Crank no start

Tiny
RCOOLEY
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
  • 3.1L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 170,000 MILES
Car will crank but not start. It has good fuel pressure and spark. Started fine earlier.
Friday, December 29th, 2017 AT 6:21 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
HARRY P
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,292 POSTS
Have you actually measured the fuel pressure with a gauge? You can borrow a gauge from AutoZone for free, just put a deposit on it and you get the deposit back when you return it. I ask because it is pretty common for a car to have some fuel pressure, but not enough to start. Fuel pressure should be between 40.5 psi and 47 psi, with the key turned on and the engine off. The fuel pressure test port is in the image posted below.

Note: if the pressure is just below the 40.5 psi, the problem may be simply a clogged fuel filter. A dirty filter does not cause this often, but it does happen. The filter location is in the second image below. It is about as clear as mud, but it is the best that I can get you.

A shorter, quick and dirty test, would be to spray some starting fluid into the intake and see what it does. If it starts and then shuts off, it is not getting enough fuel, if any. If it does not start, then it is spark strength related.

The ignition modules on these cars can deliver strong sparks to some cylinders, while delivering 0 spark to the next. Make sure that each cylinder has a strong spark. A spark tester is a good tool to have for this. Here is one on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-20610-Inline-Spark-Tester/dp/B0002STSC6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1501325755&sr=8-3&keywords=spark+tester - The local auto parts stores sell similar ones as well. Definitely a good thing to have in the toolbox.

So run a few tests and let us know what you find. We'll go from there.
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Friday, December 29th, 2017 AT 6:46 PM
Tiny
RCOOLEY
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Yes, car has 45 PSI and starts with starting fluid but shuts off right away.
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Saturday, December 30th, 2017 AT 9:05 AM
Tiny
HARRY P
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,292 POSTS
Is the "security light" on? If so, it could be killing the injector pulses because there is some issue with it. Possibly a problem in chip that is in the key. You can have the key checked at the dealership for free and a new one made for a few bucks.

If the security light is not on, and the car has 45 PSI and strong sparks, then check for injector pulses. They make a set of lights called Noid lights that you can plug in to the injectors. If they are getting pulses then the lights will illuminate with each pulse. I think that AutoZone has it in their Loan-a-tool program. You can also buy it from Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L7ASGIY/ref=asc_df_B01L7ASGIY5319864/?tag=hyprod-20&creative=395009&creativeASIN=B01L7ASGIY&linkCode=df0&hvadid=223000753168&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=605228606866203718&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9009593&hvtargid=pla-375685424093

You can also simply check your INJ fuse(s). Look in the under hood power distribution center for that one.
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Saturday, December 30th, 2017 AT 7:58 PM
Tiny
RCOOLEY
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thanks, I will check that out.
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Sunday, December 31st, 2017 AT 5:51 AM

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