won't start

I replaced the engine temp sensor when I had the intake apart. Which signal (missing) should I be looking for?

I would look at the crankshaft and cam signals, TPS and what the ignition module is showing for speed data. Have you tested the ignition control module? It sends the "run" signal over the data bus, if that signal doesn't show the injectors won't fire.

While driving my car down the street it just loses power. i was driving fifty mph down the city street and the car just shut off and would not restart. i have put a new fuel pump and filter and a new mass air flow sensor. still can not find out what is wrong.

scan for codes and check fuel pressure with a guage auto parts rent it.
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

I replaced the ignition module. The throttle position signal looks good and the crank speed shows up as about 200 rpm. Each hard reset will let it fire a few times.

Hello ALICIA,

If you decide you would like to conduct the scan yourself here is a link to an article that features written step by step instructions and pictures explaining how to do the scan yourself, also I have included a link to our YouTube channel with a how to video on code scanning. Most scanners are inexpensive to purchase, you can purchase one online from sites like Amazon.com

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

https://youtu.be/YV3TRZwer8k

Once you have the codes please get back to us so that we can further assist you. We are always happy to help.

Thank you for visiting 2CarPros.com.

Kindest regards,

Renee
Admin

OK, it almost has to be a comm error, a signal is not getting to the ECM to turn on the injectors once the engine starts turning over. About the only thing left. What do you have for a scan tool? The Tech2 win would allow you to watch both communication bus systems and you could watch the actual activation cascade during start-up.
That would at least show you where the failure happens and which module is shutting it down.

Intermittently when I turn the key the car will crank but not start. This happens more often when the car is warmed up. I've noticed the following: If I activate the turn signal before I try starting the car, when I try starting the car and the turn signal comes on the car will start. If the turn signal does not come on the car will not start. It almost seems as if the ignition switch is in the accessory mode when it should be in start mode. Also if the turn signal does not operate, I can't hear the fuel pump start up. If I hear the fuel pump, the car starts every time. The car starts without a problem about once every 4 times I get in it.
Another problem which may or may not be related, is the cruise control intermittently drops out.
These problems are making me sick.

i hink you hit the nail on the head with the ignitoin switch. i have seen a lot of times that intermittently the mechanist thet applies ignition voltage in the seitch gets burnt up from the continual arcing it does when it makes the contact, thats why it is intermittent

2003 Pontiac Grand Am

Changed the water pump in an 03 Grand Am. The car wouldn;t start- battery was dead. Boosted it and got it running, shut it off and now it won`t start. (Battery will not crank) What is going on? Some security code issue?

Hi there, first thing to do is get the battery fully charged and then have it load tested, this is the only way to test the battery condition, start here.

Mark (mhpautos)

I have a 2003 Pontiac Grand Am. Earlier this year it began having starting problems and I learned that the fuel pump was not turning on sometimes when i put the ignition switch to on. (wouldnt hear it) This didnt seem to be a problem since I would just cycle the ignition switch off and on until i heard the fuel pump turn on. However, one day i lost all power while driving and had to get a tow. The mechanic told me that is was my fuel pump and I had that replaced. It worked perfect for about a month and now the same thing is starting to happen; at times the fuel pump doesnt always come on so the car wont start (usually after it has been running for awhile earlier). I have checked the fuel pump relay and it clicks every time the ignition is put in "ON" even when i am having the starting issues. Do you have any ideas what this could be? I cant believe that it would be a bad fuel pump considering it worked fine for a month and now the same problem as before has come back. Thanks

Dave

Sounds like when it hits the sweet spot on the ignition switch it comes on-check and test the ignition switch.

my 2003 pontiac grand am se 3.4l died while driving and wont stay running when i start it?

So it just cranks and won't start?Is the security light on solid or flashing?Any code's?Have you checked fuel pressure spark injector pulse?

no it starts then putters then dies barely a few seconds! it died while driving almost as if it ran out of gas but we just put gas in it a lil early in the day.

Is the security light on solid or flashing?Any code's?Have you checked fuel pressure spark injector pulse?I need answer's to those question's.Can you rent a scan tool to get code's?

ok ill go rent A SCANNER BUT HOW DO I CHECK THE FUEL PRESSURE SPARK INJECTOR PULSE?

Electrical problem
2003 Pontiac Grand Am 6 cyl Four Wheel Drive Automatic

I always have trouble starting my car, i wont start when i try to crank it, it will turn over but it wont start. I've been having to unhook my positive batterie cable then wait for about an hour and then when i hook it back it will start like nothing ever was wrong with it. What do you think my problem is? About 3 months ago I had to have my computer restarted it was kind of simular but at that time my car would make any sound.

During one of these no start conditions, spray some starting fluid in throttle body, if engine runs a few seconds, then problem is fuel. If not then most likely ignition.

Do you have a security light flashing?

I would suspect the PCM, new PCM's have to be "flashed" by the dealer or trusted garage.

