2000 Grand Prix Won't start

I have a 2000 Grand Prix with a 3.8L engine that will not start. When I turn the key to the run position, the headlights and the dash lights come on, but when I turn the key to the start position, the lights go dim and nothing happens. No sound from the starter. I checked the battery and the starter and they are good. I installed a new positive battery cable. Still works the same.

Not sure what else to check. Any ideas?

Thanks.

checked the starter? Did you whoop on it with a ballpeen hammer while someone holds the ignition on start? If lights dim, the starter is trying- just is not turning. Bumping it with a hammer will center the worn-out armature and make it take off...do this a few times til you replace the starter.

There could also be an issue with your ignition switch. Sometimes when they wear the ignition switch will not make contact and the starter will not engage. I suggest trying to jump across the solenoid contacts with a screwdriver. If the starter engages then the issue is in the wiring if not then the starter or solenoid probably needs replaced. Also while you are at the starter check the fusable links. One may be burnt and not allowing contact when you try to start the car.

I checked the battery and the starter and they are good.

How were they checked? What's the voltage at the battery when you try and start?

I took the starter out and had it checked at Napa auto parts store. They said it was good. I had the battery checked at the auto parts store and I also put in a battery from another car and it still does the same thing.

When I turn the key the lights go dim. Would it do this if it was a nutral safty switch or ignition switch problem?

Napa did NOT test it under load---bad mistake- any starter can "free" spin. The fact the lights dim when in "start" position means the starter is connected- getting proper signals, just can't turn over engine--so replace starter....

I have had Autozone tell me my starter is great- then when I replace it- all works fine in car-- they must be tested under load- but nobody does that..

There is a really rare chance that your engine is seized- very unlikely- but would result in same symptoms-- see if you can turn engine over by hand- with a wrench on crankshaft....

All you have to do, is attach a test light to the "S" terminal(purple wire) of the starter solenoid....if the negative battery cable is ok, and the test light is bright(like it is when put across both terminals of the battery) with the key in the crank position, you need a new starter....

If the test light is not bright, then you have a voltage drop or open or starter enable relay is bad or not commanded closed....

I checked the purple wire at the starter and there is no power to it when the key is in the start position. My Haynes manual shows a crank relay in the under the hood fuse block, but I do not see one on the car. I will have to do some searching for the relay and see if power is coming from the ignition switch.

Thanks.

It could be called a starter enable relay or a Theft Deterrant relay.....

Does the ignition key have a black resistor pellet on it? If yes, you have PassKey....turn key to on(not crank) and look at the SECURITY light.....does it go out after 3-5 seconds?

If key doesn't have a pellet, it could be Passlock.....If a PassLock system, need to check if B2958 or B2960 is set....code readers and generic scanners can't read "B" codes...

Try starting in neutral....

For the 2000 year Pontiac Grand Prix I recall the relay names changed. Not labeled starter or crank relay. In the underhood fuse box look for Relay 11, Ignition Main. Do you have access to a GM type factory service manual? Also, check the owners manual if you have one.

For clarification the 2000 year GP has a Passkey 3 (PK3) VATS/immobilizer system.

I checked the purple wire at the starter and there is no power to it when the key is in the start position.

Is there power (+12V) when in the RUN position? If so, if it goes to 0V in start without spinning the starter, then it sounds like a bad solenoid to me.

Quote:
Originally Posted by boomboom
I checked the purple wire at the starter and there is no power to it when the key is in the start position.
Is there power (+12V) when in the RUN position? If so, if it goes to 0V in start without spinning the starter, then it sounds like a bad solenoid to me.
__________________
Lloyd
99 Grand Prix GTP

Lloyd you are confusing things......there should be no power(+12V) when key is in run position.....It should go to 12V when in the crank position....

If this has PK3, then first, just turn key to "on", not crank, and look at the SECURITY light.....if should come on for 3 seconds(bulb check) and then go out......if it stays on, then there is a problem in the PK3 system.....if it goes out, then the whole circuit between the ignition switch and the starter solenoid should be checked out......there will be a starter relay in the circuit......

I have a 2000 gt it wont start in parking mode the purple wire in selenoid does not have power,but in neutral mode the engine turn but no start and one fuse inside the hood blow when i try to start the engine. Any help pleaseeee thanks

Well, it looks like you have two problems......

If it cranks in neutral, but not in Park, it is a P/N switch problem.....it may just be out of adjustment....

If it cranks in N, but doesn't start, then you do the usual.....check for spark on all cylinders, check for fuel pressure, and check for injector pulse.....also check for codes......


When you turn the key to "on", does the SECURITY light go out after 3 seconds?

Some quick things you can try first....

Disconnect the MAF sensor, and see if the the vehicle starts....

Pull the vac line off the fuel pressure regulator and see if there is fuel in the vac line....