Engine won't start?

Tiny
RACEFAN966
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,029 POSTS
So do you have a digital multi meter? I would like to run a couple of tests one on the TPS.
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Thursday, July 30th, 2020 AT 5:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SJGK4H
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Yes, I have one.
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Thursday, July 30th, 2020 AT 5:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SJGK4H
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I unplugged the IAT and it has started fine since then?
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Thursday, July 30th, 2020 AT 5:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RACEFAN966
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,029 POSTS
Well if it runs better with that unpluged then I would replace it. It must be out of spec so it is sending a false reading. Let me know how it goes.
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Thursday, July 30th, 2020 AT 5:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SCARON
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1996 PONTIAC GRAND AM
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 11,800 MILES
I have a 1996 Grand Am SE 3.1 V6. The car will run for about 10 minutes and then stall. After it stalls if you try to restart it, it simply cranks but will not turn over. Then if you wait some time it will start up fine but then stall after another 10 minutes or so. It is getting fuel, so it is not the fuel pump or filter. I replaced the coil pack with another used one and it has the same problem. I completely took out the auto start/anti theft system in the car and attached all the wires in the steering column back to how they should be before the auto start was put it, so that is not the problem either. I put a timing light on the coil pack and waited for it to stall again, then when it stalled I tried to start it with the light and see if the coil pack was getting power. Tried to start and no light. When the car is on the light is on, obviously, but upon turning the key when the car is cranking the coil doesnt get power. That is essentially where I am stuck. Where do I go from here?
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Thursday, July 30th, 2020 AT 5:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SJGK4H
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
That didnt work, if threw a code after 2 days. It acts like its flooded.
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Thursday, July 30th, 2020 AT 5:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Next time it dies don't wait for nothing do below to catch it

Disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine atleast 3/16 in away from ground have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs, coil's resistances, cap and rotor /distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, ECM, Ignitor camshaft and crankshaft sensors- Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it
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Thursday, July 30th, 2020 AT 5:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RACEFAN966
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,029 POSTS
Ok so did it throw the same code or a different code or? Have you ohmed the Coolant Temp sensor yet? Let me know and we will take it from there.
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Thursday, July 30th, 2020 AT 5:11 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LAMONSTER99
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1996 PONTIAC GRAND AM
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 17,000 MILES
When my 96 Grand Am gets warm or hot- (operating temp) and I shut it off- it will not start. The engine will
crank and crank but it will not even fire. Now if I leave it running it seems to be fine and reliable. Once it cools- 30 minutes to an hour- or longer depending on outside temp., It will start right up and run beautifully. It almost acted as if it was the fuel filter- when I try and start it too soon before it has cooled sufficiently- it acts like it is not getting enough gas. I was wondering if it could be vapor locking or? And if so- how to fix it. The shop wants $200.00 just to put it on diagnostics. Other than this- when it runs it runs great- thanks for your help
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Thursday, July 30th, 2020 AT 5:11 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
First thing you need to do is have the codes read, Autozone does it free, Post the results with the code number(s). Even if the service engine light is not on, there should be freeze frame data stored.
If it won't make it to Autozone, buy a cheap scanner, they can be had for 30-40 dollars, a good investment, since they cover all cars sold in the USA from 96 on...Start with the basics, and work your way up, Last tune up was? Wires plugs ALL filters? If all that is ok, check for a stuck EGR, then test fuel pump pressure, If it won't restart, determine what's missing, the engine needs three things to run, Spark at all plugs, gas to all cylinders, and compression in all cylinders, tho an engine may run lacking one in one cylinder, it won't run very well!
https://www.2carpros.com/car_repair_video/test_fuel_injection_pressure.htm
Go here and checkout our video.
https://www.2carpros.com/car_repair_video/test_engine_ignition_system.htm
and this one!
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Thursday, July 30th, 2020 AT 5:11 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ELMO7822
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1996 PONTIAC GRAND AM
Other Category problem
1996 Pontiac Grand Am V6 Front Wheel Drive Automatic 180000 miles

it started by the lights flashing on the dash then went to store now it wont start. It cranks but I cant get it out of park. Its getting fuel is there a sensor that wont let it come out of park on the ignition and willl it keep it from starting
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Thursday, July 30th, 2020 AT 5:11 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Check for brake light and check the back of the ignition switch and key
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Thursday, July 30th, 2020 AT 5:11 PM (Merged)
Tiny
PERRINAYBARA13
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1996 PONTIAC GRAND AM
I have a 96 grand am that wont start when its warm, when the engine is cool it starts fine, if it has been turned off of 10 mins or less it starts fine but when it sits for more than 10 mins it starts very rough than stalls and will not start again for 20-40 mins. It has a 4l 4 cyl engine, auto trans. What could be the cause of this?
Thanx
Perr
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Thursday, July 30th, 2020 AT 5:11 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TBDK
  • MEMBER
  • 24 POSTS
Check to make sure the Fuel pump fuse is securely in. My 87 did the same thing and it turned out to be a loose fuse. If it's good, check the wiring. Is your car throwing a check engine light?
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Thursday, July 30th, 2020 AT 5:11 PM (Merged)
Tiny
IGNERT_BLISS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1996 PONTIAC GRAND AM
Engine Mechanical problem
1996 Pontiac Grand Am 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic alot miles

Where is the relay switch on the fuel pump, I think this car is of the Debil ; /
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Thursday, July 30th, 2020 AT 5:11 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LEGITIMATE007
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,121 POSTS
Heres a link to check fuel pressure
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Thursday, July 30th, 2020 AT 5:11 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LEGITIMATE007
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,121 POSTS
https://www.2carpros.com/car_repair_video/test_fuel_injection_pressure.htm
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Thursday, July 30th, 2020 AT 5:11 PM (Merged)
Tiny
GARGOYLE166
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1996 PONTIAC GRAND AM
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 172,132 MILES
My 1996 grand am se has developed an issue. Sometimes when I go to start it, the fuel pump relay clicks before I even engage the starter, when I turn the key the engine turns over but it acts like it has no spark. I can hear the fuel pump kicking in, but it doesn't even try to start once, just cranks over and over. By time I go into the house to get anything to test the spark, or even to get a mallet to smack the fuel tank and make it back out it starts fine. It fires right up with no problems for a few days then does it again. I have replaced the fuel pump relay and hooked it up to a diagnostic and code reader and get nothing. When I have a mechanic come over it starts fine by time he gets here. I've been told it's the computer by some and the crankshaft position sensor by others. This wouldn't be a concern but it has left my fiance out in the cold in a minnesota winter too often for me to just ignore it for now. Any suggestions?
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Thursday, July 30th, 2020 AT 5:12 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Really I don't have a straight answer for you
all I can advise is to have the tech take it for a day or so and let them check fuel pressure and check for spark
or next time it happens check if you have a security light on and or blinking
and if so just leave the key on for about 10 min until security light goes out and than u should be able to start
and if so the ignition switch need to be checked and replaced
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Thursday, July 30th, 2020 AT 5:12 PM (Merged)
Tiny
NELSONJJN
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1996 PONTIAC GRAND AM
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • MANUAL
  • 165,000 MILES
When I turn the key over forward to where the radio will turn on then try to start it it will generally fire and run fine most of the time. But when I turn the key completely forward then try and start it will just crank over and never fire, also the panel gauges will kinda go haywire and the door locks click back and forth. Not sure if its just the ignition switch or what?
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Thursday, July 30th, 2020 AT 5:12 PM (Merged)

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