Start up issues

In the last couple of days, by 2002 Grand Prix GTP Coupe has had some issues starting.

When I leave it overnight it takes a couple of seconds to start, but when I drive it around for a while and then turn it off and then back on again, it starts up almost immediately, but it's not as smooth as it used to be.

I bought it new, so I know it has never had the spark plugs or battery replaced. Does this sound like a battery issue? In my limited experience and knowledge, I would guess it is a failing battery that doesn't hold a charge very well anymore because it is always worse when I leave it off for extended periods of time and better when I drive around and the battery charges up a little.

How possible would it be for this to be a spark plug issue or even a starter (I hope not) issue?

Anything else I can do to troubleshoot before buying any replacement parts?

Thanks,

GT

The first thing I would do is to check the battery voltage to see if the battery is still good. If it is weak replace it. If the engine turns slowly then I would suspect the battery is the culprit. You can have it load tested at most autoparts stores to see if it is good.

A good tune-up won't hurt the situation either. New wires and plugs can help the starting issue as well as fuel mileage. Also clean the fuel system with a good quality bottle of injector cleaner. A new fuel filter may also be in store for your car. Dirty injectors can account for a lot of problems. Once you have done all of this if there is no improvement write again as there are many more suggestions.

In the last couple of days, by 2002 Grand Prix GTP Coupe has had some issues starting.

When I leave it overnight it takes a couple of seconds to start, but when I drive it around for a while and then turn it off and then back on again, it starts up almost immediately, but it's not as smooth as it used to be.

I bought it new, so I know it has never had the spark plugs or battery replaced. Does this sound like a battery issue? YES. Your battery is at its end life.

In my limited experience and knowledge, I would guess it is a failing battery that doesn't hold a charge very well anymore because it is always worse when I leave it off for extended periods of time and better when I drive around and the battery charges up a little.

How possible would it be for this to be a spark plug issue or even a starter (I hope not) issue? Coincidence.

Anything else I can do to troubleshoot before buying any replacement parts? Nope. Follow GTPDad's advice. It's sound feedback to you about a vehicle that is 5 years old. From the tone of your post, the car has had little maintenance performed on it so far in its life time. Also suggest you change your serp belts if you haven't change them yet.

Thanks,

GT

See comments in the quote.

Just to give a follow up because I hate when a topic just ends with no results.

A couple times last week, the clock on the radio was reset when I started my car in the morning, so that confirmed my dying battery issues.

Replaced the battery this weekend. Was a PITA. Everything works great now. Belts are next.

Thanks again.

-GT

Thanks for the feedback GT4NE1. We all hate it too when a thread just ends with no resolution. Maybe this will help another forum member with a similar issue.

Honestly. I'm really grateful for this...I have an 03 that is doing this same thing. At first I thought it was the Ignition Module...when I checked the price on them...man was i amazed. Changed the battery...2 weeks later running stronger than ever. Thank You.

At my recent visit to Autozone, I replaced my PCV valve and hose which I think made my 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix SE 120655 miles better far as acceleration. The hose was crack and the PCV valve was not the one required for the vehicle, however, I still experiencing trouble starts. I received a battery test and the staff told me the battery is good (voltage/amps), but its not the recommended one for my vehicle. He indicated a 78D battery, currently I have a AC Delco 75. Any advice?

As long as that 75 series battery has a minimum of 600 CCA (your car's minimum requirement), you're fine. Both are side post batteries, and the only difference is about and inch in length (the 78 is longer).

What do you mean by trouble starts? (eg. slow crank, clicks then cranks, cranks for a while then starts?). Could you be a little bit more specific please?

Sometimes when I start or turn the ignition the car would start and at times it have trouble turning over. I have to keep it turned for awhile until it starts...or if I push on the gas pedal. I'm guessing its the Fuel injector or fuel filter being clog or sometime. Believe me everytime if have trouble starting I just simply tap on the gas pedal and it starts....can anyone help??



As long as that 75 series battery has a minimum of 600 CCA (your car's minimum requirement), you're fine. Both are side post batteries, and the only difference is about and inch in length (the 78 is longer).

What do you mean by trouble starts? (eg. slow crank, clicks then cranks, cranks for a while then starts?). Could you be a little bit more specific please?

Possable bad IAC motor. It controls the amount of air entering the engine. Maybe try removing it, cleaning it and its housing with carb cleaner and reinstalling it.

Ok...thanks for the reply, however, I am new to this and I do not know what is IAC motor, location, and procedure to do so. Please reply what info so I can take the steps to fix the problem. Thanks

Here is a link to the tips and maintenance sub-forum with a picture pointing out the part in question (the picture is of a 3800, but the 3100 is similar).

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=74637

Unplug the harness, remove the two screws and remove it from the throttle body. here is a link to AC delco's website picture of the IAC.

http://198.208.187.182/internet/ViewPartImage.jsp?acdelcoPartNumber=17112350

The cone shaped tip (being held in place by a wire bail that won't be on yours, it's for shipping only and is discarded) is the piece that you need to clean, it gets carboned up. Be careful not to move the plunger in and out while cleaning as you can screw up it's calibration/adjustment.

:useless: :lol:

I just happen to have a pic in my collection.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y186/lizzywiz/iac_3400.jpg
IAC Location GM 3100/3400

WOW...that great! Thanks BNaylor! I supposed the engine is different from mines since I have a 3400. Anyways, so I simply remove it, clean it and its housing w/ carb cleaner, and reinstalling it. So is it that simple? And what brand name of carb cleaner I should buy? Also, what is the housing of the IAC motor I supposed to clean?

I think you have the 3100 Vin "J" engine so the pic above is correct. I'd use throttle body spray cleaner like from STP not carb cleaner. Pic below has IAC removed. Clean the spring loaded pintle and the dish at the end. Remove all carbon buildup. Also, clean the seat at the throttle body where it mounts which has the air orifice. Don't damage or forget to install the o-ring seal. You can just wipe off the IAC plastic housing but I would not use any cleaner on it or the electrical contacts. Use electrical contact cleaner only on the jack and connector plug.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y186/lizzywiz/iac_2.jpg
IAC Removed, Cleaned and Showing two Torx T20 Scews and O-ring Seal

Thanks for the pic! So just to be sure, I'm only spraying the throttle body spray cleaner on the cone shape piece at the end only and where the IAC is mounted? I thought you said not to remove the rubber O-ring because it would readjust the position. Also, the IAC plastic housing is the entire black piece attached to the cone shape piece right? If so, can I just wipe it off with a clean cloth?

You're welcome. Correct plus the pintle and spring area below the cone shaped piece. Also, do not diassemble any part of the IAC or use force by moving or turning the pintle. On the cone shaped part even after spraying you will most likely need to rub the carbon off with a rag. Remove o-ring before using the spray cleaner and re-insert after cleaning and IAC is dry before re-mounting.

Also, spray some PB Blaster or WD40 on the two Torx T20 screws holding the IAC to the throttle body before attempting removal. GM uses thread locker. Sometimes they break off but make sure you turn counterclockwise. Good luck!