1995 Pontiac won't start

[wowchad]

Hello to all I'm a new member looking for some help and this looks to be a very informative site so....

I have a '95 Bonneville that's my wifes' car. Last year it would not run and it turned out to be the crank position sensor. Now this week it ran fine until one morning she went to start it and it won't start.

It sounds like timing, however I hooked it up to a code reader and got nothing.
I can only suspect it's the fuel pressure regulator because it spits and chugs but won't start completely. Where is this regulator and how do I test it?

Thanks in advance for any help as this type of year prevents the funds to take it into the shop but we really need this vehicle running.

BTW it's at 140,000 miles on a non-supercharged 3800

[jkinney]

Howchad, normally the pcm will detect just about anything with the exception of fuel system, and secondary ignition (plugs and wires). Since you had no codes, I'd check the spark (with a spare spark plug) while someones cranks a short one on the ignition, to indicate spark. This will not guarantee timing, but spark only (you should expect to see a white or blue spark -make sure your clear of fuel rail, and no leaks), If no spark, take off the Ignition Module and take it into a parts store to have it checked- they'll usually do it for free. If you do have a spark, you'll have to try to get your hands on a fuel pressure gauge, you should have 40 PSI (roughly) and hold that pressure for over 15 seconds, since you mentioned the regulator I'm assuming you've already checked the fuel pressure, if so what was it? Let us know what you come up with, and Good Luck!

[wowchad]

I have spark, and I took the coil packs in to be tested first thing, they were fine.
That's why I'm thinking fuel, I replaced the filter to be safe and still it has the same symptoms! It really fires funny...LIKE A TIMMING ISSUE!!

However if that were the case it would come up on dianostic test and it did not, so.....

Thats why I've come to this pressure reg., I guess I will try the pressure test today and see what happens.

[jkinney]

WOWCHAD, A fuel pressure gauge can tell you if you have adequate pressure, and if your regulator is working. You can check the coils with an ohm meter, Did you have the ignition module checked ? When you start the vehicle, the module receives a signal via the cam sensor and crank sensor and directs it back to the PCM. So once the engine starts, the PCM instantly takes over the timing, if the module and/or other sensors are malfunctioning, it could be preventing it from starting - you need to do a process of elimination. I have a 94 and went thru the same thing with timing, the PCM was actually telling me the module was bad, but looking through the service manuals a few tests told me that the PCM was malfunctioning (where the module is wired back into it) AFTER I purchased a new module (not cheap- wasted $$$) I purchased a new PCM - FIXED IT!

[wowchad]

Where is the ignition module?

And where is the pressure regulator?

I don't think it's the pcm or the ign. module because no codes spit out but I'm gonna take it off and check it anyway....once I find it.

BTW where do you buy your Pontiac parts from? I was told gmparts direct is the place to go to save money.

[jkinney]

The ignition module is the platform that your coils are mounted to (you should have 3 coils) and a harness plugs into the platform (platform meaning "Module"). The fuel pressure regulator is mounted on the fuel rail, is cylindrical in shape and will have vacuum hose plugged into it. www.gmpartsdirect.com is a good source for OEM parts, but I hear their shipping is based on total price, so you could get ripped if it's a small item with a large price tag -but cheaper than the dealership by far, you just need a GM part number. I broke down and bought my stuff at Advantage Auto, and Autozone, the guarantee can be delt with locally. I joined www.bonnevilleclub.com, they are a good sourse for info, and most everyone there is eager to help. I disagreed with some members about sensors and computers going bad and not setting off a code, but it did happen to me, so I'll eat my crow. Probably not what you'd like to hear, but it does happen. I worked at Delco Remy years ago as a contract designer in Engineering, and we did solenoids and sensors, they just arent designed to fail you like that, but I guess nothings guaranteed. Evidently, GM thought they could do a better job in Mexico too. Good luck!

[fritcr]

If you think you need a module or coil paks let me know. I just sold my 94 and I have an extra known good set of paks and a good module on my shelf in the garage. I'd make you a deal on them.
Rob

[wowchad]

give me a price here or email me at [email protected]

[Zorro003]

I have a similar problem, my 95 Bonneville won't start. Starter doesn't turn when turning the key. Starter turns over when connected directly, but car does not stay on even with ignition key on. Checked the fuses in the fuse panel, checked the fuses under the hood, all ok. Starter switch seem to be ok. What else can I check?

Any help greatly appreciated.

[jkinney]

Zorro, why do you say the switch "seemed" to be okay? Do your gauges power up when you turn the key on?, and does your "Service Engine Soon" indicator light up on its "self test"? Do you have the diode in your key?

Wowchad- Did you get your pressure test done?

[wowchad]

Nope.....PROCRASTINATION!!

The boss has been away so I've been driving the company plow truck while my wife took my company parts van. With snow on the way and the boss coming back tuesday I'll be getting on that though!!

[wowchad]

Originally Posted by fritcr

If you think you need a module or coil paks let me know. I just sold my 94 and I have an extra known good set of paks and a good module on my shelf in the garage. I'd make you a deal on them.
Rob

HEY ROB HOW ABOUT A PRICE ON THOSE PARTS.....CALL ME AT 800-558-8730 OR EMAIL ME AT [email protected]

Chad

[wowchad]

Mine turned out to be head gaskets.
The plugs were getting fouled with antifreeze. It runs like a race car now that it's fixed and the heads were freshened.

Just beat a 3800 supercharged with it