1997 Pontiac Sunfire

CROWLEY1027

MEMBER
1997 PONTIAC SUNFIRE
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
150,000 MILES

The car will turn over, and seem like its going to start, but it just goes up to idle and dies out. If I try again without turning the key off / on, it won't turn over. After a few tries, I just got a "click" when I tried to start it a few times, then it went back to turning over, revving up and dying out.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,709 POSTS

Was the check engine light on?

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Monday, September 7th, 2009 AT 10:42 PM

CROWLEY1027

MEMBER
6 POSTS

No, no check engine light on. It starts up sometimes, but most of the time it won't. I had somebody tell me it could be a bad fuel pump, and if it helps, when I turn the key (not turn the car on) I can hear a noise, sounds like a phone vibrating, or a quiet buzz / humm.

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Tuesday, September 8th, 2009 AT 4:33 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,709 POSTS

If you hear that, chances are you hear the fuel pump. I would recommend checking fuel pump pressure. Here is a how to video and directions to do it. The gauge needed can most likely be rented or gotten at a parts store. Also, when it won't start, make sure it is getting spark. I have attached a how to for that too.

https://www.2carpros.com/how_to/how_to_check_fuel_pressure.htm

https://www.2carpros.com/how_to/how_to_test_an_ignition_system.htm

Let me know what you find.

Joe

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Tuesday, September 8th, 2009 AT 6:26 PM