2008 Saturn Vue Xr 3.6L V6 AWD

When I start it in the morning on cold days, it starts relatively fine. On warmer days it cranks hard and usually starts after a few sputters. Regardless there is always a strong gas smell coming from the exhaust. When the car has just been running, if I turn it off and then right back on it starts fine; But, if I turn it off and let it sit for 15-30 minutes; then come back and start it, it struggles. It will crank long, or crank then give up and it starts on the second try.

I've gone to different mechanics, but they haven’t been able to replicate the starting issue. I've had the Evaporative emissions vent solenoid replaced; Spark plugs replaced; Emissions tests ran, but every "fix" without fail, the issue persists.

Recently, the issue has started occurring even directly after filling up my tank with gas. When I go to start the car, it cranks then starts on the second try.

Has anyone else experienced this issue? Any potential fixes, I am at a loss.

P.s. Here is an example of what happens when I remote start it (not my vehicle, but same issue)

 

Any codes? If so please list. If check engine light is on, please go to AutoZone or similar, have them read the codes, and post here in the format Pxxxx.

Based on no other direct information.........

Sounds like a fuel pressure / flow issue and or a fuel mixture issue. If your exhaust stinks of gas, unburned raw gas, the pressure regulator for the fuel system may be allowing too high of a pressure to initially build. Higher pressure means more gas will flow per unit time at pressure A versus pressure B If pressure A is greater than pressure B.

The cylinders then receive too much gas for the mixture to support ignition. The raw fuel exits the cylinders via exhaust valves into the exhaust system until enough pressure bleeds off the fuel system that the air fuel mixture will support ignition.

It starts firing, then starts.

The 3.6L V6 LY7 in the 2008 Vue XR AWD is not a direct injection engine, so there are no low and high pressure fuel pumps involved..

Measuring the fuel pressure at the rail during the initial key on, the initial crank, and the secondary key cycle should give you a good idea of what is going on and specifically if the above is in play.

 

No codes or Check engine light. I used my OBD2 scanner to check for saved codes. AAA let me know their was a misfire at one point when they were replacing the vent solenoid, but they were not able to replicate the issue that caused the misfire. I'm not sure what tools I would need to check the fuel rail. Is this a beginner friendly task, or should I leave it to a qualified mechanic?

 

Check the purge valve.

 

I always figured that a purge valve stuck open or not closed wouldn't contribute enough fuel vapors to significantly affect the mix.

But you sir have seen much more of the real world than I.

Indeed, check the egr purge valve first

 

A leaky purge valve can cause misfires and set trim codes.

 

Thank you, sir.

 

I'm having a similar issues on my 2005 3.5L (honda) V6 AWD. I don't want to overtake this thread so I did start my own.

I want to mention here that I tested my purge valve by pulling off the EVAP line on the purge valve and started the engine. The EVAP port had no vacuum suction until the engine warmed up, then it began pulling air. You could hear it as well as feel the suction once the engine was warm, so i believe it's functioning normally. Hopefully this rules out the purge valve for me, and OP you may want to try the same procedure! I hope you (we) get to the bottom of it!
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Take the valve off and test it. It needs to hold vacuum.

 

I replaced the purge valve solenoid just to be safe. For the 1st couple of days it was fine.Now, the same problem has returned. The good thing is, there is no longer a gas smell coming from my exhaust, but now the smell is coming from my engine area, through my vents at initial startup.