1997 Pontiac Grand Prix service engine light car won't star

180,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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LILRIP
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  • 3 POSTS
Occassionally my car will not start no matter what I try.I can comeback later and it cranks right up first try.Also Rpm guage will drop to zero while car is running but continues to run.I had a diagnostic test done and it indicated the catalatyic converter needed replaced. Could this really prevent the engine from starting or not?
Mar 20, 2009 at 5:29 AM
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JDL
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 16,098 POSTS
Hello, if your saying it cranks good,but, won't start? Do some of the basic tests, have a helper crank it, while you check for spark at the plugs and injector pulse. Try to to see what your missing, when it refuses to start.
Mar 20, 2009 at 6:07 AM
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LILRIP
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
[quote:c4e304f453="jdl123"]Hello, if your saying it cranks good,but, won't start? Do some of the basic tests, have a helper crank it, while you check for spark at the plugs and injector pulse. Try to to see what your missing, when it refuses to start.[/quote:c4e304f453]

Hello again but wouldn,t a spark problem or fuel problem have shown when diagnostic test was performed.It sometimes runs fine for weeks w/o hesitation and then all of a sudden I shut it off and then it wont start again for like ten or fifteen minutes
Mar 20, 2009 at 6:47 AM
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JDL
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 16,098 POSTS
If your asking, would a no spark or no fuel set a code? Not always, when all else fails, do the basic tests. You have to do the testing, when the problem is ongoing.

When it refuses to restart, you need to try to see if your missing fuel or spark. Putting a scanner on it that shows live engine data, freeze frame, codes, yeah that would be nice. Code readers are ok, better than nothing.
Mar 20, 2009 at 7:24 AM
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