Cranks no start issue

Tiny
VIENNA
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
  • 3.8L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 238,000 MILES
I replaced the fuel pump and I am going to replace the fuel filter, but I am getting fuel up to the engine block. My car will start and run for about ten minutes then completely shut off. I get it to crank over like it wants to start but will not. I am at a loss on what else could be causing it not to start.
Saturday, June 23rd, 2018 AT 7:22 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,698 POSTS
When it wants to start can you use starting fluid to make it run? If so we can start looking at the fuel system. If not it will be an ignition issue. This way we can narrow it down.

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken
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Sunday, June 24th, 2018 AT 12:52 PM
Tiny
VIENNA
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thanks, we tried starting fluid and also changed the crank sensor. The ignition was the next thing I was thinking and dreading.
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Sunday, June 24th, 2018 AT 12:53 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
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So you tried the starting spray after it shuts down and it did not work? That sounds like you are losing spark. Somewhat common for the ignition module under the coils to fail this way.
Easy way to test, run it until it shuts down, pull a wire and use a spark tester to check all three coils. As you say it "wants to start" it may lose spark on one or two coils and try to fire on the others. My SOP if that is the case is to move a good coil to the "bad" coil and test again. If still no spark replace the module and the coils. If you get spark then you can replace just the coils.
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Sunday, June 24th, 2018 AT 1:07 PM
Tiny
VIENNA
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
The sparks maybe need to be changed just in case Checked them after finding that the crank sensor was not the issue. But I have a feeling it might be the ignition module.
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Sunday, June 24th, 2018 AT 1:32 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
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Test for spark first. It would take completely gone spark plugs to keep it from at least running. A simple tester right at the coils should show if you are losing spark.
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Sunday, June 24th, 2018 AT 3:25 PM
Tiny
VIENNA
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Thank you, I will check.
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Sunday, June 24th, 2018 AT 3:28 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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  • 47,698 POSTS
Here is a guide to help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

Please run down this guide and report back.

Cheers, Ken
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Monday, June 25th, 2018 AT 10:45 AM

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