2001 Oldsmobile Bravada car will not start

Hello -

To better assist you please tell me your engine size in liter.

If the car doesn't start at all now please go to Auto Zone (AZ) or O'Reilly's (OR) and use their tool check out program and get the code scanner. Check your codes, if you find something and you don't get it fixed and need to get back with us, please make sure you tell us exactly what the code was, number and all. Example, if the code was E0568 O2 Sensor bad. Then make sure you give us all of that.

We need to figure out if it is electrical or fuel related. Pull a plug wire off of the spark plug and insert something into the end of it and have someone try to start the car and have the metal object really close to a piece of metal on the engine and see if you are getting a good strong popping blue spark. Don't have your hands on any part of the metal! If there is no spark, then it is electrical.

If you are getting good spark then spray some starting fluid in the throttle body and try to start it and see if it tries to start then.

You may need to get a fuel pressure check on the fuel pump to ensure it is putting out okay. We will see.

Please let me know what you find out

Hello -

Well, that is what I believe it is. The fuel pump. It does have 150K on it. As you said... Good spark so we know that is okay.

It tried to start with the starter fluid which means if it had a constant flow it should keep running.

The only way to be sure is to take a fuel pressure check. Well, I have done it another way but caution against it. I have a spare fuel pump. I take the shrader valve out of the bleeder port and put the exit end of the fuel pump hose on it and drop the other end into a gas jug. Plug it to the battery and away it goes....... Then if I can start the car and it runs for a minute until I turn it off, then I go with the fuel pump.

Replace the relay also if you are going to change the pump and make sure you get a new filter and sock on the fuel pump.

Are you going this direction?

Hello -

Also, it looks like you may have a recall on your vehicle. The dealer may fix this for free. Please contact the dealer service department, give them the VIN number of your car and have them check on this to see if it applies to you.