97 Gp Se Help!!!!!

[katys97GPSE]

So I just bought this 97 grand prix se today. 3.8 V6 in it. Needs new brakes, rear struts, tires, and a blower motor (had my mechanic check it out before I bought it). Go out tonight, mechanic is gonna do all the fixin's tomorrow. Went to leave my buddy's house, and start the car before I leave. Starts just fine. Go back in, grab the kids load them up in the car and go. Get about half a block down, and the car starts to die. Check engine light comes on, and the car just DIES half a block away from my buddy's house. I call him, he checks it out with my boyfriend, and they think it's the alternator. Try to start the car again, and it TRIES to turn over, it just won't start. Full tank of gas, and the battery cables look solid. HELP!!!!! WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY CAR???????

[richtazz]

Wecome to AF

IF the car will crank over but doesn't start, then it's probably not an alternator. The alternators job is to maintain the charge in the battery and a dead battery will not have the juice to turn the starter.

First thing you need to do is have the car scanned to see what caused the check engine light to come on. From what you describe, it sounds like a bad crank position sensor, but many other things could cause what you describe including a bad MAF sensor, low fuel pressure, etc...

[katys97GPSE]

I called the dealer I bought it from they are going to try and get it in their shop to see what's wrong with it. My mechanic says they'll have to pay to fix it. Is that right?

[richtazz]

Since you just bought it, I would demand they fix it. It sounds like you bought it knowing it needed the other parts mentioned, but you shouldn't have to pay for a repair that should've been addressed before the car was sold to you.