I have a 1995 626 4cyl automatic, high mileage (~150k?). It's generally a piece of junk and I haven't had the time or money to fix much of anything, but it runs. It has recently started stalling multiple times right after getting the engine running, but that hasn't bugged me much since I'm not usually in a hurry and after generally 1-3 times stalling it will run steady. Any advice on that would be nice, but it leads me to my real issue:

Today I couldn't get it to start at all, the lights and everything work so I assume the battery is fine, and it turns over. I checked around a little without really knowing what to look for, things seemed mostly normal. I tried quite a few times to get it started, and the engine always turned over strongly, about the same speed as usual. After taking a break, it suddenly only turned a few times, and it seemed to be going slower and for less turns every time I tried. Seemed to have a little more life if I let it sit for a few minutes, but then it just starts decaying again with every attempt. When it was turning well it would occasionally glitch a bit if I had the key turned for a while.

Any ideas?

 

Has the fuel pump ever been replaced? I'd check that for pressure first.

 

rednuht;

I think the battery gets tired from starting and recovers a little when you give it time. Why don't you go through the basic tune up motions:

Plugs, wires, cap and rotor, check in the space below the rotor if there is oil. Oil may cover up an optical sensor there.
Airfilter, clean MAF sensor with CRC MAF sensor cleaner. Clean or replace PCV valve. Consider throttle body cleaning with CRC Throttle Body Cleaner. Clean EGR valve and passages. Replace questionable vacuum hoses.
And Kevinpk may be right the fuel system may need attention. If you are lucky the fuel filter is clogged.

Disconnect and clean all ground straps and ground connections. Clean the battery cables and posts.


Don't kill your starter!

A few parts and a little elbow grease may raise your pile above junk level.