1995 Grand AM 2.3 Quad WILL NOT START

[motsey000]

We have a 1995 Pontiac Grand AM. It started acting up about 2 weeks ago. Total loss of power. I talked to my brother (who worked as a mechanic for several years). He came and looked at the car. He found that #1 cylinder wasnt getting fire. His first suggestion was to replace the ingination coil. We did that with no diffenence. He had disconnected the injector, no difference. We switched the spark plug boots, again no difference. He then suggested that we get some injector cleaner. Did that, no difference. But the car did run. Just very rough because it was only running on 3 cylinders. The other day, the car just stopped. Quit!! Again my brother came and looked at the car. He is stumped. We have replaced the fuel filter, camshaft sensor, spark plugs. We have checked before the car quit running the compression and it was fine. Its getting fuel, gettig fire except at #1 cylinder but will not run. Turns over fine. Tries to start but wont. Also when we have this last trouble, before it stopped running, it did backfire. And while trying to get it to start, it has backfired too. Any suggestions??????

Thanks

Tom

[bjmeunier]

Tom,

I have the identicle problem..any luck on a resolution? Today I tried an ignition module, battery, and new plugs and wires to no avail. I'll let you know if I stumble upon a good fix for this.

Barry

[AntiF]

You did replace the coils? My -totally unrelated vehicle- 92 Olds Achieva "Denty" had completely identical problems and did the exact same thing to me about 4 months ago. Replacing the coil packs & cover solved the problem for me... Then I said "screw it", junked Denty and bought a GAGT 01.

[bjmeunier]

No, but I was getting spark wit one of those test lights. This is my first GA, do these motors jump time? And...I will try the coils asap...

[motsey000]

we replaced the ingination coil pack that controls cylinders 1 and 2. The car does have 2 ingination coils. But when we did that, there was no change. We still did not have fire at cylinder #1. I am trying to find answers before spending alot on something that is not required. we are looking for suggestions.

Thanks , Tom

[bjmeunier]

OK, Replaced the crankshaft position sensor, tried two new coils and the plastic cover..no change. I'm getting gas and it looks like I'm getting spark, is there any easy way to check the timing on these cars?

[motsey000]

From what my brother told me, its a BIG job. He said that it would probably take about 10 hours to replace the timing chain if that is what it is. He said that you just abot have to disassemble the whole front of the engine. I sure hope that is not it.

[volleymech2004]

Had the same problem last week- The coil cover fixed the #1 cylinder no spark problem.

Drop your exhaust at the manifold. 2 bolts with springs.
My converter was plugged!
Runs like a dream now.

[grand_am93]

i think your
car has cracked heads thats common in those cars

[motsey000]

I dont think the heads are cracked. There is no oil in the water, no water in the oil. We did a comprression test on each cylinder and its got great compression.

Tom

[grand_am93]

o ok well then i have nothing to tell you sorry man