Engine wont start up?

Tiny
GINGERP
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 SATURN VUE
  • 68,000 MILES
My car has gotten to where at times it won't start. Sounds like it's out of gas. An hour later it will start. Been going on about a month now, several times a week. When it won't start the fuel pump isn't running in the 'on' position. Changed the entire fuel pump assembly. Still no good. Replaced the ignition module as well as the tumbler and had it re- keyed. Passlock reset. Still no good. I'm at the end of my rope?
Wednesday, December 7th, 2011 AT 7:58 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
This sounds like a fuel pump or the crankshaft angle sensor has gone out. 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.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+6
Wednesday, December 7th, 2011 AT 8:06 PM
Tiny
GINGERP
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
It's not throwing any codes. The dealership couldn't find anything wrong with it.
The security light only flashes when the car is off and locked.
When the car won't start, with the key to the 'on' position, the fuel symbol stays lit and the fuel pump makes no noise. That's why we changed the fuel pump assembly but it didn't help.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Wednesday, December 7th, 2011 AT 9:09 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Fuel symbol light?The fuel pump doesnt run constantly in the run position. It will run for a few seconds then the pump shuts off. It will only run constantly while cranking or with the engine running. When it doesnt start have you checked for the actual fuel pressure reading at the fuel rail?Also what engine do you have?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Wednesday, December 7th, 2011 AT 9:16 PM
Tiny
GINGERP
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
It doesn't start to run at all when the car won't start and it's in the 'on' position.
Have a 6 cylinder. How do I check pressure reading? Where/ what is fuel rail?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, December 7th, 2011 AT 9:20 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Fuel rail is where the fuel comes into the engine. Here is guide that will show you how to get the fuel pressure.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, December 7th, 2011 AT 9:30 PM
Tiny
GINGERP
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Yes, it's the low fuel warning light. The gas gauge does read empty when I have a no start, but it always reads empty when it first starts always. Everything else is functioning properly at all times, even with the no start situation.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+3
Wednesday, December 7th, 2011 AT 10:24 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
With that new info its starting to sound like a bad body control module when they go bad they usually dont set any codes and one of the things that usually happens when they cause a no start is the fuel gauge reads empty and it wont start.I have seen that happen a lot on the saturn L model when the body control goes bad. Did you mention that the fuel gauge reads empty and low fuel light comes on when it doesnt start at the dealer where you took it?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+2
Wednesday, December 7th, 2011 AT 10:33 PM
Tiny
GINGERP
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
When I get it to the dealership it always starts. They've never been able to get it to 'no start'. Then I took it to a shop and they replace the BCM for $340.00 All fixed :) I love this site.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+2
Thursday, December 8th, 2011 AT 2:03 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Nice work, we are here to help, please use 2CarPros anytime.

Cheers
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+3
Thursday, December 8th, 2011 AT 7:13 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Engine Not Running Content

Car Cranking but Not Starting? Try This
VIDEO
Car Cranking but Not Starting? Try This
In­struc­tional re­pair video
Engine Not Starting
GUIDE
Engine Not Starting
Over the past 20 years at 2CarPros we have iden­ti­fied the top prob­lems that are eas­ily fixed. This guide can save you a trip to the re­pair garage or call­ing a tow truck and...
VIEW MORE