Ive been trying to diagnose/fix my Mom's 2000 Grand Caravan. It is a flex fuel model. When starting it, you need to put the throttle down all the way. Otherwise, it will have to crank several seconds to start (stumbling). There is also a strong fuel smell in the exhaust. I replaced the fuel filter on top of the tank. This seems to have gotten rid of the fuel smell, but still has the hard start issue.

What comes to mind is fuel regulator or ecm. I dont have a book at the moment, so any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Its the TPS(Throttle Position Sensor) that sounds like it needs to be replaced
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Throttle_position_sensor

http://www.1aauto.com/1A/ThrottlePositionSensor

 

How does it run once it starts? If it stalls and continues to have trouble starting; I suspect the cam sensor. Any codes? Service engine light on?

The fuel pressure regulator is in the fuel filter; that's why there are 3 lines on the filter.

 

the engine light is on. i didnt think to run the codes while she was here last. it does run after it finally starts (or you can fully depress the gas pedal). I never thought to check for the tps.

 

I think your engine is getting flooded with fuel, that's why it helps to Hold the pedal down while cranking, it cleans out the fuel.

Maybe leaking injector, or melted Injector harness. Or something is causing the car to run rich (Check enginelight will be ur hint).

If CEL is not related to the long crank, then I would say remove the upper intake, inspect injector harness. Also pull the fuel rail off and see if any injectors is dripping down while the car is OFF.