Car does not start

Hi estebanelo,

Do below to determine if its fuel or spark problem

Get a helper disconnect a spark plug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine at least 3/16 away from ground-have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs,coil's resistances,distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors and computer.

the car start when tripped from the start, but goes off after few seconds, if I try to started with the key it wound make any noise at all.

Check and test the park and neutral switch and ignition switch make sure the battery and connection are good.

I already check all that and were found okay.

I try to started with the key it wound make any noise at all. If you're trying to say it won't crank over when you turn the key to starting position-check and test the theft deterrent relay and the theft deterrent module located behind the dash above the glove box.

My 1998 chevy lunina car sputtered and stopped just short of my driveway. I tried to restart but everytime I went to turn into the driveway it stopped again. My husband went out the next morning to try to restart it It almost did then cut out. He tried it again and there was nothing.. So he put in a new starter, battery fuel relay switch, map ssensor and still nothing. The starter gets hot when he attempted to start it twice what is happening?

What is it doing/ Cranking over and will not start or just won't crank at all/nothing when you turn key to starting position-when key at run do you see all the idiots lite that normally comes on?

when key is on all idiot lights are on my radio plays the dome lt is lit the headllights are bright and the horn works

Could be a blown fusible link the starter, starter relay, clutch switch/park and neutral switch/transmission position switch and ignition switch assuming the battery and connections are good. Note:If it doesn't apply disregard.

where is the starter relay located?

I put in 2 used starters--both seemingly bad and 2 new ones (i had taken one back and had it checked and it was definitely bad--had this last one checked before i took it home and it tested good) checked fuses all good thought of the ignition switch which is located in the column right? but my husband is reluctant to try that. Not sure where transmission position switch is located. Thought also of the ignition coils No one seems to know why the starter gets hot after trying to start it once or twice.
Everything happened so suddenly--no warning noise

When we try to startup our Lumina. the engine doesn't crank at all. The dash lights come on but nothing happens when we turn the key.
First time I thought the car might have been out of gear so I moved the shift to N. then back to park and the car started up.
This happen intermittanly for a month.
Each time I could get it started by doing the above method. Sometimes but not always.
Sometimes it would just start by trying for a couple of minutes.
That was last summer. 10 months past and it never happens again. Forgot about it until the other day.
My wife tries to go to work and she can't get it started. Calls me. I try first time and it starts up.
Happens again. This time I can't get it started.
Go get my keys, try it and it starts up.
Any ideas will be appreciated.
Thanks

My first thought was the neutral switch. Second, the theft system. When it refuses to start, is the theft lite doing anything?

Thanks for the quick reply.

When you mentioned security system, I broke out the owners manuel. The cars comes equipped with a security key. If it is damaged or the wrong key, it will shut down the starter and fuel systems for about 3 minutes. That's why it started when I switched keys.
I believe that's the problem.

Thanks for your help.

Sounds like you got it going your way.

Engine Performance problem
1998 Chevy Lumina

I love my little Lumina. Back last fall I started having problems with it. It would run fine to work, when I'd leave at the end of the day it wouldn't start. Once it's jumped it would run just fine for a couple of weeks. Then it started happening more often. It's been to the garage several times. They put in a new battery. Tested a few other things, everything checks out good. The last time for about 10 days, they took the car to another garage that has GM software and hooked the car to that. They can't find anything wrong. Now it's happening almost every day. There are lights, radio, windsheild wipers, everything, it just won't start. So I have 2 garages of mechinics that can't find the problem, anyone have any ideas?

Thanks

Is your security light blinking when it happens?
If so you could have a problem with your VATS system (theft deterrent system).
Here is the link to a website that will show you how to bypass this system:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/mitchell1eautorepair-car-repair-manuals

Good luck.

Thanks for the help, but there is no security system on the car.

Will not crank. Replaced battery, replaced starter.
Lights work, locks work...when you turn key...nothing; no juice to starter; but current is working throughout car. HELP!!

Check no.7 fuse 5amp, transaxle range switch and theft deterrent relay-

I have a 1998 Chevy Lumina, it has been extremely cold here, -20 degrees I went to start the car in the morning. It turned over slow but started I went inside to let in warm up. When I came back out the car had quit. It would not fire again, so I let it sit. The next morning the exact same thing, everyday since I try it turns but will not fire up. What do you suggest I do?

