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Engine not cranking over

Tiny
TIM FITZGERALD
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 88,000 MILES
I have been a heavy truck/diesel equipment mechanic for forty plus years so I do not claim to be a car mechanic but I have had my share of car experience, mostly GM.
So here is my problem: I have a no crank problem, sometimes. I can try to crank and nothing, wait a couple minutes and the engine will crank and start.
I can start it several times in a row, let it set ten minutes or so and no crank. Again turn on ignition and wait a few minutes and crank and start.
I am pretty sure it has a security system, security light in dash, but I do not know how that effects the starting system.
Now here is the run down on what I have trouble shot:
All basics; fuses, relays, (for starter and ignition located in power distribution centers in engine and under seat) battery, starter and neutral safety switch. I have not checked the ignition switch or any other related relays or solenoids pertaining to the starter enable relay control if it has one or where it is located. Another possible could be the engine oil level module. My wiring diagram shows a ignition on/off timer in that module.
Well I hope I have hit on something to get you started.
Here is the VIN number, maybe it will help: 1G2HX54K824143964. Thanks.
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Monday, August 31st, 2009 AT 8:44 AM

18 Replies

Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
I would check for all trouble codes, not just generic. Is the theft light flashing/on, when you try to start? Check for voltage at the start relay, under hood fuse box. Voltage to the load side of relay is hot all the time, voltage to the coil side is hot with key in the crank position. The PCM grounds the relay in order to energize.
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Monday, August 31st, 2009 AT 9:54 AM
Tiny
TIM FITZGERALD
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  • 5 POSTS
I do not have the car with me. What if security light is on or off when I go to start?
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Monday, August 31st, 2009 AT 10:44 AM
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
I would check the codes or have them checked. If I have a code, I can find the flow chart. Without a code, I would have to hunt and peck, if the problem is the theft system.
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Monday, August 31st, 2009 AT 11:54 AM
Tiny
TIM FITZGERALD
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My scan tool showed only two codes, P0102 MAF sensor, which I have known about for a couple weeks now. Also, P0442 EVAP small leak detected.
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Monday, August 31st, 2009 AT 1:46 PM
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Neither one of those codes would keep the starter from cranking.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/170934_pontiac_bonneville_jumper_1.jpg



If you use a jumper on the terminals for the load side of relay, like the picture, the starter should crank. That does not mean it will start. Make sure the transmission is in park or neutral and the e-brake set.

Have somebody check the voltage circuits at the relay. I just wanted to add, if the theft system was causing a problem, the code would probably be a body code.
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Monday, August 31st, 2009 AT 3:19 PM
Tiny
TIM FITZGERALD
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Okay, I have power and it will crank at the relay when jumped so I R&R the relay and no difference.

Look fellas the engine will crank and run. After I turn the key to ignition I have to wait approximately two to three minutes to crank and like clock work the engine cranks over and runs. Now if I wait approximately ten minutes or more the engine will not crank and run. I have to again wait two to three minutes for the engine to crank and start, it will do this time and time again.

Now I may assume that the problem is in the serurity system, if so my scan tool can not do body codes.
So I guess I need one that can do body codes or find someone that has one to do this scan.
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Tuesday, September 1st, 2009 AT 7:40 AM
Tiny
JDL
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Can you try your spare key? This will let us know if it is a security issue.
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Tuesday, September 1st, 2009 AT 10:12 AM
Tiny
TIM FITZGERALD
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Yep, that did it the spare key worked? I guess I have a bad key?
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Tuesday, September 1st, 2009 AT 12:43 PM
Tiny
JDL
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It happens the RF chip gets corrupt causing the security system to kick in good find through.
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Tuesday, September 1st, 2009 AT 2:21 PM
Tiny
LUKE CARNELL
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I had this same problem! I ended up having to take it to the dealer (I am not very mechanical). They found that the ignition switch was bad and an anti theft module was also bad. They replaced both and I have not had that problem since. Try changing your ignition switch and see if that helps.
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Thursday, September 17th, 2009 AT 9:37 AM
Tiny
JESSICA RUSS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
My car ran out of gas about a week ago so of course it has been broke down. I tried to crank it long enough to move it a couple of feet and it would crank then start choking I guess you would call it and then shut off. So I put gas in it and it will not crank at all now. I have let it sit over night with gas in it and tried again this morning and it still will not crank. So my question is, what do you think the problem is and how do I fix it?
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Monday, July 2nd, 2018 AT 11:38 AM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,758 POSTS
In tank fuel pumps are cooled and lubricated by the fuel in the tank. When you run a car out of gas, it pumps a lot of air through the pump which overheats it and causes some severe wear and many times, failure when they cool off.
You will need to use a fuel pressure gauge to verify this.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator
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Monday, July 2nd, 2018 AT 11:38 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MELISSA FLAUGHER-RATCLIFF
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2003 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE
  • 0.5L
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 130,000 MILES
Where is the neutral safety switch located? Car will not crank. Starts sometimes and it is not the battery or the starter.
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Monday, July 2nd, 2018 AT 11:38 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CJ MEDEVAC
  • MECHANIC
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This is what it looks like:

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/bwd-neutral-safety-switch-ns38003/20971213-P?searchTerm=back-up%2Fneutral+safety+switch

On the side of the transmission.

Have you tried to start it in 'neutral'?

The Medic
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Monday, July 2nd, 2018 AT 11:38 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MELISSA FLAUGHER-RATCLIFF
  • MEMBER
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Yes, we have tried everything. Thought it was the crank sensor but it is not. Where the neutral safety switch is suppose to be its not there. About to give up.
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Monday, July 2nd, 2018 AT 11:38 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CJ MEDEVAC
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,004 POSTS
I could not find a diagram in 'Prodemand', I searched quite a while on the net.

Seems it is also called a 'PNP'

Diagram below, I hope it helps.

The Medic
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Monday, July 2nd, 2018 AT 11:38 AM (Merged)
Tiny
YURIYS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2000 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 99,000 MILES
When I try to start my car it will click but will not turn.
I have tested my starter and it was okay.
I have replaced it anyway and it was the same problem: click but not turn.
I have tested battery - it was good.
I did try to jump start it anyway but the same result.
The crank shaft will turn manually, but not with starter.
The book manual points out that "transaxle may not be fully engaged" and go on to take the engine apart.

What can it be and what should I do?
I did not have any problems before except noisy start ups.
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Monday, July 2nd, 2018 AT 11:38 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Hello, did you check the circuits at the starter relay in the power distribution center? You can unplug the relay, turn the key on, use a test lite, see if there are two hot terminals. I have not looked at your theft system yet, it may not have anything to do with starter circuit.
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Monday, July 2nd, 2018 AT 11:38 AM (Merged)

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