Engine not running

Tiny
SARVER3
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 PONTIAC SUNFIRE
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
Key got stuck in ignition cylinder. Changed out ignition with one from a Cavalier and the theft light came on. Car started for over a year and then quit. Took it to a mechanic where it miraculously started again. They put it on a machine and said the only thing they found is that the new key had a chip and we needed to bypass it which we didn't know how to do. It ran for a while and then stopped again. Replaced ignition without a chip and it still won't start. Just turns over. The theft light is on all of the time but supposedly the car doesn't have an anti-theft device.
Friday, March 29th, 2019 AT 4:57 PM

39 Replies

Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello,

The anti theft devise is programmed into your vehicle's Power-train Control Module (PCM) AKA, "computer". I believe that GM's anti theft system uses resistance to come up with a predetermined voltage. If the incorrect voltage reaches the PCM then the vehicle will not start. In order for your vehicle to start properly, you will have to have the key programmed to your vehicle's PCM by either the dealership or a locksmith. These are the only two businesses that can program the key. There is no bypass, and if there was we certainly would not make it public knowledge where a car thief could get a hold of it. I am sure you understand that. I hope this helps and please let us know if we can help in ant other way.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
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Friday, March 29th, 2019 AT 5:25 PM
Tiny
SARVER3
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
The original key didn't have a chip. The cylinder we just bought did not have a key with it. We had one made by a locksmith and it is supposed to just be a regular key without a chip. We thought if we went back to the way it was in the beginning it should start.
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Friday, March 29th, 2019 AT 5:41 PM
Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello again,

Just about every vehicle manufactured from 1996 on has a chipped key, or some sort of anti theft system built in it from the factory. If the ignition key is not programmed to match the vehicle's PCM, the vehicle will not start. There is no way around this. Let us know if there is anything else that we can help you with.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
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Friday, March 29th, 2019 AT 10:41 PM
Tiny
SARVER3
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thank you. We're going to take it to the shop.
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Saturday, March 30th, 2019 AT 4:03 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 51,710 POSTS
Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.
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Tuesday, April 2nd, 2019 AT 11:57 AM
Tiny
SARVER3
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
We took it to a different shop and than the one who told us it was the key and it turns out it was the ignition switch and didn't have anything to do with the theft system. Also a loose wire on the fuel pump, and bad spark plugs. It runs great now though! Thanks for your quick responses.
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Tuesday, April 2nd, 2019 AT 5:14 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 51,710 POSTS
Glad you could get it fixed, that kind of problem can be tough. Please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.
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Wednesday, April 3rd, 2019 AT 10:09 AM
Tiny
JEREMY36
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 PONTIAC SUNFIRE
  • 2.2L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 147,000 MILES
My car has been stalling out for about a week then the other day it would not. Start no crank no start.
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Wednesday, April 3rd, 2019 AT 10:10 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 51,710 POSTS
Hello,

This can be caused by the ignition system losing spark or the fuel system losing pressure. here is a guide to so you can get started checking:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

Please let us know what happens, we are interested to see what it is.

Cheers, Ken

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Wednesday, April 3rd, 2019 AT 10:10 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CLINTDUFFNEY
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2002 PONTIAC SUNFIRE
  • 250,000 MILES
My car started this morning but when I went to pull out of the drive way my car shut off and wont start it turns over just wont completely start could it be the fuel pump relay I need my car to get back and forth from work I thought it was cause the car was low on oil so I put some in and car still wont start and no shops by me can tell me whats wrong unless I get it to them but I cant drive the car
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Wednesday, April 3rd, 2019 AT 10:10 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Is the security light on solid or flashing with the key in the run position?ALso have you checked the fuel pressure and for spark?
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Wednesday, April 3rd, 2019 AT 10:10 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CLINTDUFFNEY
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Yes I checked everything was fine and the theft light is on when I first turn the key I used to have a smell of gas about a three months ago but the last two months I haven't smelt anything then today the car just stops I have people telling me it could be the fuel pump relay or I need a jump but I have power in the car and lights come on just car wont completely start I'm not a whiz about cars
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Wednesday, April 3rd, 2019 AT 10:10 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Take some carb spray and spray it in the throttle bodysee if it starts?
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Wednesday, April 3rd, 2019 AT 10:10 AM (Merged)
Tiny
TWOBLUE30
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 PONTIAC SUNFIRE
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 113,000 MILES
Car was running fine, no indications of problems. Stop and turned off car. Washed it, started it for father to check things under the hood. Turned it off for a few minutes and tried to start it later and NOTHING. It is as dead as a doorknob! Tried to jump the battery unsuccessfully. What to do next? Starter? New Battery? Could it be a wet distributor? Thanks for any help to point us in the right direction!
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Wednesday, April 3rd, 2019 AT 10:10 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,548 POSTS
If you washed the engine, then I would suspect an electrical connection.

Remove connectors and clean with electronics cleaner.
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Wednesday, April 3rd, 2019 AT 10:10 AM (Merged)
Tiny
STKNIGHT
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2002 PONTIAC SUNFIRE
Engine Performance problem
2002 Pontiac Sunfire 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic

no start started of as intermitant have replaced crank sensor cam sensor and ignition module we have power to coil pack cam is turning but no spark
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Wednesday, April 3rd, 2019 AT 10:11 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Hello, any codes? Both the white and orange wires should have a pulse, with engine cranking? Did you visually check for spark?
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Wednesday, April 3rd, 2019 AT 10:11 AM (Merged)
Tiny
STKNIGHT
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Hi not sure how this site works but we found the problem the ignition switch cuts the power to the coil and ecm in the start position if you backfeed 12 volts to coil positive car will start thankyou for your time

Steve
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Wednesday, April 3rd, 2019 AT 10:11 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Hi, sounds like you need a new switch?
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Wednesday, April 3rd, 2019 AT 10:11 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JWL1023
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2002 PONTIAC SUNFIRE
  • 280,000 MILES
My fiancée got into the car, she said it started then stopped. Now it will crank and crank but not start. New spark plugs, good battery, and new wires. When I crank it it will shake and shutter. It might be the fuel pump because I can usually hear it running when I turn the key on.
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Wednesday, April 3rd, 2019 AT 10:11 AM (Merged)

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