- Clogged fuel filter: A clogged fuel filter can restrict the flow of fuel to the engine, causing it to start with starting fluid but not by itself.
- Faulty fuel pump: A faulty fuel pump may not be able to provide enough fuel pressure to the engine, causing it to start with starting fluid but not by itself.
- Leaking fuel injector: A leaking fuel injector can cause the engine to run rich, which can make it difficult to start without starting fluid.
- Faulty fuel pressure regulator: A faulty fuel pressure regulator may not be able to maintain the correct fuel pressure in the engine, causing it to start with starting fluid but not by itself.
Ignition System Issues
- Bad spark plugs: Worn or fouled spark plugs can prevent the engine from generating a strong enough spark to ignite the fuel, causing it to start with starting fluid but not by itself.
- Faulty spark plug wires: Faulty spark plug wires can prevent the spark from reaching the spark plugs, causing the engine to start with starting fluid but not by itself.
- Bad ignition coil: A bad ignition coil may not be able to produce a strong enough spark to ignite the fuel, causing it to start with starting fluid but not by itself.
- Faulty ignition module: A faulty ignition module may not be able to control the spark timing correctly, causing the engine to start with starting fluid but not by itself.
Air Intake System Issues
- Clogged air filter: A clogged air filter can restrict the airflow to the engine, causing it to run lean and making it difficult to start without starting fluid.
- Faulty mass air flow sensor: A faulty mass air flow sensor can provide incorrect information to the engine computer, causing it to run rich or lean and making it difficult to start without starting fluid.
- Leaking intake manifold gasket: A leaking intake manifold gasket can allow air to enter the engine, causing it to run lean and making it difficult to start without starting fluid.
Engine Issues
- Low compression: Low compression can prevent the engine from generating enough power to start itself, but it may still start with starting fluid.
- Worn piston rings: Worn piston rings can allow oil to enter the combustion chamber, causing the engine to run rich and making it difficult to start without starting fluid.
- Faulty head gasket: A faulty head gasket can allow coolant to enter the combustion chamber, causing the engine to run rough and making it difficult to start without starting fluid.
