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Hi all, I'm Greg and new to the forum.

For a while, I've had to give the car a fair amount of gas at start up. If I don't, the car will start but roughly idle and then die, if I give it a fair amount of gas, even just for about the first 5 seconds, the car idles no problem. Short while ago, I discovered that if I put the ignition key to on first, for about 5 seconds, before turning the engine over, this completely alleviates the problem - starts fine, no idling issues. This issue occurs whether the engine is Cold or Normal operating temperature.

I don't know if the two are related because I don't think they started at the same time, but I do have a check engine light, I can't remember the specific code but it has to do with a pressure leak in the fuel system.  I think it's P0442. I replaced the gas cap and that didn't do the trick.

Thanks in advance for any help

Greg  

po44X codes usually need a special tool to slightly pressurize the fuel tank to usually around 1 PSI...  then stop and hold to see if it holds pressure..

there are various solenoids to control the vapors in the tank.. to pump them out and through a carbon canister to lower the vapor pressure.

i wonder if you are having a fuel pressure issue...

where the fuel pump check valve or the fuel pressure regulator is not maintaining the fuel pressure to stop the fuel left in the fuel rails and lines from boiling from the engine heat...

you are going WHAT!!!

when you turn off the motor..  the fuel pressure should stay moderately high in the fuel rail and lines..   the remaining fuel pressure prevents bubbles from forming..  the injectors are designed to inject liquid fuel.. not vapor bubbles.. there is not enough fuel dispensed to keep the engine running when there is vapor in the lines..

so a an hour long engine off pressure test might be needed...

10 minutes will probably work.. as  you should be able to see any leak down in seconds..

turning the key on.. may allow the fuel pump to run long enough to circulate the fuel all the way through the system..

usually in most cars.. the fuel pump only runs for 2 seconds when the key is turned on.. this is usually enough to bring the fuel pressure back up from where it usually stays at about half to 3/4 normal operating pressure..

cranking the engine will also cause the fuel pump to run...

so.. monitor the fuel pressure... engine running.. and engine off..

monitor the fuel pump power . by turning the key on and seeing if the pump runs for 2 seconds without starting the engine.. and then it should run again while cranking the engine..