95 Lumina-2 related problems?

[NoMoney]

I have a 95 Lumina (3.1) that seems to have two seemingly related problems. The first problem is that the car stalls and runs rough at low RPMs. The second problem is that when I turn the key sometimes, the car won't start...and there is no noise or anything. When I turn the key 2, 3, or 4 times (after waiting a bit in between), the car will eventually start. Sometimes, none of this happens and the car runs beautifully...But then, all the problems return. Then, they go away again. Sometimes I can't get the car to start at all. One time, I "broke down" at a busy intersection and couldn't get the car to stay running for anything...even when I was just idling. I got the car towed that day to a mechanic and by the time he got it, the car ran great again.

In the past few months, I have taken the car in 4 times...one time to a trans specialist...and no one can find the problem. From doing some research, I think it might be a dirty EGR valve or the ignition control module, but I'm really not sure. Can anyone shed any light on this? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[tblake]

when you turn the key to ON, do you hear the fuel pump run for about 2 secs? If not, maybe try the fuel pump relay, thats what I would think if you can keep turning to on start and off, and eventually it waill start. I also think maybe the ignition module.

[jeffcoslacker]

Depending on the mileage, the ignition module is supect, among other things, but if you can buy and install yourself, and plan on keeping the car for some time, it would not be wasted money even if it is not the problem. They tend to go out sometime in the 60-90 thousand mile range. Very easy to replace, no special tools or knowledge required. It sits right under the the three ignition coils on top of the motor. It is the flat black part that the coils sit on. When you buy the new one, look at it and how to take the old one off will be obvious. You also might try tapping on the MAF sensor while its running with a plastic tool handle, to see if it affects the engines idle smoothness and speed. It shouldn't. If it does-the MAF is defective. They are not cheap, but also very easy to put in. Look at the duct going from the aircleaner box behind the left headlight. Halfway to the motor, there is a square unit in the duct, with wires plugged into it, and a couple of clamps holding the ends of the duct to it. That's the guy. They won't take it back if you didn't need it, so be sure if you buy one(same with the module or any other electrical part.) If there is no cranking of the starter when you roll the key over, I would be suspect of the VATS system, the little "chip" in the ignition key. It completes a circuit, and the starter and injectors are disabled without it. Sometimes the contacts in the ignition switch go bad, and the contact is not sufficient to complete the circuit, causing the symptoms you desribed. Try rattling the key around in the lock as you hold it over in the start position. If that causes it to spontaneously start, you've found the problem. Cleaning the contacts may help, a little shot of WD-40 into the lock and light emery boarding of the key contacts may fix it.

[Kooterskkar]

The second problem is that when I turn the key sometimes, the car won't start...and there is no noise or anything.

So the starter doesnt engage? Theres just nothing? Might wanna check your battery cables and the connections on the starter. Be sure there isnt any corrosion.

[nlh123456]

I had the same model same problem.... check the ignition fuese for corrosion. You can even sand them and used electric cleaner to clean the contacts. The igition fuses are part of the sevurity system which is why nothing happens when you try to start the car.

[TaiN]

I had that problem. The fix for me was the Ignition Switch . Parts store had it in stock and it was cheap to.

[cjslumina]

Had that problem also, it was the battery terminals being corroded. Replaced cables and all ran good. Do you have power when trying to crank? If not, then it is the cables. If you do have power but no cranking, I would also suspect the ignition switch. Good luck.