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Starts but wont idle or run

Tiny
CEWEBB4272
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 PONTIAC GRAND AM
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 215,000 MILES
My daughter has a 1999 cavalier with a 1998 grandam 2.4 4cyl engine in it. She has been driving it fine without any start issues, however after driving to a friends house the other night it won't start. Well it cranks and will run for about 2 seconds. Ive tried pressing down on accelerator a bit and it struggles for another second or to and stalls out. Where should I start with trouble shooting this issue?
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Friday, February 6th, 2015 AT 5:18 AM

10 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Try another key as I forget which system those have on it for security. Then scan for codes and check fuel pressure with a gauge auto parts rent it. Should have 41-47 psi at rail minimum
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Friday, February 6th, 2015 AT 5:47 AM
Tiny
CEWEBB4272
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  • 6 POSTS
Tried different key. Will scan codes and check fuel pressure. Thx
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Friday, February 6th, 2015 AT 5:53 AM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
If you have an anti theft light try this for resetting security as well like I said don't remember which system is on that
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Friday, February 6th, 2015 AT 7:01 AM
Tiny
CEWEBB4272
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  • 6 POSTS
I ran a diagnostic check and it came up with P0335 Crankshaft position sensor A circuit malfunction. I replaced the crank sensor and still will not start. I will try the above for resetting the security issue. I did notice that light being on when I initially noticed the car not starting however it's not on now.
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Saturday, February 7th, 2015 AT 5:51 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Try wiggling the connecter of r sensor if it starts the connector may be bad.
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Sunday, February 8th, 2015 AT 8:14 AM
Tiny
CEWEBB4272
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  • 6 POSTS
Ok tried that and no go either however its not throwing any codes. Just replaced the battery as the other one had given out. Replaced spark plugs and checked for spark which is clearly more challenging with the quad four set up and didn't see any spark on either of the cylinders. I did notice that the aluminum cover over the coils was nearly hot to touch. It was actually over the part that plugs in, not sure what that's called. I also tried starter fluid in the air intake and it made no change in the no start before the above. Couldn't rent the fuel line pressure kit and trying to do this without spending alot more.

Is this part heating up significant?
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Sunday, February 8th, 2015 AT 12:00 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Well if you took the cover off an d it started ten ya it may be shorting out. If you sprayed fluid in the air intake and it didn't start I'd say it's not a fuel problem.I am assuming you have checked the fuses under hood then take the ignition module to auto parts I'm sure they can test it to see if it's any good or not. Also check for a bad ignition switch on these. They seem to give the problem you are having. It would be a&B on ignition module and 25&26 on pcm they are all numbered. Other than that I have no idea because I'm not around to test the stuff.
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Sunday, February 8th, 2015 AT 1:32 PM
Tiny
CEWEBB4272
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Well an update to that.I took apart the coil pack and found that the rubber boots had slipped into the center where the springs where, preventing them from making contact to the base. One of the springs was very rusty. I took a wire brush and cleaned them up replaced them and starts for a sec, runs very rough and stops. Could this have caused a short? If so would it have burned out the coil or the ICM? I really appreciate your helping me out with this btw!
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Monday, February 9th, 2015 AT 6:56 AM
Tiny
CEWEBB4272
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Addendum: this was the coil pack closest to the ICM if that makes any difference. After doing the above the coil does not heat up anymore.
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Monday, February 9th, 2015 AT 6:57 AM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
It may have shorted the ignition module do what I said in previous reply, other than that I have no other suggestions or comments to give as I'm not diagnosing this physically.
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Monday, February 9th, 2015 AT 7:10 AM

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