2001 Starting problem

Just bought a 2001 Sunfire 2.2 Auto for my daughter. She phoned me twice the first night saying it died and wouldn't start. The engine turns over fine but will not fire. After hours of tinkering around I noticed that it would start only if the steering column is in the full upright position. Once the car is started the column can be lowered to the driving position without affecting the running of the engine. I have heard that there is a recall on the 2001 for a "fail to start" and possible fire hazard in the steering column. I am checking with GM Canada with this and also checking out other resources to find as much info as possible. I will try posting all the info I can get.

Check out this link, might be what you are looking for.
http://www.car-recall-database.com/pontiac-sunfire-recall-41959.htm

Cheers

The engine turns over fine but will not fire. After hours of tinkering around I noticed that it would start only if the steering column is in the full upright position. Once the car is started the column can be lowered to the driving position without affecting the running of the engine.

Once the car is started and you lower the column, does your Security or Theft light come on and stay on? Passlock 2 wires are very weak and a simple bad connection or broken wire can wreak havoc intermittently. This is just a shot in the dark, however. These 3 little wires are running from your ignition and down the column. Do a search on here for Passlock problems to read up on the system.

Ray