What Causes Engine Ignition Delay?
2 Answers
Engine ignition delay can be caused by a faulty camshaft sensor, insufficient oil pressure, or a malfunctioning carbon canister solenoid valve. The details are as follows: Faulty camshaft sensor: If the timing alignment is confirmed to be correct, the focus should be on checking whether the camshaft position sensor is functioning properly. Insufficient oil pressure: Gasoline pump pressure leakage or poor injector sealing can lead to inadequate gasoline pressure, resulting in prolonged ignition time. Malfunctioning carbon canister solenoid valve: Difficulty in ignition after exposure to sunlight, but without requiring a second ignition attempt, usually indicates an issue with the carbon canister solenoid valve. This is because gasoline evaporation is particularly strong after exposure to sunlight, and poor sealing of the carbon canister valve can easily lead to cylinder flooding or wet wall conditions.
Yesterday, my car had a delayed ignition issue when starting up. After some thought, I identified several common causes. First, check the condition of the spark plugs—after 20,000-30,000 kilometers of use, electrode wear can lead to weak ignition. A weak battery is also a frequent culprit, especially during cold starts when insufficient voltage causes prolonged cranking. Poor fuel quality can cause this too; gas from small stations often contains impurities that clog fuel injectors, disrupting fuel supply. Another easily overlooked issue is the crankshaft position sensor—if it's dirty or worn out, the ECU can't accurately calculate ignition timing. Lastly, carbon buildup is a problem; a dirty throttle body and intake manifold can affect the air-fuel mixture, so it's advisable to use fuel additives regularly for cleaning. If the cause still can't be pinpointed, it's best to visit a repair shop to read the fault codes with a diagnostic tool.
