2002 Grand Am won't start regularly

[elm0315]

Help! I have a 2002 Grand Am that just won't turn over sometimes. Last week I had it towed to the dealership, but it started when I got there. This has happened 6 times. Starter motor just won't turn over. Lights, radio etc fine, can't jump and dealer can never find problem once it starts. After day or two, will just start up again. Anyone have a similar problem. P.S.I AM car illiterate....thanks

[jgionet]

hehe.. (sorry for the chuckle) ... I'm kind of having the same problem with my 1997 grand am.. I'm suspecting it's my starter.. I just started a thread on it last night

turn the key and nothing.. .??

[Slade901]

Need more info. Does the vehicle starts fine when the engine is cold? Does the problem only happens after the vehicle was driven then turned OFF for a few minutes or hours while the engine is still hot and then the starter would not work?

Do this when the vehicle won't start. Set the Emergency Brake ON. Turn the Ignition Switch to ON position and then put the Transmission in Neutral and then try to start the engine to see if it works.

You can further isolate the starter from the starter solenoid. Most starter solenoid sits on top of the starter itself and some starter solenoid is remotely hidden and located in the engine bay. Get yourself a Remote Starter. It is available at your local autoparts. Just connect one end of the wire to the battery positive terminal and the other end to the starter (it will come with instructions). All you have to do is push the button (supplying power to the starter) and the starter should turn over if the starter is fine. You can now proceed and check the starter solenoid. Most starter solenoid when they heat up they are not able to function properly and fail to provide power relay to the starter. Also make sure you re-tighten all the starter wires, battery wires, ground wires.

[april15_]

Had the same problem and it was the starter. It was frustrating because it always started eventually, but I could be stuck for hours somewhere. Called AAA one time and it started right before they got there. People kept telling me it was most likely NOT the starter, but in the end it was.

[elm0315]

Thanks for the info...had it towed off this morning and it DIDN'T start right off the tow truck this time. Appreciate the help.

[catback23]

One easy thing to try is to take a hammer and tap the starter solenoid at a time when it won't start, if it starts after the wacking then you can be 99% positive that is a bad solenoid/starter. The starter can still be bad if this doesn't work but it's worth a shot cuse it's common mechanics that everybody knows how to do, if it ain't working wack it to fix it :-)

[elm0315]

Replaced the fuel pump relay switch yesterday and works ok (now). Maybe they just whacked it with a hammer and charged me $100.

Thanks again