Car won't start

greasyhog · #1 01-30-2010, 09:29 AM

So I had been having some weird start problems lately like the car wouldn't start but would 15 minutes later and the security light coming on. A few days ago it start up then die immediately. So I went ahead and replaced the ignition switch thinking that was the problem. Now when I try to start up the car I car hear the starter spinning but the car does not want to fire up. Any suggestions for me to try?

Edit: Now when trying to start the car it does a putt putt type deal like it's trying to fire up but can't

maxwedge · #2 01-30-2010, 10:45 AM

Basics here, good spark to the plugs, fuel pressure at the rail, will it start spraying starting fluid into the intake?

greasyhog · #3 01-30-2010, 01:53 PM

tried some starter fluid. Didn't help. It sounds like it wants to start a little but isn't. Can i just pull off one of the ignition coils and start the car and see if there is spark between the posts to verify there is spark? If so, I didn't see spark this way. If this indeed should be sparking this way then it leads me to believe that the crankshaft sensor is bad (no codes have been thrown).

Edit: Scratch that....I am getting spark from the front ignition coil haven't checked the back one yet cause is so cold right now. Any suggestions for me at the moment.

maxwedge · #4 01-30-2010, 06:47 PM

If you could scan it you could check for cranking rpms to check the cps, or just check for good blue spark at the plugs, if weak or none, take the ign module to Napa or AZ for a test.

greasyhog · #5 01-31-2010, 10:11 PM

Thanks for the tips max. When I was at AZ I rented the fuel gauge and checked the psi it was at 38 when it should be 48-55 I believe. I will change the fuel filter and check it again. Sounds like it may be the fuel pump.

LittleHoov · #6 02-01-2010, 01:48 AM

For what its worth I think my car only read in the upper 30s/low 40s when I checked it back in the day and it starts and runs fine....unfortunately thats about the only input i have on the matter.

I would think it would at least start with psi in the 30s, thats still quite a bit of pressure. I could understand maybe having problems at full throttle or something.

panzer dragoon · #7 02-01-2010, 06:30 AM

-this sounds like a security issue = search this forum on "security" and read thru those posts. Does your keyfob (auto unlock handheld device) work?

greasyhog · #8 02-01-2010, 11:59 AM

Panzer, I have changed the ignition switch and I have tried my aftermarket remote start. It will turn over but not start, the same as with the key.

LittleHoov · #9 02-01-2010, 01:40 PM

I guess I missed your mention of the Security light in your first post. Does it blink or just steady on?

The Security system is easily disabled, but I believe you have to do it when the car is running. Mine has been disabled for quite some time now with no issues except for a Security light being on, but Id much rather have that than a car that wont start.

greasyhog · #10 02-01-2010, 02:05 PM

it started coming on a few days before the car wouldn't start. I would get off work, the car would start normal and I would drive a few minutes to the in laws to pick up my son. the car would start normal again when leaving but the security light would kick on after a few seconds and stay on til I got home (45 minute ride). Then would start normal the next day. I also shut the car down and started it up once when I got home and it started fine after the light had been on. Then one morning it cranked and wouldn't start. That's when I decided to replace the ign switch but I have the same problem.

maxwedge · #11 02-01-2010, 02:42 PM

Usually the PK11/111 will prevent the engine from cranking, not the issue here. The lite on needs to be checked though.

dtownfb · #12 02-01-2010, 04:07 PM

What is the model year and engine in your Intrigue? Do you have another key you can try?

I would do as panzer suggest and do a search on "security light". You should find quite a few discussions dealing with the issue.

greasyhog · #13 02-01-2010, 10:22 PM

2000 intrigue 3.5. I do have a copy of the key and tried it also with the same results

greasyhog · #14 02-18-2010, 01:24 PM

So i changed the fuel filter and by recommendation of 2 others people I know I changed the fuel pump also ($80 on ebay new). The psi increased a few but still got the same results. So I figured hey, this car has been sitting the garage for 2 weeks and won't start. So I have it towed to a dealer to look at it. Guess what??!!!!!! It started right up for them. I believe it wouldn't start for them once maybe twice over the last 4 days they have had it and they keep saying it starts fine. The mechanic did mention that it seems like it might have been trying to start Rich when it started and died on him. I will pick the car up today and hopefully won't have any more problems. But just in case....anymore ideas??? I also removed and cleaned the IACV.

panzer dragoon · #15 02-18-2010, 03:56 PM

goto a GM stealership with a Tech2 scanner. They will OBD2 scan your car and do a few runs on it. $80-200 -but you should find out what is wrong.

-the security light coming on is bizarre. (otherwise could be a crankshaft or camshaft position sensor -but usually you get a OBD2 code for those)

I cases like these the Tech2 ($4000 OBDII scanner) is the cheapest solution. You could always goto Autozone (call and ask first) or somewhere else for a free OBD2 scan or a cheap <$80-100 (Equus etc) scanner could be loaned

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