My 2006 Grand Prix, suddenly dies without warning and will not restart.

Tiny
JKOPONTIAC
  • 2006 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
  • 70,000 MILES

I have a 2006 pontiac grand prix. In January 2011 while driving it suddenly died no warning no sputtering just dead. When I tried to restart the starter would turn but the engine would not fire. I had it towed to shop where the next AM it started fine. Car ran fine after, with no problem until late August when again the same thing happened. Once again had tow truck on the way when after about an hour decided to try one more time and it started fine. Took it to GM dealer, had no codes and could not duplicate the problem. Dealer suggest possibly replacing the fuel pump at a cost of $850. But opted not to do that. Now its October 11, 2011 and it has happened again! Any Ideas?

SPONSORED LINKS
Do you
have the same problem?
Yes
No
Wednesday, October 12th, 2011 AT 1:44 AM

8 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • EXPERT
  • 68,276 POSTS

What I need you to do is this. When it doesn't start, you need to check if the engine is getting spark and fuel. There are detailed directions on our homepage under the DIY section.

As far as the fuel pump, usually the engine will spudder and you'll notice a loss of power when it goes. A crank shaft sensor will shut spark to the engine. It would be like turning the key off.

Check what I suggested and let me know what you find.

SPONSORED LINKS
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, October 12th, 2011 AT 1:49 AM
Tiny
JKOPONTIAC
  • MEMBER

After the first incident in January the mechanic did check the fuel pressure and spark, both were fine. I have seen several articles about crankshaft sensors and it sounds like that could possibly be the problem but all 3 incidents have happened after car has been parked for 8 hours or more and occurred within 3 miles of driving. Any other ideas?

Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, October 12th, 2011 AT 2:10 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • EXPERT
  • 68,276 POSTS

That is why we need to check for spark and fuel when it won't start. If the crank sensor is bad, there won't be spark to the engine. Actually, that was my first guess based on your description. As far as the sensor, they all act differently. Once we determine which is missing, we will know what circuit to focus on. Otherwise, we may be replacing good parts.

Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, October 12th, 2011 AT 2:32 AM
Tiny
JKOPONTIAC
  • MEMBER

Check this Morning It does have spark. Can hear fuel pump when switch is turned on but sounds weak.

Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, October 12th, 2011 AT 12:29 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • EXPERT
  • 68,276 POSTS

If you have spark, then chances are the pump is the issue. To confirm, you need to check fuel pump pressure.

SPONSORED LINKS
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, October 12th, 2011 AT 4:18 PM
Tiny
JKOPONTIAC
  • MEMBER

Had the car towed to the shop yesterday. They checked the fuels pressure and it was fine, checked the spark also fine. Only thing they seemed to find was the battery had a bad cell hadn't had any problem with this before and the battery is only 1.5 years old. Mechanic says cant find anything else and its now running fine. Don't know what to do with it at this point!

Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, October 13th, 2011 AT 12:04 PM
Tiny
JKOPONTIAC
  • MEMBER

Update, finally had crankshaft position sensor and oil pressure switched replaced in Mid October. Car has been running fine since then, until yesterday when it stalled within one mile of leaving home and again wouldn't restart until several hours later. Exact same symptoms as before! Does anyone have any suggestions?

Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, December 27th, 2011 AT 3:28 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • EXPERT
  • 68,276 POSTS

If it won't start, my guess is there is a loss of fuel or spark to the engine. If you have both, it should run unless there is a timing issue or compression issue.

Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, December 27th, 2011 AT 6:39 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Engine Not Starting Content

Car Will Not Start

2006 Pontiac Grand Prix, Won't Crank. When I Turn The Key, All Lights Go Out And I Hear A Single Loud Click From Engine Compartment....
Asked by Mistydog ·
1 ANSWER
2006
PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
Engine Will Not Start
VIDEO
Engine Will Not Start
Instructual repair video
Not Starting
GUIDE
Not Starting

Is your engine not starting or cranking over? You have come to the right place. We are a team of ASE certified mechanics who have created these instructions which will help...

2006 Pontiac Grand Prix Car Wont Start

All My Lights Come On My Car It Just Wont Turn Over Not Mskin No Sound I Though My Relays Might Hv Sump To Do Wit It The Person Tried To Run...
Asked by Patricia28 ·
2 ANSWERS
2006
PONTIAC GRAND PRIX

2006 Pontiac Grand Prix Engine No Start

Can You Tell Me What The Normal Parameter's For Sensors Are In Its Norma Start Up State For 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix 6 Cldr 3.8 Ltr Engine Is...
Asked by Erinsane ·
1 ANSWER
2006
PONTIAC GRAND PRIX

Won't Always Start

I Have Pontiac Grand Prix 123000 Miles Weak Start Or Not At All Also When Running First Few Minutes There Is A Loud Noise On Front Right...
Asked by Pvg ·
4 ANSWERS
2006
PONTIAC GRAND PRIX

2006 Pontiac Grand Prix I Don't Know Where To Start...

Other Category Problem 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix 6 Cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 52000 Miles My Car Just Recently Had The Check...
Asked by Eric 76 ·
1 ANSWER
2006
PONTIAC GRAND PRIX

Car Wouldn't Start Acting Like Its Out Of Gas Running...

Car Wouldn't Start Acting Like Its Out Of Gas Running Fine Yesterday And Earlier Today. What's Do U Think Is Wrong Just Purchased
Asked by Anonymous ·
1 ANSWER
2006
PONTIAC GRAND PRIX

Recommended guides