What is the reason why the Cruze is difficult to start after stalling when hot?

[TheoFitz]

The reasons why the Cruze is difficult to start after stalling when hot are as follows: 1. Fuel injector leakage: The fuel injector's normal operation is to spray fuel, but leakage constitutes additional fuel supply. The more severe the injector leakage, the richer the air-fuel mixture becomes, leading to difficulty in starting when hot. 2. Canister purge valve failure: During hot starts, fuel atomization is already normal and does not require additional fuel vapor. If the carbon canister continues to supply fuel vapor to the intake manifold, it will cause an overly rich mixture, resulting in difficulty starting. 3. Fuel quality: Fuel is highly volatile, which can lead to high vapor pressure in the fuel rail. When this pressure exceeds the fuel system's supply pressure, vapor lock occurs, causing the fuel injector to spray overly lean fuel vapor, making it difficult to start.

[Philip]

I encountered the same issue when driving my Cruze. After the engine was hot and shut down, it just wouldn't start no matter what. It took me several attempts to figure out the reason. The main problem was the fuel pump becoming unstable under high temperatures, causing the fuel in the lines to vaporize and create vapor lock, leading to poor fuel delivery. Additionally, the crankshaft position sensor tends to misread signals when hot, and the ECU fails to receive correct data, resulting in no ignition. Aging ignition coils are another culprit—poor contact due to thermal expansion can prevent the spark plugs from firing. Excessive carbon buildup in the fuel injectors also adds to the trouble; they might work barely when cold but fail completely when hot. Later, I checked the fuel line pressure from the tank to the engine and found no abnormalities, so I decided to replace the fuel pump to fix the issue. Regular cleaning of the injectors and spark plugs can prevent this, but for severe cases, it's best to visit a professional repair shop.

[MaliaAnn]

Difficulty in hot starts is quite common with the Cruze, and I have some experience in this area. Common causes include a faulty coolant temperature sensor, which incorrectly reports high temperatures when hot, causing the ECU to adjust the fuel-air mixture too lean to ignite. Aging vacuum lines with leaks are another factor, as thermal expansion causes seals to fail, allowing air to enter the intake system and affect the air-fuel ratio. Issues with the fuel pressure regulator are also critical, as leaks under high pressure lead to insufficient fuel pressure. It's recommended to first check for trouble codes and read the data stream. If there are codes like P0115 or similar, focus on replacing the sensor. Without tools, listen to the starting sound—if the engine cranks quickly but doesn’t fire, it’s likely a fuel system issue; if it cranks slowly, check the electrical system or starter. Prompt repairs can prevent more severe damage.

[DakotaAnn]

My Cruze always has this issue—it's a nightmare to restart after the engine is hot and shut off, taking forever to crank. A mechanic friend analyzed that the fuel filter might be clogged, cutting off fuel supply, with high temperatures worsening the problem. Additionally, overheating in the engine bay can loosen wire connections, causing ignition system shorts or failures. Increased valve clearance when hot might also contribute, leading to insufficient compression and ignition failure. Corroded battery terminals are another risk, adding resistance and hindering power delivery. My quick fix was replacing the fuel filter and cleaning all electrical connectors, which improved things significantly. To prevent this, avoid letting the engine overheat while driving, and try idling in neutral for a few seconds before shutting off. If this happens, stay calm and call for roadside assistance—it's the safest move.