Cranks but does not start?

Tiny
SETTERGRENH
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
  • 3.8L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100,000 MILES
My car listed above started fine last night, when I went to start it today and it won't start, it turned over but won't start.
Thursday, August 22nd, 2024 AT 7:18 AM

11 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 50,321 POSTS
We should try to use starting fluid to see if the problem is spark or fuel, please go over this video to help you see which one it is:

https://youtu.be/lXLJbuAZ4CE?si=MeY3r1S_CTIKW6FH

This guide can help as well:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

Let me know what you find so we can continue to fix the car.
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Thursday, August 22nd, 2024 AT 11:01 AM
Tiny
SETTERGRENH
  • MEMBER
  • 80 POSTS
Okay, same car 2002 grand prix 3.8, I was getting code p0141 o2 sensor heater circuit malfunction bank 1 sensor 2, I bought a new o2 sensor, installed it now I'm getting code p0140 o2 sensor circuit no activity detected bank 1 sensor 2 can that cause my car to not start it seems to be happening every other day.
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Thursday, September 12th, 2024 AT 7:30 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 50,321 POSTS
This code will not keep the engine from starting, when it cranks and worn start try starting fluid to see if anything changes. I have seen the fuel pump go out in these cars which sounds like what is happening.
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Thursday, September 12th, 2024 AT 8:41 AM
Tiny
SETTERGRENH
  • MEMBER
  • 80 POSTS
But would it start one minute and 2-3 hrs later it'll turn over but won't start !
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Thursday, September 12th, 2024 AT 8:58 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 50,321 POSTS
Yes, this is an intermittent problem which a fuel pump is known for.
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Thursday, September 12th, 2024 AT 9:57 AM
Tiny
SETTERGRENH
  • MEMBER
  • 80 POSTS
Okay, I just got back, I tried starting fluid it almost started but ran down the battery, I just ordered a fuel pump cause I'm pretty sure that's what it is!
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Thursday, September 12th, 2024 AT 10:30 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 50,321 POSTS
Okay, but can you please upload a short video of the engine cranking over, that way I can tell if the engine is hurt or not. I was hoping it would run with the starter fluid. If not, this guide can help you do a compression test. I don't want to install a fuel pump if that is not the problem :)
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Thursday, September 12th, 2024 AT 4:03 PM
Tiny
SETTERGRENH
  • MEMBER
  • 80 POSTS
What guide?
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Thursday, September 12th, 2024 AT 7:49 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 50,321 POSTS
Sorry,

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

Please go over this guide and get back to us.
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Friday, September 13th, 2024 AT 8:24 AM
Tiny
SETTERGRENH
  • MEMBER
  • 80 POSTS
Just letting you know the fuel pump was the problem, replaced it and it started right up, Thank you for your help !
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Sunday, September 22nd, 2024 AT 12:06 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 50,321 POSTS
Glad you could get it fixed, thanks for letting us know. Please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.
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Monday, September 23rd, 2024 AT 9:14 AM

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