Intermittent no start

2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS
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ARG71
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I have a problem with my rendezvous not starting after short runs. If I run the vehicle for approximately thirty minutes or less and turn it off it won't start again. I if run it for longer I can turn it off and it will usually restart with no problems. When it will not start I have to wait anywhere from thirty minutes to approximately two hours and it will start up with no problems. I had it looked at when I had a no start condition and was told the the cam sensor was working, but that either the PCM was not receiving the signal, or the PCM was not processing the signal. I know that the issue is that something is not telling the vehicle to send fuel because when it will not start. I can hear the fuel pump running and all it does is just turn over, but when I wait for a bit and try I can hear a click and fuel running through the rails and it starts no problem. Fuel pressure, spark have been tested and are okay under no start conditions. Could the lack of a cam senor signal cause this issue? I have heard that it should still start if the cam sensor signal is bad.
could the c-305 connector cause this problem?
Apr 29, 2013 at 4:47 PM
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HMAC300
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If cam sensor is bad it will not start. The cam sensor controls injector pulse, which is what lets fuel into the engine. Sometimes when electronics fail they do it when warm/hot due to expansion which creates loss of connection internally. You should have it scanned for codes to see what errors the computer has stored.

See the guides below. Scanning and cam sensor replacement. Not vehicle specific but will give you an idea of what is going on.

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

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/camshaft-angle-sensor-replacement

See the diagrams below for make/model specific instructions and pictures.
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Apr 30, 2013 at 6:31 AM
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WADE4698
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No start conditions- intermittent. There is spark and fuel pressure both when starting and when not starting. Engine cranks but does not turn over. Already replaced ignition switch- When engine does not start pass key security light blinks with key in ignition. When it does start after three seconds of key in ignition light goes out. Can I by-pass the passkey three system? Is there anything else I can do or check?
Sep 25, 2018 at 5:58 PM (Merged)
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JERRYGOODWRENCH
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I assume that it cranks over but does not start. If so check the fuel injector pulse. One or two injectors with high resistance readings will shut down the computer. Even though you have spark and fuel at the rail does not mean the injector circuit is pulsing. Try that and let me know. Jerry
Sep 25, 2018 at 5:58 PM (Merged)
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SUNDAY1978
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My car will not start due to fuel problem. So I changed the fuel pump, fuel pressure regulator fuel filter and the fuel relay fuse and still will not start. I do not know what else to do. I need help. I changed them week after week and still will not start. What else the could be wrong?
Sep 25, 2018 at 5:58 PM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Is the fuel pressure in the fuel rail within the manufacturer's specs? Have you checked to make sure you are getting spark to the plugs? If you use starting fluid, will the engine start for a couple seconds?

Let me know.
Sep 25, 2018 at 5:58 PM (Merged)
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SUNDAY1978
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Yes, it is getting spark from the plugs. I tried the starter fluid and it started but then cut off after a few seconds.
Sep 25, 2018 at 5:58 PM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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If it starts with starting fluid, then you are not getting gas to the engine. Have you checked fuel pump pressure at the rail?
Sep 25, 2018 at 5:58 PM (Merged)
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SUNDAY1978
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Yes, I did that before I change that fuel pressure regulator.
Sep 25, 2018 at 5:58 PM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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If the fuel pressure is within the manufacturer's spec, then the injectors are not getting power. Check that.
Sep 25, 2018 at 5:58 PM (Merged)
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CHRIS BURGE
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Have 50 psi fuel pressure, no codes, spark, new plugs, new fuel regulator. Good compression. Cannot figure out why it will not start.
Sep 25, 2018 at 5:58 PM (Merged)
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SATURNTECH9
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Is the security light on solid or flashing with the key in the run position?
Sep 25, 2018 at 5:58 PM (Merged)
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CHRIS BURGE
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Found the issue. The engine was not properly grounded. I guess the injectors did not have proper grounding.
Sep 25, 2018 at 5:58 PM (Merged)
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SATURNTECH9
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Or the computer to run the injector.
Sep 25, 2018 at 5:58 PM (Merged)
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CHRIS BURGE
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There was injector pulse, but not exactly sure. Added a ground and it worked.
Sep 25, 2018 at 5:58 PM (Merged)
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SATURNTECH9
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Glad to hear you got it fixed.
Sep 25, 2018 at 5:59 PM (Merged)
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ALANCATHY
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One day my car was cranking longer before it started. When I turned it off it would not start again.
No spark and no fuel, I can here the fuel pump run for five seconds or so, I replaced the fuel filter, It just cranks over and over no start. The valve springs are moving the chain must be good. No codes on
OBD. What can I test next?
Alan
Sep 25, 2018 at 5:59 PM (Merged)
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BMRFIXIT
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Security system?
When cranking does check engine light go out?
Check fuses and BCM

