2000 Grand Am not starting

My 2000 Grand Am SE2 won't start. Has the 2.4L DOHC twin cam and is automatic. Has 223,000 miles. OK, here's the story, went to wal-mart and car ran flawlessly on the way there. When I came out to start, it turned over and acted like it was going to start and then died. Tried to start again, weakly turned over but wouldn't start. Towed it home and found out the A/C Compressor locked up and its been making a loud noise in the first place and knew it would be going out soon. So took off the drivebelt and tried to start again but didn't work. Unplugged clutch engage wire to A/C compressor and tried to start again but didn't work. Checked to see if the ignition system was getting fire and it wasn't. Next I take the ignition control module/coil assembly from my 2000 Grand Am and put it on a 2001 Grand Am with exact same engine and it starts right up. So I know that the ignition control module and ignition coils are not defective. Also checked the fuel injecors and fuel pressure is good so that can't be it. This vehicle has a timing chain which has not broke so I know the timing is not the problem. Can someone please share some insight on this!? Has been a great car until now.

27 views and no replies :frown: Doesn't anyone know what I cand do to fix this thing!? :eek7:

Well if its getting spark and fuel youd assume it would start.

Have you tried a compression test ??
Could fauled plugs , how old are they ?

Is the security light on or flashing?

Security light is not on nor is it flashing. It's not getting spark but I did compression test and it failed. Does this mean my timing chain did break?
I bought new plugs to put in it but I still doubt that will fix the firing problem because I tested for fire with and ignition tester and still had no fire. Are there any sensors that control ignition firing that may be defective?

possible crank position sensor, timming chain,starter???

The Crankshaft Position Sensor tells the computer to shoot electricity to your coils. You either have a coil problem or CPS problem.

Security light is not on nor is it flashing. It's not getting spark but I did compression test and it failed. Does this mean my timing chain did break?
I bought new plugs to put in it but I still doubt that will fix the firing problem because I tested for fire with and ignition tester and still had no fire. Are there any sensors that control ignition firing that may be defective?

A failed compression test, why did it fail and what was the readings ?

As stated above your crank sensor controls spark, though I would check for trouble codes or test the sensor beffore just replacing it.
Thier is a boat load of test procedures in the Tips and Maintenance sub forum (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=2148) that'll help check several components that could be causing your trouble(s).

Was only getting around 30 for compression test. I should have this thing fixed by now but I have had to work so much lately, 10 hour days, and when I get home I just want to go to sleep..lol. I appreciate your help fellas, I'll get it going eventually =)

30 is bad! :eek7:
Could just be the head tho, that would be less expensive then a new/rebuilt engine. Time to tear it down! :grinyes:

got the timing chain cover off and checked timing which was perfectly fine. however, when i turn the crank shaft by hand I can feel it hitting something solid. I think that from where my A/C Compressor locked up all at once it broke the crankshaft. I think thats why I'm not getting fire because CPS is not getting the 7x spin from the crankshaft. this sucks so bad. depression has set in :popcorn:

Doesnt sound good!
If you had a good scan tool and hooked it up while you cranked it over, it would show if the crank was turning via the 2 sensor signals.

I have not see/heard of any AC compressor causing such damage, usualy just keeps turning untill it burns up the belt and it breaks.

Could be something else hitting inside, a rod maybe or a valve dropped...

Good Luck!

I checked all the valves today by turning the camshafts along with the appropriate firing order and blew air into the cylinder through the spark plug hole. Air was not leaking out of any of the cylinders so that rules out the valve problem.