2002 Pontiac Grand Am Car died and won't start.

Tiny
WISNER1431
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 PONTIAC GRAND AM
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 160,000 MILES
Today I was driving my 2002 Pontiac Grand AM SE 2.2 4Cylinder car. I had left my friends house - and it started up and died. Didnt think any'thing about it. Started it up, start right up! Drove about a mile, parked at the beach. I was leaving, and it started up just fine, as soon as I turned and left I heard a minor thump then it died. The RPM's went down slowly and would not turn back over. It tries to start but won't. I checked to see if my belt was back laying on the ground, but it had the belt inside of it. I don't know if they have two belts or not. It is my first car, and I have had it for about a week. I can say I have beat it a few times (flooring it to show off) but that would have nothing to do with this.
Wednesday, August 12th, 2009 AT 11:15 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,548 POSTS
Start by checking fuel pressure with mechanical gauge, look for >45psi, OR spray some starting fluid in throttle body, if engine runs a few seconds, then fuel problem, if not then ignition.
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Thursday, July 30th, 2020 AT 2:13 PM
Tiny
WISNER1431
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Ended up being the Timing Chain and Water Pump,

The Auto- Care guy said that he would get zero pressure from the valves or something, I dont know. He said it would end up being 2200 or so to fix everything. I can only think of one time the car has ever been floored but that was over 2 months ago, was showing off with my friend and his big chevy.

I recommend NO one buy a Pontiac. Or A GM in that matter. I called GM and they said that they can't do anything about it because its a 2002.
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Thursday, July 30th, 2020 AT 2:13 PM
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,548 POSTS
If the mechanic is saying he is not getting any cylinder pressure when a compression test is performed, then I guess he is saying the timing chain is broke? Or the cam gears has some broken teeth?

If I were you, I would get a second opinion.
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Thursday, July 30th, 2020 AT 2:13 PM

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