Car will not start when left overnight

JEFFREY DUNN

MEMBER
2004 PONTIAC GRAND AM
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
229,851 MILES

Car runs fine all day but when left parked all night the next day it will not crank but turns over but will not crank. If I unplug the battery for 30 minutes or so, then hook back the battery back up the car will turn over and run just fine. Also, since it started not turning over my gas gauge only reads to half tank know even if it's a full tank. I’ve checked all fuses and are good.

Thursday, September 30th, 2021 AT 2:45 PM

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Hi,

What we need to determine is if this is fuel or ignition-related issue. Since you are experiencing issues with the fuel gauge, the fuel system is my first suspect.

The easiest thing to do is this. When it won't start, see what happens if you use starting fluid. If it starts and then stalls, we know its fuel related. If it makes no difference, check for spark to the plugs. Here is a link showing how that is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

Do this and let me know the results. Also, let me know if the check engine light stays on with the engine running.

Take care,

Joe

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Thursday, September 30th, 2021 AT 9:09 PM