Our 1.1 04 panda when hot and sometimes cold, will crank for a few seconds at least before starting. It turns over quickly and doesn't struggle, but it will crank for probably 3-4 seconds, which I believe is far too long really.
Mostly does it when warm, but does it when cold sometimes too.
It's had new plugs (Bosch super 4s), taken the throttle body out and cleaned that out (not sure if that'd affect it anyway)
Was going to take the injectors out to check today, but ran out of time.
I've also cleaned the MAP sensor.


Anything else to check?

Also, on a side note, when removing the injectors. Is it best to take the throttle body out first? Also, do you have to fully remove the yellow electric clips? Or just the little black ones that sit on top? Didn't want to tug at them without knowing for sure.

This really is the biggest annoyance of the car, when cold it'll start instantly sometimes, so it's strange that it can then take so long when warm or sometimes cold.

Cheers

It might be the immibiliser antenna. Hold your spare ignition key against the ignition switch while starting the car with the normal key. If that works better you may benefit from a new aerial. It fits around the ignition switch.

I'd never thought of that. I'll give it a go tomorrow!

Gman88667733 said:

I'd never thought of that. I'll give it a go tomorrow!

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I have exactly the same problem with starting the car. Sometimes cranks fine while other time it takes 3-4 seconds.

Could you give us an update?

Wasgehabendas said:

I have exactly the same problem with starting the car. Sometimes cranks fine while other time it takes 3-4 seconds.

Could you give us an update?

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I'll be honest, my partner has used the Panda ever since, so I haven't tried anything yet.
From hearing it start a few times since cleaning the MAP sensor, it seems a bit better? Probably unrelated though. I'll be using the car lots at the weekend, so will update then.

Sounds similar to problems that people get when a fuel pumps non-return valve fails, the engine heat vaporizes the fuel in the lines and pushes it back through the lines. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vapor_lock

but idk man

another possibility is the coolant temp sensor giving false information to the ECu causing over or under fuelling at start up.
It may be a failing sensor or one that is contaminated with sludge....

A sensor contaminated with sludge wouldn't surprise me, given the history of the car!

Just to update this. After having the starter motor replaced due to it failing, the car has not had this issue again since. Done lots of driving this weekend and it hasn't done it. Car starts up instantly now, whether hot or cold.