2CarPros - Car Questions & Answers

1999 Pontiac Grand Am Repair Question


Topics covered: Fuel pump, Fuel pressure, Auto parts.
Mileage: 160,000 miles.

Asked on December 26, 2011

Starts then dies, but will eventually stay running

I have a 99 Pontiac Grand Am 3.4L When i go to start it, it fires then dies,It will do this 3 or 4 times before I can keep it will stay running. And to get it to stay running I end up having to push the accelerator 1/4 to 1/2 throttle and hold the key in start position for a few seconds after it initially fires. After i get it to stay running it runs great.
Avatar Asked by JHenriksen

Answer

Replied on December 26, 2011

The first thing i would check for is codes have you done that yet?Also do you have a multimeter to do some testing?you could have a bad coolant temp sensor it would make sense for your symptoms.

Tiny Answered by saturntech9 (expert)
23,157 answers provided
Replied on December 26, 2011

I don't have a reader for the newer stuff....Yet. It Does it hot or cold

Tiny Response from JHenriksen
3 questions asked
Replied on December 26, 2011

Hi saturntech9. How about low oil level / pressure and the fuel pump is switched on by oil pressure? I don't know which years or models that applies to but sure sounds like how that system acted.

Tiny Answered by caradiodoc (expert)
17,277 answers provided

Replied on December 26, 2011

Hey Doc, The fuel pumps that are integrated into the fuel pump circuit are done so as redundant power supplies for the pump. The relay will pre-empt the oil sender, unless it is bad.

Tiny Answered by Wrenchtech (expert)
14,724 answers provided
Replied on December 26, 2011

It wouldnt hurt caridodoc jhenriksen check your oil level see if its low.Also take it to a auto parts store like auto zone and have them scan the computer for codes.If you have any codes then let me know the exact code numbers not the code descriptions.Also a multimeter would be helpful to test things.

Tiny Answered by saturntech9 (expert)
23,157 answers provided
Replied on December 26, 2011

Oil level is good. I will get it scanned. I do have a mulitmeter.

Tiny Response from JHenriksen
3 questions asked

Replied on December 26, 2011

Alright let me know about the codes and we will go from there.

Tiny Answered by saturntech9 (expert)
23,157 answers provided
Replied on December 31, 2011

No codes, fuel pressure kinda dances from low to high 40s as i crank it over and its trying to start.

Tiny Response from JHenriksen
3 questions asked
Replied on January 1, 2012

Pull the fuel pressure regulator vacuum line off the nipple see if there is fuel coming out of the nipple.

Tiny Answered by saturntech9 (expert)
23,157 answers provided
Replied on January 1, 2012

Nope, its dry

Tiny Response from JHenriksen
3 questions asked