Car will not start

Tiny
GORDO88
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
  • 3.1L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 144,000 MILES
I have the SE model with the 3100 v6 from my aunt after it had sat one and half years. My uncle changed the oil one day and it would not start back. So after a new starter and battery they gave up. So I have got it now. I sprayed a little either in it and she fired up. I drove bout ten minutes no problem, went to start next day and down the road it kept shutting off. Start up and go five minutes and shut off. Next day fired up and drove twenty minutes fine. Now will not start back. I have put plugs and fuel filter on fuel pumps working. I am lost on what to do next. It acts like it really wants to start but will not. Can you please advise what to do next?
Wednesday, November 8th, 2017 AT 6:37 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
HARRY P
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,292 POSTS
The fuel pump can be working, but not putting out quite enough pressure. Go to AutoZone, Advance Auto, or O'reilly's and borrow a fuel pressure tester gauge. This will let you know exactly how much pressure you are getting. In particular, test it when it will not start. With the engine off, and key on, you should get between 40.5 and 47 psi. At idle speed, it will be a little lower than that, but ALLData does not give an exact number.

The attached image is a how-to on relieving fuel pressure.

And this is our how-to guide on testing fuel pressure: https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Do that and get back to us.
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Thursday, November 9th, 2017 AT 3:07 AM
Tiny
GORDO88
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Fuel pressure came up with key in on postion to about 45 for just a few seconds then straight back down.
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Friday, November 10th, 2017 AT 5:56 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 50,321 POSTS
Have you run the codes? it might give us a clue such as crankshaft angle sensor problem. Here is a guide to help us see what's going on.

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

It does sound like the fuel pump is getting weak though. Here is a guide that will help you see what you are in for when replacing the fuel pump.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-electric-fuel-pump

Here is what it will be like on your car (below)

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken
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Monday, November 13th, 2017 AT 2:56 PM
Tiny
HARRY P
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,292 POSTS
I'm with Ken. Sounds like that pump is getting weak, but definitely check for codes and other issues first.
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Tuesday, November 14th, 2017 AT 5:03 AM

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