2000 Grand Am--fuel problems

[tues_bri]

Ok...I have a 2000 Grand Am SE--4cyl. A few months ago the car would not start...it was cranking but not turning over...had a mechanic friend check it out and found that there was no fuel getting to the engine so we changed the fuel filter (didnt help) so i had a new pump put in...it ran fine for a few days then wouldnt start again...he was able to drop the tank and mess around with the pump until it finally started....now every time i let the fuel tank go to about half full it is hard to start. So as long as it is has a full tank of gas it starts and runs perfectly but once it gets to one or two notches above half a tank it sputters and acts like its not goin to start..when it does finally start it runs fine. I havent let it go below half a tank since this all started and i have a feeling that if i did it wouldnt start at all...i also think that the pump itself wasnt the original problem..but i have no idea what could be causing this. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I also wanted to add that im having the same clicking noise that a couple other ppl posted about...its coming from the hazard switch and the recall replacement didnt make a difference at all..its like the turn signal has a short in it or something...very very annoying...was wondering if anyone found a solution to this problem without having to replace the turn signal.


Thanks for any help yall can give me.

[Hoags]

Tues, It sounds to me like it is a problem with fuel system as a whole...the fuel system becomes pressurized from the aggitation of the gas in the tank, the pressure helps push the fuel through the system. that is why you will get a check engine light if the gas cap is not on tight. It may even be your cap but I don't know for sure. I hope this helps in some way.
Good luck.

[1nicetech]

Your car have a resistor in your key? I am thinking your is newer and its in the casing around the ignition lock cylinder like on mine, a 01 grand am 3.4. Does your car crank and not start? Passlock systems like to go bad on our vehicles off and on, next time it won't start after you try and crank it over leave the key in the ON position for over 10 mins and it bypasses the passlock system that will allow for your fuel pump to run and have good psi but instead cuts the fuel injectors signal from the pcm. This is another posibility since you think your fuel pump was never to blame.

side note the fuel tank gas cap code is for a stupid EVAP systems, they don't want the hydro carbons from the fuel vapors getting into the atmosphere. the fuel pump creates the 60 psi he needs =)

[quicksilver9x14]

My 2000 Grand Am is having the exact identical problems with the signals and the fuel tank! Im glad I read your post before I replaced my fuel tank, thats a pricy thing to do and not even have it fix the problem! I feel for ya. Ive done a little more research and if you call Pontiacs 800 number with your vin # they can tell you if your car is under a manufacter warranty for the signals.. apparently it was just a defect. Pontiac will cover 100% if you are between the begining and ending vin numbers. I havent called yet but Ill keep you posted as to if this is true or not. As far as the fuel tank problem.. did you ever find a solution to this? We have been looking for months and the problem is getting worse. Help plz

[procaddytech]

I have to make this correction. The fuel does not need pressure in the tank to get pushed through the system. The pump is all that is needed to pressurize the fuel lines and rail, not the tank. The EVAP system keeps the fuel tank vented and purges excess fumes. If you get a code because the gas cap was loose or off it is because the EVAP system could not draw and maintain a specified amount of VACUUM in the tank and EVAP system, not pressure.
As far as your problem, one of the lines in your modular fuel pump unit may have a hole in it small enough to not make a difference when the fuel level is above it, but may leak enough fuel pressure to cause a hard start when the level is lower. Was the complete modular fuel pump assy replaced or just the pump? If it runs with no problems full, the security system should not be a problem. I would focus on the fuel pump modular assy, all the lines connecting the pump to the top of the module, and the electrical connections and terminals for damage. I know it sucks to keep dropping the tank, but this could be verified with a fuel pressure gauge before any disassembly.

[Tech II]

If it sounds like the steering column is clicking.....there is a campaign to replace the hazard switch.....but this usually only fixes a turn signal problem.....what happens is you apply your turn signal left or right and it doesn't work....however, if you repeatedly press the hazard switch on/off, then the turn signal works....so a hazard switch fixes that....

However, if the column randomly starts clicking, try this.......when it doesn't click, very, very lightly move the directional lever up or down...hardly move it....if the clicking starts, you need a multifunction switch....

I agree with Procaddytech....when it won't start, get a fuel pressure gage on it...OR.....spray carb cleaner into the intake while cranking....if it starts and runs as long as you spray, it's either fuel pressure problem or the injectors are not firing.....if injectors don't fire, check for code B2958 or B2960.....