Engine Not Cranking Over?

Tiny
CALEBK
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 PONTIAC GRAND AM
  • 3.4L
  • V6
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 134,000 MILES
Hello, I really need help with a no-crank issue on a 2002 Pontiac Grand am GT 3.4L. I have done many different procedures to cure the problem which has been an ongoing issue for years now. I have bypassed the security (because this is a well known issue for the car), changed out the ignition switch, replaced the battery, starter, fuel pump, and the fuel pump relay yet still am getting the no-start/no-crank on my vehicle. If I wait awhile the car will sometimes fire up but sometimes will make a scratching/grinding noise when starting (similar to that of a cat or something if it were in the engine [Even though how bad that sounds]). Also, whenever I am driving on the highway the car will jerk when accelerating repeatedly. I have been told my only options left to replace are the battery terminals to the starter, the flex plate, and the camshaft and crankshaft position sensors. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time and god bless.
Sunday, July 26th, 2015 AT 10:05 AM

39 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Do a wiggle test on crank/cam sensor may be the harness and check this guide out it will help us find and fix the problem

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Sunday, July 26th, 2015 AT 4:24 PM
Tiny
SUNNY1
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 PONTIAC GRAND AM
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 86,000 MILES
My car is turning over but not starting
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Saturday, April 25th, 2020 AT 2:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LEGITIMATE007
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,121 POSTS
Check to see if you are getting any fuel.
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-2
Saturday, April 25th, 2020 AT 2:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LEGITIMATE007
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,121 POSTS
https://www.2carpros.com/car_repair_video/test_fuel_injection_pressure.htm

fuel pressure check
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Saturday, April 25th, 2020 AT 2:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LEGITIMATE007
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,121 POSTS
It wouldnt hurt to check for spark also then we can take it from there
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Saturday, April 25th, 2020 AT 2:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LEGITIMATE007
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,121 POSTS
Go here for spark
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Saturday, April 25th, 2020 AT 2:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BRASKIJONES
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2002 PONTIAC GRAND AM
  • 108,000 MILES
I was driving and took an exit, after I took the exit, my car would not accelerate. As I pulled over to the side of the road and put it in park, I turned the car off. When I tried to turn the car back on, it wouldn't start. It made a humming noise like (4 cyl). Engine was not hot or smoking. Every time I tried to start it made a humming sound, like it was turning over but not firing.
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Saturday, April 25th, 2020 AT 2:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BLACKOP555
  • MECHANIC
  • 10,386 POSTS
Where we going for spark legit?@? :D
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Saturday, April 25th, 2020 AT 2:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RIVERMIKERAT
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,110 POSTS
A whirring sound? That's the starter bendix not engaging the starter gear.
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Saturday, April 25th, 2020 AT 2:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LEGITIMATE007
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,121 POSTS
My bad
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Saturday, April 25th, 2020 AT 2:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BRASKIJONES
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks for the quick response! If that is the case, how much am I looking at for a repair? Dad's not too happy.
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Saturday, April 25th, 2020 AT 2:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LEGITIMATE007
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,121 POSTS
Go here for spark

https://www.2carpros.com/car_repair_video/test_engine_ignition_system.htm
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Saturday, April 25th, 2020 AT 2:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RIVERMIKERAT
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,110 POSTS
Depending on where you live, the warranty period for the part you choose, and what engine the car has, you're looking at around $100 to $150 for the starter and about an hour labor for replacement. If you tell me what engine the car has, I can send you the removal and replacement directions so all you have to pay for is the part itself.

One extra word here, when you buy the starter at a parts store, they will charge you a core charge. You get that money back when you bring back the old starter.
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Saturday, April 25th, 2020 AT 2:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BLACKOP555
  • MECHANIC
  • 10,386 POSTS
Thanks legit, keep her up.
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Saturday, April 25th, 2020 AT 2:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ELSASSER26
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 PONTIAC GRAND AM
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 78,000 MILES
2002 Pontiac grand am ignition won't engage starter. When I bypass ignition and go to starter the starter will run but won't start.
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Saturday, April 25th, 2020 AT 2:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Are you jumping the solinoid? If so do it with the key in the on position, does it start? Crank? Or just hear the bendix drive spin?
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Saturday, April 25th, 2020 AT 2:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DAYMONDH
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
  • 2002 PONTIAC GRAND AM
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 96,000 MILES
I turn the key and the starter won't ingage. I can ingage the starter by jumping the cylinoid but the car won't crank. What can I do to fix this?
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Saturday, April 25th, 2020 AT 2:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
It might be the starter relay. Look inside the power distribution box and you will find several relays. They should all be the same so swap out the A/C and starter relays and see if it starts. In many cases these work in series, the engine control computer, starter, and fuel pump might be connected and if one is bad none of the systems will function. Check the fuseable links and main fuses as well.
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Saturday, April 25th, 2020 AT 2:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DAYMONDH
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
I changed the starter relay but still nothing. I remember seeing the sucurity light blinking as I was going to my destination and when I shut the car off that when it happened. Could that have anything to do with it?
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Saturday, April 25th, 2020 AT 2:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
Ah, I see. Yes, that is exactly what it is. I believe the chip (PASS II) in your key has failed. You will have to get another key made at the dealership. I do believe this can be quiet expensive(around $150 for key with chip and programming it). Unless you have a spare key with the chip in it as well?
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Saturday, April 25th, 2020 AT 2:09 PM (Merged)

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