Could dirty throttle bodies make car hard to start

[ACELLR8]

My car is a 95 and is hard to start, once it is started it runs fine. I did a search and found the thread from September that seems to point to the check valve or the regulator.
I dropped it off at the dealer and they are trying to tell me it is because of dirty throttle bodies, ($225 to clean).
Does this sound right?

Thanks,
Ed

 

[Greg D]

My 97 GTS was getting hard to start but ran well otherwise. Took it to the dealer and they changed the fuel pump under warranty. Starts instantly now. I have heard that intake gaskets are prone to develop vacuum leaks which could cause hard starting. I believe Dodge came out with an improved intake gasket that fixed the problem.
Just my .02 cents.

 

[Viper Wizard]

Hi Ed,
$225 to clean the Throttle Bodies? Highway robbery!! If your Throttle Bodies are dirty and I say IF- it should only take half an hour=$45! I don't think that is your problem? It may be in the fuel system i-e bad check valve or regulator? More diagnostic is needed to find the problem or a new Dealer!

 

[ACELLR8]

Thanks Greg and Chuck,

 

[FRANK]

I wouldn't charge anything...it is a ten minute job...anything more than a tip would be highway robbery....

 

[Steve-Indy]

Did your tech actually check your fuel pump?? You can try cycling the key to on-off-on-etc. for 3-4 times, and see if it fires up more normally. If it does,(versus an 8-10 second crank time), may be leak-down of fuel pump...common for that year. Let us know.

 

[JonB]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Viper Wizard:
$225 to clean the Throttle Bodies? Highway robbery!! If your Throttle Bodies are dirty and I say IF- it should only take half an hour=$45! I don't think that is your problem? It may be in the fuel system i-e bad check valve or regulator? More diagnostic is needed to find the problem or a new Dealer! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


I agree 101% w/ the Spudman.

You have a fuel pump pressure leakdown regulator bad....and IF you have an extended warranty, Chuck can fix it for the deductible. Til then, just cycle the key on/of/on/off 3-4 times and THEN start it, priming the pressure!

 

[Doug Supercharged Vipers]

<u>Dirty throttle bodies</u> cause poor idle symptoms, not hard starting. If you don't feel confident with your tech, get another opinion. I do believe your questions have already been answered.

Regards,
Doug