00 GA v6, starts, won't run, no gages or instrument panel!

[michelbr]

Before I noticed that the instrument panel was not working, we assumed it was the fuel pump AGAIN, but we just replaced it last year.

Facts:
2000 Grand Am, 3.4 V6 140,000 miles

Issues/what we have done:
Battery died, was leaking from the positive terminal, replaced.

Fuel pump is running, I can hear it AND we tested for fuel in the engine - good to go, correct PSI is getting to the injectors.

Brand new plugs

Starts sometimes, doesn't stay running, just shuts off, whether I hit the gas or not.

Did some playing around, removed some plug wires, same issue.

Then I noticed that my instrument cluster, gages, lights, etc. are not working. When you turn the ignition to "ON" the lights should flash or stay on, whatever their process is for testing the system, I get NOTHING, 9 out of 10 times! (I did see lights once).

I called out local auto repair shop and they said they have seen this issue in a few cars and that it is the ignition switch. Does that sound right? I could see that for the instrument panel, but the way the car starts and stops or just doesn't start reminds me of older cars when the timing was off, which in this car is controlled by the ICM or a couple other sensors...

Thoughts? Has anyone seen/heard of this? Any suggestions?

[xeroinfinity]

Welcome to AF !!

Sounds more like a power issue with the gauges not working.

Check that the terminals are clean and all tight. The battery should have 12.5-13.5 volts, if it doesnt then that's one of the problem(s).
If the battery was new, then its possible your alternator is bad and not properly charging your battery.

And yes a bad ignition switch can cause simular issues. Here is a thread to test the switch.
Ignition switch-Lock Cylinder check/replace 99+ Grand am

Hope that helps!

[michelbr]

Turns out both issues (starting, not running and the gauges) are caused by a fuse under the hood (40s), they aren' blown, but they are tarnished (inside), new one tarnished after putting it in the slot for the starter, but the car did run.

I have been told that it is likely a short somewhere in the car. Any advice here?

[manicmechanix]

What did the fuses go to?

[xeroinfinity]

Originally Posted by michelbr

Turns out both issues (starting, not running and the gauges) are caused by a fuse under the hood (40s), they aren' blown, but they are tarnished (inside), new one tarnished after putting it in the slot for the starter, but the car did run.

I have been told that it is likely a short somewhere in the car. Any advice here?

Yeah fuses shouldnt just blow for no reason.

These fuse boxes can get corrosion inside from getting wet.
The under hood FB , and the end of the dash ones if you have a sun roof leaking water.
Its common if the front underside splash shields are missing or loose letting water splash on the under hood fuse box. A real PITA to get open and look too.

I'd also inspect the starter area wires too. They can get dirty and or loose.

Also did you get a jump for this car recently?
Sometimes that can pop a fuse if you got a power surge.

Keep us posted!

ANd was this fuse #3 ?

[Big_red16424]

Originally Posted by michelbr

Before I noticed that the instrument panel was not working, we assumed it was the fuel pump AGAIN, but we just replaced it last year.

Facts:
2000 Grand Am, 3.4 V6 140,000 miles

Issues/what we have done:
Battery died, was leaking from the positive terminal, replaced.

Fuel pump is running, I can hear it AND we tested for fuel in the engine - good to go, correct PSI is getting to the injectors.

Brand new plugs

Starts sometimes, doesn't stay running, just shuts off, whether I hit the gas or not.

Did some playing around, removed some plug wires, same issue.

Then I noticed that my instrument cluster, gages, lights, etc. are not working. When you turn the ignition to "ON" the lights should flash or stay on, whatever their process is for testing the system, I get NOTHING, 9 out of 10 times! (I did see lights once).

I called out local auto repair shop and they said they have seen this issue in a few cars and that it is the ignition switch. Does that sound right? I could see that for the instrument panel, but the way the car starts and stops or just doesn't start reminds me of older cars when the timing was off, which in this car is controlled by the ICM or a couple other sensors...

Thoughts? Has anyone seen/heard of this? Any suggestions?

97 Olds achieva - same problem for about two weeks.

Roll the key forward just a smidg until it clicks the FIRST TIME. wait for the panel to light up and then start the car WHala it will run just fine.

Its a security feature GM decided it would be oh so intelligent to put a MAGNETIC field sensor in the ignition housing...

somewhere between the sensor and the ignition it doesn't like what it sees and the security failsafe turns on...

my car did this for about two weeks and now it starts right up using the technique i just told you to try.

Let me know how it goes.

[michelbr]

Fuses are for the IPC/BFC and PCM. Hence no instrument cluster and no fuel pump.

I can wiggle the fuses and the car starts. It has been determined that whomever installed the carkit that was installed in this car and recently removed did damage as they had the power for the carkit connected to K and N fuses...now they don't make the right connection. That is why I can wiggle and make the right connection.

Has anyone ever replaced a fuse box? How hard? Is it possible? Any other ideas for a work around?

[Big_red16424]

Originally Posted by michelbr

Fuses are for the IPC/BFC and PCM. Hence no instrument cluster and no fuel pump.

I can wiggle the fuses and the car starts. It has been determined that whomever installed the carkit that was installed in this car and recently removed did damage as they had the power for the carkit connected to K and N fuses...now they don't make the right connection. That is why I can wiggle and make the right connection.

Has anyone ever replaced a fuse box? How hard? Is it possible? Any other ideas for a work around?

whomever wired something directly in to the fuse system is an idiot.

I've never done it but you might be able to rewire those individual places in the fuse box...