1996 Pontiac Sunfire Won't Start in Cold

1996 PONTIAC SUNFIRE
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RAMBLER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
My daughters 96 sunfire 2.2 L will not start when outside temp is below about 15 degrees . I t has never stalled or died or anything, Brand new battery 2 days ago. A guy got under the car and beat on gas tank then got in car and it started today. temp was about 8 degrees outside. he said fuel pump is bad. Can this be? How can you tell if fuel pump is bad by beating on the gas tank? He said he could change it for about $500. thant sounds a little expensive to me. HElp please
Jan 16, 2007 at 12:28 PM
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MMPRINCE3000
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 133 POSTS
Have the fuel pressure checked with a mechanical gauge. Port injection is around 38-40psi.
The fuel pick up may be clogged which is why he hit the tank.
The pump (AC Delco) should run around $100 maybe $125, so the rest is labor.
Shop around for a better price, and a competant mechanic, of course.
Jan 26, 2007 at 9:48 AM

Suggested Repair

Have fuel pressure checked with a mechanical gauge; port injection should be about 38-40 psi. A clogged fuel pickup can explain why striking the tank allowed a start. An AC Delco pump is roughly $100-$125 plus labor, so shop around for a competent mechanic and a better price before paying about $500.

Conversation Summary

A 1996 Pontiac Sunfire 2.2L will not start when the temperature is below about 15 degrees, though it has not stalled while running. A new battery did not fix it. After someone struck the fuel tank, the car started in about 8-degree weather, and that person blamed the fuel pump and quoted about $500. The expert advised a mechanical fuel-pressure test, noted that a clogged pickup could explain the tank-striking result, and said pump parts are much less than the quoted total, so labor and shop pricing should be compared.

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