Hi:
Will the engine run if you use starting fluid?

Joe

it will start will starting fluid, then it dies

Hi:
It sounds like there is a problem with the fuel pump or you have a plugged fuel filter. I would recommend replacing the filter as preventive maintenance. As far as the pump, you need to check fuel pressure from it. You could rent the tool from a nationally recognized parts store and do it yourself. Just make sure it comes with directions because I'm not sure what type they will provide. I believe you should get around 45 PSI. Let me know what you find.

Joe

ok thanks I will try it, getting the fuel pump replaced is pretty expensive i'll bet

Hi:
It's not too cheap. The pump should run between 150 and 200. Labor to R&R the tank / pump will be around 2 hours.

Sorry for the news at this time of the year. If I was there, I would give you a hand, but we are most likely a couple thousand miles apart.

Have a good Christmas, and if you have any other questions, let me know.

Joe

I was driving my 1998 Chevy Lumina (3.1 V6), then heard a loud pop and the car cut off. It will crank but won't turn over. Any ideas?

Do below to determine whether it's fuel or spark issue:

Get a helper disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine at least 3/16 away from ground -have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem,Do you hear the fuel pump come On when you turn key on? If not check fuel pump fuse and fuel pump relay if so, check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs,coil's resistances,distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors and computer Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it.

Hey I recently changed on my 1998 lumina 3.1 one of my bent exhaust valve and pushrod and changed all gaskets from head up. I tried starting it and it wouldn't start at all. It cranks but it doesn't start. One thing I notice was after trying to start the car I took out a spark plug which were brand new and notice that they were a little wet and it smelled like gas. Another thing I noticed was right where I pour the engine oil in I'm able to see like 2 or 3 rocker arms and the spring and stuff and when I had someone crank it for me the rocker arm and all that were not moving at all. So u think it could be out of time? Are the rocker arms suppose to move while the engine is attempting to start or do they start moving when the engine starts.What do you guys think?

Check your timing chain and sprockets. Those rocker arms should move when cranking.

K. One think I noticed when it was apart was that number one cylinder is not at the top. It's at the bottom. That's not normal right? Thank you for your answer. How easy is it to put it back to time to align the camshaft and crankshaft.

Nsnbznz

The timing chain is in the diagram.

son's girlfriends 98 lumina will shot off when driving,like you would when turning the key off. she had the battery replaced two weeks ago still doing the same thing had the starter checked and the alt. The last time it did this they where 25 miles from home, i tried to start the car and it would not start,like the battery was dead.It tried to start and ran for 2 seconds then the moter died like it was shut off. I jumped started the car and it ran all the way back home,25 plus miles. it did it again today. Had one dealership look at it and it would not do it for them. Had another place change the battery for a new one. They checked the alt. for charging and its working fine,they too could not find the problem even driving the same route they did when it died.

If the engine cranks and will not start than its not the battery

if he was driving and the engine quite on him
and not enough power in the battery to crank it over
I would check charging system and check battery terminals
let me know

My 98 lumina 3.1L has starting problems. On the first start of the day it is fine. After that, you have to hold the gas pedal halfway in order to get it to start, and when it does, more often then not it stalls out at least once, but sometimes twice and even three times. Once you get going you are fine the car runs great, although come to think of it it does seem to idle pretty rough at random times. I have recently did a tune up that included plugs, wires, gas and air filters, pcv valve and oil change. I did notice alot of black carbon like stuff around the gas fill compartment of the vehicle. Could it be that my gas cap is faulty and not holding any pressure in my tank. Is that why the first start of the day is always fine? I'm just trying to rule out all the inexpensive stuff before I get into major repairs. Anyone have any ideas?

is the viehcle running cold, or not very hot if you are driving it hard. I am thinking it may have an EGR valve stuck open. Exhaust gases are inert, meaning they don't really reburn that well. so the EGR valve puts burn gases back into the cylinders to be compressed and burned again. however this is on;y done when the vehicle is hot! if it is happening prior to the vehicle reaching operating temperature, it will make it idle rougher and it can stall.
where are you located? do you have to bring your vehicle for emissions testing?