problem starting please help!!!!

[Hyla1967]

I have a 94 olds achieva. I have days where it takes forever to get the car to start and days it fires up no problem. When it gives me a hard time it sounds like a normal start it just doesnt turn over. You can hear the fuel pump engage so we are pretty sure it isnt that. It has new coil packs and a coil pack cover and new spark plugs. Any suggestions before I let my mechanic just start replacing parts? He wants to start with the starter but it sounds fine...it doesnt make any whining sounds or clicking....

[maxwedge]

What engine? Does the starter turn and the engine fails to start?

[Hyla1967]

It is a 2.3 quad four and yes it seems as though the starter is turning and it fails to start. It sounds like it wants to start but doesnt turn over.

[maxwedge]

Look at the fuel pressure and/or spray carb cleaner into the intake see if it fires.

[Goetz57]

It might be the passlock system trying to keep you from stealing your own car.
When it doesn't want to run, does it start for alie a second then die, and do this over and over? If so, try turning the key to the on possion for about 20 min's so the computer and passlock can reset, then try starting it. If so there is a simple fix that GM says can't be done, had this trouble and after putting in a new ignition and having the trouble start again I tried what had been stated to do on a post on here, car starts fine for a year now...let us what you find out

[icefishman]

Had a similar problem. Check the vacuum line to the fuel presure regulator. Pull it off with key turned to on. and see if gas drips out. if it does replace it.