1992 Pontiac Grand Am

ROBOVIC1

MEMBER
1992 PONTIAC GRAND AM

1992 pontiac grand am, 2.3 quad 4 sohc hard to start when engine is cold, mileage is approx.85000 miles. This all started back in january when the car failed emmisions and the shop replaced the oxygen sensor. The next morning the car would pop and backfire and was hard to start, I took it back to shop and they ran code tester on it with it saying nothing wrong. Once it is cranked in the morning it is fine the rest of the day, I replaced the coil housing, fuel filter, tuned it up, checked vacuum hoses, plug boots, cleaned throttle body, I am stumped, and I have worked on cars for years. Any ideas where to go next?

2 Replies

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

I wonder if there is a bleed down with the fuel happening. Next time try cycling the key several times before you crank it to build pressure/flow that may be lacking.

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Saturday, October 27th, 2007 AT 7:48 AM

ROBOVIC1

MEMBER
4 POSTS

1992 PONTIAC GRAND AM QUAD 4 2.3 HARD TO START WHEN ENGINE COOLS DOWN. Hey paul I tried what you said about cycle the switch 2 or 3 times before trying to crank and it only popped once and was much easier to crank, I noticed on the first key cycle a distinct whirlling sound but subsequent cycles I didnt hear anything but it started much easier and I have had this same thought in mind since I read the fuel chapter section in my manual because there are several warning side notes on relieving pressure from fuel system before service I was almost tempted to disconnect a fuel supply line first thing in the morning to see if the system was holding pressure. Anyway what next, or should I say first fuel pressure regulator or fuel pump? And thanks, great site. I am disabled and on a fixed income but will donate what I can and I encourage others to do so because it is very difficult to diagnose some problems with only a manual. Oh yeah there was some smoke when it started but just until it smoothed out, I only let it run a few seconds then shut it off after that all you have to do is turn the key and it starts immediately and normally!Continued to search while awaiting your response (still waiting) found problem was fuel pump, seems there is a valve in pump assembly that maintains constant pressure. Wanted to let others know who may run into same problem.