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Won't start

Tiny
CLYN96
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 101,000 MILES
I just had the fuel pump replaced and the filter as well. Now it's cold out and the car won't start. It cranks great, very strong, but it won't start. We replaced the fuel regulator, still won't start. But in putting starter fluid in the throttle, it starts right up. And now it's going to be near 40 today so it runs like a champ until freezes again. We're getting frustrated and don't know what else to look at. Please Help!
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Saturday, December 11th, 2010 AT 4:32 PM

99 Replies

Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Hello,

It sounds like the engine coolant temperature sensor has gone bad but to be sure here is two guides to help us fix the problem.

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

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Please run down these guides and report back.
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Saturday, December 11th, 2010 AT 4:41 PM
Tiny
CLYN96
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Hi there.
No block heater here. We checked the fuel pressure early this morning however, and it measured in at 50#. We just checked it a good 3 hours later, car not running, and it's holding still at 40#
The other part was. In adding that starting fluid to the throttle, car started without hesitation, and continues to run.
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Saturday, December 11th, 2010 AT 5:48 PM
Tiny
CLYN96
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
No block heater here.
We did however check the fuel pressure this morning at it came in at 50lbs. In checking it a good 3 hours later, it's holding steady at 40lbs?
Otherwise, the only other thing that will get it to start and stay, is that starter fluid in the throttle. No hesitation, and very strong.
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Saturday, December 11th, 2010 AT 5:51 PM
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Did you check pressure, key on engine off, without starter fluid? If that checks out, do you have an injector pulse, engine cranking, no starter fluid.
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Saturday, December 11th, 2010 AT 6:29 PM
Tiny
CLYN96
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I finally changed out the engine coolant sensor and BAM the problem is gone ! Thanks for you help I love this site.
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Saturday, December 11th, 2010 AT 6:52 PM
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Nice work, we are here to help, please use 2CarPros anytime.
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Sunday, December 12th, 2010 AT 3:38 PM
Tiny
COACHFLORES
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 10,400 MILES
When I turn the key it is just a clicking noise. I intially thought it was the battery. But the battery appears to be fine. Alos, there is a humming niose coming from the fuse box under the hood and my head lights appear to be on but very dim. Could this be caused by alternator (sorry for the spelling) malfunction? I disconnected the positive cable from the battery. I was afraid that the noise and dim head lights may drain the battery. Thanks for your time!
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Wednesday, November 13th, 2019 AT 11:12 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
If you have a digital multimeter take a reading across the battery posts, with everything turned off, around 12.6 volts is considered a full charge. Also check battery cables. If you can get it running, take a second reading across the battery posts with the meter, it should be at least a volt higher, that shows the alternator is charging. If the reading isn't any higher suspect the alternator or wiring circuits. I'd check the wiring circuits to and from the alternator before I condemned the alternator.
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Wednesday, November 13th, 2019 AT 11:12 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Good points, also if you need to disconnect the battery ALWAYS remove the ground(-) not the positive! Try a jump start, relays and modules dont work well with low charge batteries!
https://www.2carpros.com/how_to/how_to_test_alternator.htm
https://www.2carpros.com/how_to/battery.htm
https://www.2carpros.com/how_to/how_do_i_check_a_relay.htm
https://www.2carpros.com/dia/how_to_use_a_voltmeter.htm
https://www.2carpros.com/first_things/why_is_my_car_battery_dead_over_night.htm
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Wednesday, November 13th, 2019 AT 11:12 AM (Merged)
Tiny
PAUL MAWAKEESIC
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
  • 2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 190,000 MILES
Car won't start, I turn the key it cranks and it only backfired couple times and also its -30 with the windchill I don't have a garage or a shed. When it backfired I seen black smoke. Could it be a frozen gas lines I can hear fuel pump, I'm not a mechanic. Thanks!
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Wednesday, November 13th, 2019 AT 11:12 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Welcome, do you use a block heater? Also, use a gage and check fuel pressure. Those temps are too dangerous to work outside.
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Wednesday, November 13th, 2019 AT 11:12 AM (Merged)
Tiny
PAUL MAWAKEESIC
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Yes I use block heater, it's always plugged in, theres gas in it and don't know to how check fuel pressure and what kind a gauge do you mean?
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Wednesday, November 13th, 2019 AT 11:12 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
I was talking about a fuel pressure gage. Some of the national brand autostores will loan a gage. It screws onto the schrader valve at the fuel rail. With the engine cranking, I'd also check for spark at the plugs.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/170934_grandam_fuel_pressure_test_1.jpg

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Wednesday, November 13th, 2019 AT 11:12 AM (Merged)
Tiny
PAUL MAWAKEESIC
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Thanks,

And When I turn the Ignition Security light comes on
it has anti-theft
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Wednesday, November 13th, 2019 AT 11:12 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
If the lite stays on or flashing, could be an issue. Passlock is an injector disable system. I can't track it down from here.
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Wednesday, November 13th, 2019 AT 11:12 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CNTRYGAL
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
Of course attempted the passlock feature did not work. Car turns over but will not start. Changed the coil, battery checked the alternator, the fuel pump I can hear it come on, and changed the ignition cylinder over the weekend. Still no luck, I can unplug the battery and wait an hour and she starts up just fine, so I am baffled!
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Wednesday, November 13th, 2019 AT 11:12 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
So when it will crank and wont start is the security light on solid or flashing with the key in the run position?
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Wednesday, November 13th, 2019 AT 11:12 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CNTRYGAL
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
The security light stays on not flashing.
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Wednesday, November 13th, 2019 AT 11:12 AM (Merged)
Tiny
03 GRAND AM
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 40,000 MILES
My car wont start. I put the key in the ignition and turned it and I heard no noise. I tried to start it many times but nothing happened. The lights work, radio, and electrical things work. This is why I don't think it's a dead battery. I have no idea what I should do because I am a first time car owner. Please help!
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Wednesday, November 13th, 2019 AT 11:12 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Load test the battery make sure its cleaned and tightened properly if it continues check the ignition switch, park and neutral switch and starter solenoid.
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Wednesday, November 13th, 2019 AT 11:12 AM (Merged)

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