2001 Pontiac Grand Am Engine shuts off at any time

DENNY SALVAGE

MEMBER
2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
1,265 MILES

After nearly killing my wife by shutting off while driving in the passing lane preparing to exit left I replaced the fuel filter first. It did it again in the same place so I replaced the electric fuel pump with upgraded 'pig tail'. Then I replaced the fuel pump relay in the fuse panel under the hood.
The engine kept shutting off so we had a mechanic check for codes. (Misfire on # 3 cylinder was the only code that came up). Then new coil packs and tower.
Followed by crank sensor, then cam sensor, then a new alternator. After months of restarting we had to repalce the starter and the ignition switch.
After months of awaiting for another mechanics opinion we replaced the computer. The vehicle is still not servicable or dependable after 15 months and hundreds of dollars. What next?

3 Replies

MMPRINCE4000

MECHANIC
8,548 POSTS

Remove the ignition module and have it tested.

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Friday, July 9th, 2010 AT 8:37 AM

DENNY SALVAGE

MEMBER
2 POSTS

The ingition module has been replaced three times and condition still exists. My auto electric mechanic tells me there is nowhere to have them tested around here. The equipment is too expensive. I had replaced the module twice before I brought the car to him and replaced it again. He said that since the problem still exists, the modules are not faulty.
What do I do next or where can I send the modules to have them tested? Thank you, Denny

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Wednesday, August 11th, 2010 AT 9:44 AM

MMPRINCE4000

MECHANIC
8,548 POSTS

Most Advance, and Autozone stores test modules, but I agree with your mechanic, after 3 modules, that is not the problem.

I would start by inspecting the wiring in engine compartment, look for burnt areas, look for exhaust leaks, or wiring too close to exhaust pipe.

This is a hard one to diagnose, Denny.

Other possibilities are ignition switch, neutral safety switch, intermittent open to fuel/ignition.

I would also go to junk yard and find a GA to use as a parts car.
If you can find one like yours, I would take the wiring harness off it and replace the entire harness.

You have replaced everything that "should" be causing the problem.

Isolating an intermittent problem is tedious and time consuming.

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Thursday, August 12th, 2010 AT 9:45 AM