2001 Grand Am Not Starting

[jhill123]

The engine cranks but will not start. I've done a bit of testing and here is what I do know.
3400 V6 Engine
The plugs were dry when I checked them.
The fuel filter was replaced.
With starter fluid, the engine will run for a second.
I am reading 57PSI at the fuel rail.
The ODBII diagnostics meter shows no errors.

I was reading here that it could be the crank position sensor, but that doesn't seem to be right as I do get spark when using starter fluid.
I'm at a loss as to the problem as there is fuel to the rails, but not going into the engine. Could it be either the MAPS, or the Throttle position sensor?

[GTP Dad]

Since you are getting fuel to the rails and spark to the plugs the only other item I can think of is that the injectors are not allowing fuel into the engine. Therefore, you may have a bad ECM/PCM.

The TPS is also a possibility as it may not be communicating with the computer. It is easy to change so I would start with that before going to the expense of a new computer. If you purchase a manual and a digital voltage meter you can check the CPS to see if it is good. If not replace it and see what happens. If that doesn't work then go to a wrecking yard and get a used ECM/PCM and change it out. This is much cheaper than a new one. If yours is bad then it should cure the problem.

[jhill123]

I was reading other threads and came across leaving the key in the ignition. I left the key in the ignition for 15 minutes and the car started fine. The next question is, how do I fix that so it doesn't happen again?

[GTP Dad]

When the car didn't start did the security light come on? If so search the forum for resetting the passlock system. This happens a lot in Grand Am's for some reason.

[eaglegtx]

Yep. It's the passlock problem. You will have to have your key-less entry by-passed. It's an aggravating, yet common annoyance, but easily fixed.

[1nicetech]

Your passlock system is not allowing you to start your car, your keys do not have the resistor in them its in the casing to your ignition switch. You have to get one from a dealer to replace it but you don't have to replace the lock cylinder or your keys, just the casing around the lock clyinder that contains your the resistor. then relearn the system and your car starts, forgot how to relearn it without a gm tech 2 scan tool will post later if i find how to at home.

good luck

[jhill123]

I got the car started by placing the key in the ignition, turning it on, and waiting 15 minutes, then restarting. I'm not sure there is still a problem, other than the confusion caused by the bad signal to the security system. Should I be replacing the casing around the lock cylinder or is this an intermittent fault that is not the casing failing?

[1nicetech]

To be honest i am having the same problem with my 01 Grand Am and i find myself asking the same question. But this is first time for mine and waiting to see if it happens again. Last thing i need to do when i am running late for work is to need to wait 10 mins for my car to start. The ignition switich runs around $165.00 from the dealer walk-in. Reason i knew it was my passlock was its a common problem for a lot of General motors vehicles and have replaced about thirty lock cylinders in grand am's in the dealer. Bad part is with it being such a problem they never put a service bulletin out or a recall on the issue.