Engine won't start?

Tiny
KEDEVOE
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 PONTIAC GRAND AM
  • 130,000 MILES
It will turn over, but won't fire. Only getting a P0141 code. What do I do? I put my hand over the muffler and it is blowing air.
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Saturday, September 10th, 2011 AT 11:18 PM

93 Replies

Tiny
PROMECHANIC
  • MECHANIC
  • 536 POSTS
This code is an oxygen sensor code. If the oxygen sensor is bad it might be causing too much fuel going into the engine. This could cause your problem.
I would start by getting this code fixed.

When you turn the key to the on position without cranking the engine over can you hear the fuel pump run in the tank for 5 seconds?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Sunday, September 11th, 2011 AT 3:00 AM
Tiny
CHRISTINATE
  • MEMBER
  • 23 POSTS
  • 1996 PONTIAC GRAND AM
  • 120,000 MILES
Car has been running well. Parked it and came out the next morning and engine would crank over, but would not start. Have determined that engine is lacking spark and fuel. Upon key on, I hear the fuel pump run, along with everything else powering up ok. All fuses ok, including the pcm and ign fuse. Have replaced the coil pack along with the ignition module and crank sensor, but with no change. Ignition module getting the 12 volts at the 2 pin conn. On left side. Crank sensor ohmed out at 901 and with engine cranking was getting 1.1 volts. All grounds look good. Unplugged map sensor, no change.
Wondering what to look at next?
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Thursday, July 30th, 2020 AT 5:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,990 POSTS
What motor?
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Thursday, July 30th, 2020 AT 5:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CHRISTINATE
  • MEMBER
  • 23 POSTS
3.1
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Thursday, July 30th, 2020 AT 5:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,990 POSTS
Some testing help here. http://troubleshootmyvehicle.com/gm_ckp_3.1L_3.4L/ckp_sensor_test_1.php

http://easyautodiagnostics.com/ignition_gm/ign_module_test_1.php
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Thursday, July 30th, 2020 AT 5:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CHRISTINATE
  • MEMBER
  • 23 POSTS
Thanks for your help, but the ignition module and crank sensor has already been replaced prior to your post on testing them. Any other clues?
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Thursday, July 30th, 2020 AT 5:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,990 POSTS
You checked ignition module ground wire next to hot?
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Thursday, July 30th, 2020 AT 5:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
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  • MEMBER
  • 23 POSTS
Yes, we have a good ground on that side.
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Thursday, July 30th, 2020 AT 5:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
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Did you test CKP pulse at ignition module?
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Thursday, July 30th, 2020 AT 5:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
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Yes, around 1v cranking the engine and it ohm'd out at 900ohm
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Thursday, July 30th, 2020 AT 5:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,990 POSTS
And still no spark?
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Thursday, July 30th, 2020 AT 5:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DORSEY COLE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1996 PONTIAC GRAND AM
  • 138,000 MILES
Acts like not hitting on all cylinder, auto scanner wont even light up, scans fine other 1996 pontiac grand prix.

I have a 1996 Pontiac Grand Am with a 3100, engine and 13800 miles, been well taken care of, the car tries to start but just will not catch, acts like not hitting on all cylinders, I have replaced the front three plugs but have to wait till I can move car to get the the three rear, I am getting fuel, at least to the fuel rail, I put an auto scanner on the car and it would not even power up, no code no nothing,

I put same scanner on 1996 3800, Grand Prix and the scanner worked fine, why cant I get anything out of scanner and why wont car start, Have not checked for full fire from coil pack yet, Old front plugs were almost completely gone, Electrods worn badly.

HELP PLEASE
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Thursday, July 30th, 2020 AT 5:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
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Correct, no spark. Everything leads to the module in my mind, but I have tried two different ones.
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Thursday, July 30th, 2020 AT 5:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,870 POSTS
You probably have a blown fuse thats why the scan tool wont power up off the connector. Check the 15amp fuse in the inside fuse box labeled HRN that powers up your scan tool off the obd2 connector. Lets start by seeing if you can get some codes out of the computer and go from there.
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Thursday, July 30th, 2020 AT 5:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HOMER1967
  • MECHANIC
  • 875 POSTS
Are you using the same key you always use?Any theft lights on?
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Thursday, July 30th, 2020 AT 5:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DORSEY COLE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Do you have any tips on getting to the 3 rear plugs to replace, this car does not have the dogbone mounts like the grand prix 3800. I made those mounts for years at GM when I worked there, ive benn told I might be able to remove the coil pack to get to them, any help would be wonderful, and I will make sure I donate on the 1st, as I am retired and get paid on the 1st of each month, please help, you have been the best I have talked to, thank you
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Thursday, July 30th, 2020 AT 5:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
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  • 23 POSTS
Yes, same key. Theft light has always been on
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Thursday, July 30th, 2020 AT 5:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,870 POSTS
I have replaced some plugs on those engines a while ago there is a torque strut front mount somewhere on the engine. Pop the mount loose and see if you can tilt the engine with a ratcheting tie down. As far as you donating at the begining of the month thank you in advance if you could please donate on the question that way I will get credit for it. Also lets see if we can get some codes please post the exact code numbers and not the code descriptions.
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Thursday, July 30th, 2020 AT 5:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HOMER1967
  • MECHANIC
  • 875 POSTS
It really sounds like a pass- key or pass lock issue to me. Can you have someone scan it and see what kind of theft system codes you have
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Thursday, July 30th, 2020 AT 5:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
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Checked power, cleaned and rest. Only codes where for the oxygen sensor. Still nothing
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Thursday, July 30th, 2020 AT 5:10 PM (Merged)

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