It will not start up unless I hold down the gas?

Tiny
CBSAYERS82
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM
  • 2.2L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 128,000 MILES
I was messing with the evap vapor canister and now I can’t get it to start. I have waited several minutes between tries. This happens every time I fill up the gas tank. At that time it won’t start up unless I hold down the gas pedal and in a few seconds it starts. This time, I did not just get fuel, it will not start just crank. I’m currently wait a long time to try and crank and hoping for the best.
Saturday, June 28th, 2025 AT 1:54 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
It sounds like the EVAP purge solenoid is stuck open and has been flooding the engine. I would remove the spark plugs and replace them if there are black (soot fouled). Here is the location of the purge valve, if you remove it, you should not be able to blow through it. Check out the images (below). Let us know how it goes.
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Sunday, June 29th, 2025 AT 10:16 AM
Tiny
CBSAYERS82
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Ken! Thank you for the reply. I am actually about to grab a new evap purge canister from my local auto parts store. I will be swapping it out to see if I can get it started. Will have my mechanic look at the spark plugs soon.
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Sunday, June 29th, 2025 AT 10:19 AM
Tiny
CBSAYERS82
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Update, it still won't start. Just crank. Tow to the mechanic tomorrow. Yay lol
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Sunday, June 29th, 2025 AT 1:09 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Did you remove one spark plug to see if it is black? If the spark plugs are carbon fouled the engine will not start.
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Monday, June 30th, 2025 AT 10:04 AM
Tiny
CBSAYERS82
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I will pass that on to the mechanic. He helped me with spark plugs last time I tried to "upgrade" them with Bosch brand. That GM 2.2 Ecotec did not like Bosch, lol.
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Monday, June 30th, 2025 AT 4:05 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Okay, sounds good, please let me know what they say.
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Monday, June 30th, 2025 AT 5:42 PM
Tiny
CBSAYERS82
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Hey Ken, I found out a crankshaft sensor was replaced along with a few other items, including several fuses. I will list those parts tomorrow when I get the bill. I picked her up and she started right up and ran great.
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Tuesday, July 8th, 2025 AT 2:56 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Yep, I weak crankshaft sensor will cause this, rare though, good mechanic you found. Glad you got it fixed. Please let me know what else they found.
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Tuesday, July 8th, 2025 AT 3:33 PM
Tiny
CBSAYERS82
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Hello again. My ignition coil, ignition module, and crankshaft sensor were replaced. She starts up very fast now and is running great! Thank you
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Friday, July 11th, 2025 AT 5:09 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Thanks for letting us know, we are here to help when you need us :)
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Friday, July 11th, 2025 AT 11:24 AM
Tiny
CBSAYERS82
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
She’s starting up immediately and my idle sounds are a lot better too. Thank you!
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Friday, July 11th, 2025 AT 6:47 PM

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