Need manual.
https://www.2carpros.com/kpages/auto_repair_manuals.htm
Sep 25, 2018 at 5:59 PM (Merged)
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CHRIS BURGE
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Thanks for support. Do you get paid to help people?
Sep 25, 2018 at 5:59 PM (Merged)
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SATURNTECH9
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Yes, we get so much for each question we answer, plus if someone donates we get money from that as well.
Sep 25, 2018 at 5:59 PM (Merged)
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FRANK MORENO
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After car reaches operating temperature at idle. I apply brake to shift into gear, it starts to run rough/erratic and then stalls. I let it sit for about fifteen to thirty minutes and starts up. No DTC's in system. Your help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Sep 25, 2018 at 5:59 PM (Merged)
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RASMATAZ
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Check the idle air control valve, TPS/MAF/MAP to include the EGR valve
Sep 25, 2018 at 5:59 PM (Merged)
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LEESE
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Only when it's warm out (75 degrees or more) My 2002 Buick Rendezvous with a 3.4L will die and will turn over and sputter but won't start until I let it cool down for about 45 minutes. I believe I am getting spark but not enough fuel to start and run. My first thought was vapor lock but all Rendezvous' fuel lines are all routed the same and I don't see them stranded along the road : ). If it was a fuel pump problem why would it only do it when it's warm out. Could there be a sensor that shuts off the fuel flow? Maybe it's malfunctioning? I replaced the fuel filter a month ago. I am stumped. Please help.
Sep 25, 2018 at 5:59 PM (Merged)
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LOSONE
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There are no vapor locks onmodern cars. the fuel system is under constant pressure. How many miles on the car?

You first have to establish if the problem is fuel or spark. Be sure, let me know and I will help you.
Sep 25, 2018 at 5:59 PM (Merged)
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LEESE
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Thanks for responding,

It has 101,000 miles on it but has been doing it since I bought it a year ago with 85,000 miles on it. It does have spark. I have no way of checking the fuel pressure.
Sep 25, 2018 at 5:59 PM (Merged)
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LOSONE
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I would go to a parts or rental store and rent a gauge. It will screw on the schrader valve on the engine Let me know as we can't do much until we see if you have fuel.
Sep 25, 2018 at 5:59 PM (Merged)
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TC79
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Had the same problem, there was a short in the fuel relay to the motherboard/brain box (which started melting because of the short), it starts every time now but not until a clicking noise from behind the speedometer stops.
Sep 25, 2018 at 5:59 PM (Merged)
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STRAILER
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Great addition to this thread! Please feel free to help out whenever you are on the site :)

Cheers, Ken
Sep 25, 2018 at 5:59 PM (Merged)
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2CP-ARCHIVES
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We have replaced the fuel pump, fuel filter, and fuel pressure regulator. The car will start and run fine throughout the day, then randomly won't start. It cranks just fine, but won't turn over. A few squirts of starting fluid and I am back on the road and the car runs fine, no stalling or rough running, good power. Ideas?
Sep 25, 2018 at 5:59 PM (Merged)
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HMAC300
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scan for codes and check fuel pressure first. fp should be 52-59psi then check crank an dcam sensors for resitance. but squirting fluid into car sound like low pressure
Sep 25, 2018 at 5:59 PM (Merged)
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CBOAMAH
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i have a 2002 buick rendezvous suddenly the car won't start, for it to run, what seems to be the problem?


Sep 25, 2018 at 5:59 PM (Merged)
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MHPAUTOS
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You will have to check for spark, fuel pressure and injector pulse, and get a scan done to test for any unresolved fault codes, is the engine turning over on the key strongly?

mark (mhpautos)
Sep 25, 2018 at 5:59 PM (Merged)