2001 Pontiac Grand Am Starting

POPP36

MEMBER
2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM

Engine Mechanical problem
2001 Pontiac Grand Am 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

We went to the gas station shut the car off filled up and when we went to start the car it would only crank and try to catch. We waited a few mins and tried again but to no avail. We called the dealer and arranged a tow. While waiting, after about half an hour, we tried it again and it fired over no problem. Someone said it might be the cam sensor or fuel pump. However I bled the fuel rail and had tons of pressure while my wife cranked it over(before we got it started finally). Also, I could smell fuel in the throttle area. The security light occasionally comes on and then goes off. The service engine light stays on all the time even after the dealer repaired the car twice, once replacing the O2 sensor and once saying it was a throttle position sensor problem.

3 Replies

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

First thing you need to do is have the codes read, Autozone does it free, Post the results with the code number(s). Even if the service engine light is not on, there should be freeze frame data stored.
If it won't make it to Autozone, buy a cheap scanner, they can be had for 30-40 dollars, a good investment, since they cover all cars sold in the USA from 96 on.