my tools. Thanks for the recommendation kidkotic

If it was the SL it wouldn't even turn over. You may need to clean the pre filter on the in tank pump. How many miles on it?

Also note there was a No Charge recall on the SL, if you haven't already gone to get it done, go.

about 62k. How do I do that?

might as well replace the pump itself if your going to mess with the filter. the fuel pump is under the little midget seat behind the passenger seat. you need a pick to pull that tray off and i believe there are 5 10mm bolts you need to remove and then some more phillips head bolts holding the pump in. be careful not to damage the bobber if you DIY
my pump died right around the same mileage youre at now

Did you make any hard right turns with less than 1/2 a tank of gas right before it sputtered?The lines could have been fueled starved and upon being tilted by the tow truck gravity worked its magic.

I had something similar when I first got the Z back in 2009. LOL

Sounds similar to an overheating fuel pump except the part where you said it sat for 1 hour with no change after that.

Judging by the symptoms I'd say it's the fuel pump

I'll be doing the work myself because the dealership here is worthless. I think I might have to just bite the bullet and replace the pump and filter. Is the filter in the same area as the pump? Or is it like domestic cars and have it in the rear bumper or some other fun filled place? I'll ask here before I jump on the parts area if anyone happens to have a fuel pump and filter on hand? I appreciate all the help so far, and appreciate all that is to come:bowrofl:

Nope, I usually don't let it get below half and this was just regular city driving.


Also what other maintenance, upgrades, replacements should I do while I have the pump out?

i think u have bad gas.. :ugh:

How would you recommend cleaning out the system? I always use 93+ octane.

The filter is attached to the pump. I just responded to your wanted ad, but ive got a spare pump and filter for free if you want it. The trick is dissassembling and reassembling the housing

Thanks Maizen and PM sent!

Mr. EastWest had some bad gas, too. Daily.