Expert: Sean Halliday - 9/28/2009

Question
I have a 2004 Hyundai Accent which I have trouble starting when the engine is warm.  First thing in the morning it starts, no problem.  But, if I drive it for more than 10 minutes then stop, for example, to get gas, the car won't re-start.  It makes a sound similar to when the battery is low.  Depending on how far I have driven it can take anywhere between 10 minutes and 2 hours to get the car to start again. The longer the car runs, the longer I have to wait before restarting it.

I took it to the garage last week and they changed the altenator, but it hasn't fixed the problem.

Any ideas on what could be going on?

Answer
Do you have a check engine light coming on?This could be the purge solenoid valve for the evap system.If the valve is stuck open,the engine will flood instead of clearing unused fuel from the engine back to the tank  when you shut it off.So,when you start up again,the engine has too much gas and will flood.Could also be a flooded evap canister.Try removing the gas cap before you start the car,thats when hot.Your problem is in the fuel/evap system,thats if the battery and alternator are good and everything is sound electrically.