Rent a fuel pressure gauge then the fuel pressure gauge hoses screws onto that threaded nipple that goes up to the injector rail.Then you will turn the key to the run position let it sit there like 5 second's do that a couple of times and see what the reading is.See if they have a injector noid light you can rent also that plugs into the injector harness instead of the injector then you crank the engine and watch for the light to flash not stay on solid.You will check all injector harnesses with it.Let me know what you find.

so i would have to take apart items to get to the throttle boby? Am i able to buy the starter fluid at an auto store?

Yes you would have to remove the intake air tube to spray starting fluid in intake.

This is a diagnostic aid, to isolate fuel problems from ignition.

No sercuirty light is on in my car. When a fuel injection cleaning is being done, will that be one of the procedures to clean out the throttle body/intake? What does PMC stand for?

Fuel injection cleaning is done by removing fuel pump fuse, removing the test port cap at fuel rail and connecting a fuel injection cleaning solution.

Engine is started and runs off the solution until it runs out (4-5 minutes).

You need to isolate the problem, fuel or ignition. Once you know what the problem is, you can then correct it.

If no fuel, for example, it could be fuel pump, filter, injectors, fuel pressure or PCM (Powertrain Control Module), or engine computer.
If engine runs with fuel injection cleaning solution, then problem is fuel related, if not then ignition.

Also, you should disconnect the negative battery cable first, never the positive.

2003 Pontiac Grand Am 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic

We have checked cam sensor, coil pack, ignition module, change ignition switch, put on computor and no codes come up. Reset security system, checked fused and relays, new spark plugs.

Cannot get car to fire, no spark to the plugs

Inspect and test the crankshaft position sensor-

Thanks for the advice, timing and crankshaft sensor ok also. There is no reason we can find why this car will not start. Mechanic and i have researched everything we can think of and still no luck. Any other suggestions are more than welcome, we are at wits end.

No spark and everything on the ignition system checks out-could be a wiring/input signal missing to the PCM or the PCM itself

Thank you for your advice, will talk to mechanic on monday and see if that has been checked.

Thanks again!!!!!!!

this morning after the hard freeze, my car wouldnt start. It was cranking fine thr night before. We tried boosting it off and we had the battery charged up. It still wouldn't turn over. So when my son put his battery on it and turned the key a couple of times the car did nothing, then on the 3rd time it turned over,but there was sound like the starter or the flywheel. Then we put my battery back on and the car cranked up. What could have cased the engine not to turn over even though we tried with a boost from a truck.
Thank you,
Curious

Try direct jump start at the starter-if you hear the solenoid clicking and starter not engaging the engine drop the starter

We finally got the car started. And you are right it is the starter going bad. We had to use a battery with more cranking amps to get it started. The selenoid is bad.
Thank you,
Fanace6

You're most welcome come again and also invite friends

I have a 2003 Pontiac Grand Am and I can't get it to start. When I turn the key the lights dim like it would any other time, but there is no reaction from the engine itself. I was told by my father-in-law that it may be the starter, but after replacing this I was still experiencing the same problem. What could this be?

Check the battery and connections if okay -check fuse , crank fuse 10amp and PCM ACC fuse 10amp-if okay Test the park and neutral switch and starter relay-see below:

Sometimes my car cranks right up, at other times it just cranks over but does not start. Sometimes when it doesn't crank, you can turn the key over and it starts, then sometimes this doesn't work. I can start the engine, turn it off and try to start again and then it just cranks but doesn't start, or sometimes it starts up again. No ryhme or reason to why. Seems to crank up right away as long as it has sat for several hours like overnight or while at work. But sometimes after only a couple of hours since last started, it won't start, just cranks. My security light has also been coming on alot lately. I have to sit with the door closed, key in ignition in off position for 15 minutes then it starts, or sometimes just cranks with no starting. The chip is in the ignition and not the key if this helps any. When the security light is on and you try to start, you get no crank or anything. Thought I'd mention in case there is a relation to these 2 things. Another thing that may be related or not is that I have a clicking noise in my dash when i turn on turn signals and doesn't go off after making turn, but i can wiggle the turn signal and windshield wiper knobs and it will stop. Sometimes this thing clicks for no reason too.

Yes, there is nothing wrong mechanically with your vehicle. Your Passlock anti-theft system is to blame for the no-start error. If you read the description of Passlock, you may want to check your ignition tumbler, making sure that it is not loose or not making contact. The are several conditions that the Body Control Module looks at to create a successful start. If one of the condition is not met, the vehicle WILL not start until the BCM resets, which generally takes about 10 minutes. (Try this the next time it happens. I am not sure if it will work with GM vehicles, though. If the SECURITY light turns on, DO NOT crank the vehicle. Exit the vehicle, open and close all doors, trunk and hood. Go to the driver door, and use the KEY, not remote, to lock the driver door. Wait 1 - 2 minutes, and use the key again to unlock the DRIVER door.)

Thanks so much for the very in depth description of how the security system works. I was told that the codes were coming back that it was security system, but had no idea for sure that it was causing this car not to crank sporadically as it was. Thank you Just one more thing: Is the clicking in the dash also the security system?

if the clicking is comming from the emergency flashers button. you will need to replace the turn signal switch. wich is also the lights,wipers,high beams ect. its all 1 unit