Saturn has a hard time starting
 

I have a '97 Saturn SL2.

Since I first bought the car I've had trouble starting it at random intervals. Sadly, every time I've taken it to a mechanic or dealership, it doesn't have the issue.

After a couple of years of having it, it is happening almost every time I try to start the car. The engine just turns over and over as it's cranked. After doing this anywhere from 4-8 times, my Saturn finally starts. I've tried replacing the starter with a new one but this didn't change anything.

I've noticed that if I turn the key to power on for a 3 count, turn it back to off, then turn it all the way to start the car that most of the time it will start right up.

Any ideas what could be causing this? It's getting pretty embarrassing with the # of people that have approached my car to ask me if I need a jump only to hear it suddenly start.

Quick question here -- Does this seem to happen more frequently when the gas tank is less than 1/4 full and/or you have parked on a hill for a period of time ??

Nope, doesn't have any effect. The only thing that makes a difference is turning the key to on for 3-4 seconds, then back to off, then cranking. No idea why.

Sounds like your fuel regulator or your fuel pump may be at the bottom of all this. You might have someone check the fuel pressure while trying to start ....

97 fuel pumps have a pressure bleed down issue in between starts.

I have a 97 SC2.

I turn the key on, count to 2 (fuel prime occurring) then to start.
Works like a charm and keeps wear on the starter down