2001 Malibu will not fire

[arcturusmine]

I have a 2001 Malibu v-6 that willl not start. It turns over fine, but will not keep running for more than a second or two.

I can hear the fuel pump hum when the cap is off the tank and the ignition switch is turned on.

We've tapped on the fuel tank.

We've switched the relays out.

We've taken the air filter off and gave it a shot of WD-40 and it fired off with that.

There is pressure on the top of the rail. I don't have a pressure reader, but you can take and bleed it dry and then turn the switch and there is pressure again.

Any ideas?

[alwaysthere]

I had an issue that sounded exactly like that and found a solution. It could be your theft system no longer recognizes your key. Turn your car's ignition to the on position. If the theft light is on or blinking, leave the car in the on position for about 15 minutes until the light goes out. After that, turn it off, then try to start. LMK if it worked.

[clutch492]

I know this post is over a year old, but I just HAVE TO say THANK YOU. I did what you said, and the customers' car starts now. What a pain. Towed the car all the way to the shop and that is all it was.

[Tech II]

Well, you didn't fix it.....it will happen again....usual fix is the PassLock sensor.....