Codes P0506, C3601, B2802, P0700 and P3802, engine cranks but only starts on the second time trying to start?

Tiny
HANNAHC30
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 SATURN L300
  • 3.0L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 112,000 MILES
Everytime I start the car it cranks and cranks and tries to turn it on but it's like it's not getting enough gas or too much maybe? I already did sparks and maybe it could be the coil pack, but I doubt it. This car has had a lot of issues since I got it. It shifts weirdly and if you accelerate even the tiniest bit too fast it goes to 4rpm and won't shift and just stays there (I have a speed sensor, but I haven't put it in) there is an engine light. Here are the codes. P0506, C3601, B2802, P0700, P3802. The engine light used to come and go but now it's staying on and I haven't checked if it changed at all. Anything helps. Here's what's already been replaced. TCM, ECM, BCM, pedal sensor, water pump, CV axle, and wheel bearing.
Wednesday, October 9th, 2024 AT 10:16 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,333 POSTS
If you use starting fluid will the engine run? How does the engine sounds when cranking over, normal? If you upload a short video of the engine cranking I can tell if the engine is hurt or not.

P0506 - Idle Air Control System RPM Lower Than Expected
C3601 - Traction Control System (TCS) Malfunction
B2802 - HVAC Sun Load Sensor Circuit
P0700 - Transmission Control System Malfunction
P3802 - Glow Plug/Heater Indicator Circuit

I don't like the P3802 - Glow Plug/Heater Indicator Circuit code which means the PCM might be incorrect but let's tackle one thing at a time. Please go over this video and let me know if you find anything:

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

Please go over this guide and get back to us.
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Wednesday, October 9th, 2024 AT 11:42 AM
Tiny
HANNAHC30
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Here's a video of it just cranking. After it starts it's perfectly fine and doesn't sound bad at all. No knocking or any weird sounds. The only time it sounded bad was when one of the cylinders wasn't running or something. It had 952 misfires in 8 minutes. It runs after turning the key a second time. Sometimes it starts normally. It's random. I'll send a video of it starting after this one.
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Wednesday, October 9th, 2024 AT 12:56 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Thanks for the video. It still sounds strange to me, can you get a video from under the hood while cranking? I am trying to see if you have a bad cylinder without doing a compression test. Please go over this guide for misfires:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-misfires-or-runs-rough

Please go over this guide and get back to us.
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Thursday, October 10th, 2024 AT 11:40 AM
Tiny
HANNAHC30
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I got the new codes. There's only two.

P0221- throttle position sensor

I can't find any online so if you can please send me a link.

And p0498- evap emission vent solenoid valve control circuit low voltage

No clue what to do about That one But it might be why my car smells like it's running rich.
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Thursday, October 17th, 2024 AT 7:57 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Can I get a video of the engine cranking from under the hood, did you do the compression test? I am leaning towards the PCM being bad with all these codes coming up at once, I would send the PCM in for testing. Here is how to remove it, you can get a preprogrammed unit by searching Google or Ebay.
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Thursday, October 17th, 2024 AT 9:01 AM
Tiny
HANNAHC30
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PCM is good, All the symptoms I have are corresponding with the two codes. My car smells like fumes all the time. And the throttle position sensor being bad would make sense to my Transmission having long and short shifts.
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Thursday, October 17th, 2024 AT 12:48 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Did you send the PCM for testing? Did you clear codes and rerun them? The reason I think the PCM is bad is because of the list of codes that popped up all at once.
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Friday, October 18th, 2024 AT 10:59 AM

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