1997 Pontiac Grand Prix service engine light car won't star

LILRIP

MEMBER
1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
180,000 MILES

Occassionally my car will not start no matter what I try.I can comeback later and it cranks right up first try. Also Rpm guage will drop to zero while car is running but continues to run.I had a diagnostic test done and it indicated the catalatyic converter needed replaced. Could this really prevent the engine from starting or not?

Friday, March 20th, 2009 AT 12:29 PM

3 Replies

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

Hello, if your saying it cranks good, but, won't start? Do some of the basic tests, have a helper crank it, while you check for spark at the plugs and injector pulse. Try to to see what your missing, when it refuses to start.

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Friday, March 20th, 2009 AT 1:07 PM

LILRIP

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Hello again but wouldn, t a spark problem or fuel problem have shown when diagnostic test was performed. It sometimes runs fine for weeks w/o hesitation and then all of a sudden I shut it off and then it wont start again for like ten or fifteen minutes

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Friday, March 20th, 2009 AT 1:47 PM

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

If your asking, would a no spark or no fuel set a code? Not always, when all else fails, do the basic tests. You have to do the testing, when the problem is ongoing.

When it refuses to restart, you need to try to see if your missing fuel or spark. Putting a scanner on it that shows live engine data, freeze frame, codes, yeah that would be nice. Code readers are ok, better than nothing.

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Friday, March 20th, 2009 AT 2:24 PM