Engine wont start!

Tiny
KUBOTA9
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 111,000 MILES
I have a 1999 GTP with a 3.8L V6 motor. The motor will crank but wont start. After trying about 7-10 times it might start. It has fuel pressure so I can rule out a fuel pump. Also changed the computer.
Wednesday, June 9th, 2010 AT 9:30 PM

45 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
This sounds like the crankshaft angle sensor needs to be replaced but to be sure here is a guide we can use to pinpoint the problem.

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

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Wednesday, June 9th, 2010 AT 9:47 PM
Tiny
KUBOTA9
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I checked the fuel pressure with the gauge. The gauge read 40-45 psi. It couldn't be the fuel pump if the sparkplugs aren't firing.
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Wednesday, June 9th, 2010 AT 10:07 PM
Tiny
TRISHAJOVI
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Are you saying that you do not have fire?
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Wednesday, June 9th, 2010 AT 11:13 PM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
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No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs, coil's resistances, distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors and computer Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it
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Thursday, June 10th, 2010 AT 4:21 AM
Tiny
GSANCHEZ
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  • 4 POSTS
  • 1999 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
  • 12,000 MILES
Just picked up a 1999 Grand prix GT. It wont start, was told by previous owner that starter was bad, I had the starter checked, was told it was good, I was also told the Ignition switch/lock cylinder was bad and replaced it, when I try to start the car the dash lights work, but every thing else does not, no head lights. Ect. The starter just clicks, and no power any where. Any help would be great.
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Thursday, April 16th, 2020 AT 2:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Check to make sure the battery is good. If you only get one click from the starter, it does sound bad. I would remove it and have it bench tested, but not until the battery and all connections are checked.
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Thursday, April 16th, 2020 AT 2:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
GSANCHEZ
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  • 4 POSTS
Thanks The battery is new and was also tested, and the starter clicks 4 to 5 times, I am thinking maybe the netural safty switch or elec, switch in steering column. Would a obii scan test indicate if these switchs are working
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Thursday, April 16th, 2020 AT 2:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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It sounds like either a bad starter or a weak connection. The clicking usually indicates a weak battery. Since it is new, I would be looking for bad connections or corrosion. Even a loose battery terminal can cause it. How was the starter tested?
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Thursday, April 16th, 2020 AT 2:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
GSANCHEZ
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IT was bench tested at an autozone. Battery is about two weeks old. We also ck and cleaned battery terminals and all connections at the starter, and cleaned mounting surfaces of block and starter to make sure there was a good ground.
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Thursday, April 16th, 2020 AT 2:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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That is interesting. If you are getting clicking, then the starter is getting power. Do me a favor. Have a helper turn the key to the start position while you check for voltage to the smaller wire at the starter. You should have 12v. If you do, try running a new ground directly to the battery. If that doesn't help, replace the starter.
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Thursday, April 16th, 2020 AT 2:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
GSANCHEZ
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Thanks I will try that and post the results in a day or so. Thanks again.
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Thursday, April 16th, 2020 AT 2:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CREED82
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1999 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 216,000 MILES
I drove my car the night before and got up the next morning and now it won't start. I changed the fuel pump and all the fuses and relays and it still wont start. I also found some burned wires under my battery and replaced them and still no start. The engine tries to start but will not turnover. I have already spent $300 on this problem and I am becoming desperate for an answer. I have changed the fuel pressure regulator and the mass airflow sensor and I have no fuel pressure. If anyone could help I would greatly appreciate it.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/373629_035_1.jpg

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Thursday, April 16th, 2020 AT 2:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
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Do you hear the fuel pump when key at run position?

You replaced the fuel pump and there's no pressure-check the fuel pressure to rule out the pump and also check for injection pulses.
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Thursday, April 16th, 2020 AT 2:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Let me know
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Thursday, April 16th, 2020 AT 2:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CREED82
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
No, I don't hear the fuel pump when I turn the key. I'll check injection pulses. Thanks for tip.
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Thursday, April 16th, 2020 AT 2:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
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Check the fuel pump fuse and relay
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Thursday, April 16th, 2020 AT 2:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MARKWCOLLIN
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  • 2 POSTS
  • 1999 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 135,000 MILES
Belt broke, replaced belt, now wont start
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Thursday, April 16th, 2020 AT 2:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JDL
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Maybe the belt hit something when it broke? Do you have a crank sensor around the harmonic balancer? Have a helper crank it while you visually check for spark at the plugs. If that checks out, use a gage and check fuel pressure. Do you have compression, although my info shows that belt to be accessory belt, not valve timing.
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Thursday, April 16th, 2020 AT 2:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MARKWCOLLIN
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Checked fuses, has no spark. Still has fuel pressure
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Thursday, April 16th, 2020 AT 2:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JDL
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Some fuel pressure may not mean much, if that is the initial prime? Post the vin, please. I'm not sure of engine litre size?
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Thursday, April 16th, 2020 AT 2:25 PM (Merged)

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