Intermittent starting problem?

1995 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX

97,000 MILES • 3.1L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC

NUNEZBOY97

MEMBER
1 POST

My car takes an average of about 5 attempts before the starter kicks in and starts cranking and once it starts cranking about half the time, it'll crank an average of a about 7 seconds before starting. When you turn the key and don't crank, all you hear is a click. I think the no crank is a TIPM and the long crank is the injectors leaking.

Apr 15, 2023 at 8:37 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓Experienced Mechanic
110,240 POSTS

Hi,

First, confirm the battery terminals are both clean and tight. If they are, take note if the click you hear is from the starter motor. If it is, chances are the starter is starting to fail.

The delayed start is likely the result of fuel pressure drop-off. Try this and when it decides to crank, see how long it takes to start.

1) Turn the key from the off to the run position (engine off) and count to 5.

2) Turn the key off and repeat step 1 a total of four times.

3) On the fifth time, see if the engine starts normally.

Let me know what happens.

Take care,

Joe

Apr 16, 2023 at 11:52 AM

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