Thread: 2002 GT starts and dies engine warm

I know there has been several threads about this, but I have yet to pinpoint my exact trouble. I have a 2002 GT with 3.8L NA motor.

In the morning when engine is cold, or after sitting for a while, or if I immediately start the engine after shutting it off, the car starts and runs fine.

If the engine is warm after sitting for an hour or two, I turn the key and the engine starts and dies. I turn the key again and the car starts and runs normally. Sometimes if i suspect this will happen, I slightly depress the gas pedal while starting and it will start. Or I will turn the key to "run" for a few seconds before starting the car and it will start and stay running.

I'm thinking the fuel pressure regulator or MAF sensor. If the car is running and I unplug the MAF sensor, should it die?

You should not plug or unplug sensors with the engine running. It's odd about maf unplugging, because it takes our pcms a moment to learn. I always have to use some throttle and keep an engine running for a minute after starting with an unplugged maf. 2nd and 3rd start unplugged, it usually runs pretty good.

No SES light. Car runs good, just quirky when starting.

I have the same problem lol. I havent done anything yet to figure it out but im sure its somethin easy like the IAC or dirty MAF.

This morning when I started the car, it was 29 degrees, and it acted the same way.

What have you done to try and remedy the issue? It's not really clear from reading the thread.

Haven't done anything. Looking for suggestions.

Thanks for the input!

^ It could be spark plugs or wires, since I changed my plugs and wires the other day my similar problem hasnt came back and i remember when i did my plog when i pulled the wires one of the wires had the metal piece still stuck on the plug. After that point thats when i had the cold start die issue. Now no more.

After some checking, I pulled the vacuum line off the fuel pressure regulator and found gas in it, so it appears the regulator is bad. I'll try replacing that first.