2002 Pontiac GT won't start hot-sometimes

[ecressey]

Hi;
There have been about 4 times in the last two years when I have been driving my Pontiac Grand Prix GT (always in the summer) and then stopped for a few minutes, like getting gas and the the car would not restart right away. It would crank, but not fire. I would have to wait a few minutes (3-5) and then it would fire right up.

Yesterday, after driving for an hour on the interstate with the outside temperature above ninety, we stopped for a few minutes and the car would not restart until we waited for about an hour. When it finally started, I finished driving home in about 45 minutes and then let it set for 5 minutes and tried to retart it (just to see what would happen) and it fired right up.

Any idea what might be casuing this? 3.8L engine, no turbo.
Thanks.
Earl

[weaselphd]

Can any one please comment my car same year and everything just started doing the same thing there is like 37k miles on it... im was thinking the fuel filter, so i will try to replace that today... Please any suggestions?

thanks
weaselphd

[ecressey]

Hi;
The Pontiac dealership dosen't know either as they cannot get it to do it while they have it. They think it might be the passkey security system. They recommended that the next time it does this to turn it off, remove the key, re-insert the key and turn to the on position (do not crank) and leave it for 10 minutes, then turn it off, remove the key and then re-insert the key and try to start it. This would reset the passkey system to the key.

Earl

[stlwagon]

Possible vapor lock in the fuel system. Loosen the gas cap to release the vacuum. Let the car sit for a few minutes. Push the accelerator half way and try to start. If it still doesn't start, push to the floor and hold while you try to start. If that doesn't resolve it, replace the fuel filter as a start.

[weaselphd]

Well the car is currently being checked out by a real mechanic not them overcharging freaks at the dealer... his suggestion was close to yours, that there could be a combination of a dirty fuel filter and vapor lock. and with the blocked pressure the car doesnt want to fire properly, giving the symptoms we saw, but it hasnt acted up, of course, for him so we shall see i will keep you guys updated as to what i find... this seems to be a re-occuring problem for a few owners out there...

WeaseLPhD

Originally Posted by stlwagon

Possible vapor lock in the fuel system. Loosen the gas cap to release the vacuum. Let the car sit for a few minutes. Push the accelerator half way and try to start. If it still doesn't start, push to the floor and hold while you try to start. If that doesn't resolve it, replace the fuel filter as a start.

[weaselphd]

The reason the Pontiac Grand Prix taking a S*** is the Fuel Pump... Be prepared the pump is a dealer only item $450.00 for the pump + $140.00 Labor.... THANK GOD we have a family owned repair facility that spent 4 hours diagnosing the vehicle and the same verdict, they were getting ready to call me and tell me i was nutz... then when he went to call me he shut the car off, and then it thank god it died!!! so they ran their diagnostics and the fuel pressure was squat... so for those of you who are experiencing this ghostly problem, i hope this helps!

WeaseLPhD

Originally Posted by weaselphd

Well the car is currently being checked out by a real mechanic not them overcharging freaks at the dealer... his suggestion was close to yours, that there could be a combination of a dirty fuel filter and vapor lock. and with the blocked pressure the car doesnt want to fire properly, giving the symptoms we saw, but it hasnt acted up, of course, for him so we shall see i will keep you guys updated as to what i find... this seems to be a re-occuring problem for a few owners out there...

WeaseLPhD

[GTP Jeff]

Vapor lock in a fuel injected system is vitually non-exsistant.. With the pump in the tank being cooled by fuel, it's unlikely that fuel could get so hot that it perculates and causes an air pocket that would keep the pump from pumping..

Your problem lies somewhere else, other than vapor lock..