1994 grand prix, clicking while starting

[sithian476]

Hey everyone, this is my first time posting here.

Anyways, I just got a 1994 Pontiac Grand Prix this week. It has 131,000 miles on it and its the 3.1L version. It started fine at first, but now after several days, sometimes it clicks and doesn't start when I try to start it. If it even matters, it has Keyless Ignition but this problem works keyless and using a key to start. Like I said, sometimes it'll click once, twice, whatever... before it finally starts. Sometimes it starts without any problem.

I just wanna know what could be causing this because its bugging me. Thanks for all your help!

[Chazman]

Either low battery voltage or a failing starter.

Check the battery voltage when the vehicle is:
Not running - should be near 12 volts.
Cranking (starting) - should be above 9 volts.
Running - should be around 14 volts.

If this checks out ok, then I would think you have a starter problem.

[sithian476]

Originally Posted by Chazman

Either low battery voltage or a failing starter.

Check the battery voltage when the vehicle is:
Not running - should be near 12 volts.
Cranking (starting) - should be above 9 volts.
Running - should be around 14 volts.

If this checks out ok, then I would think you have a starter problem.

And what if it doesn't check out? Time for a new battery?

[richtazz]

does it act up more after the car is warm, and you make a short stop like getting gas and then it won't re-start? If so, I would say definitely a ba starter. If it's more random, I'd check all your connections to make sure you have no grease/oil/corrosion on your battery cables and jump start post.

[sithian476]

I went to an auto place and they said since my dashboard and stuff goes out when the clicking thing happens, the connections to my starter and/or battery are more than likely loose. Anyone seem to agree?

[regalfriend]

it could be a loose connection...i would check the battery terminals to make sure they are clean and tight...also check and clean the wires going to the starter... my car had a weak battery and did the same thing...sometimes it would click, then start and my trac off/brake/ and antilock lights would come on, i believe due to a weak battery...after i ran the car for a few minutes and restarted it the lights went off

[MikeD2]

I have the exact same problem with my daughter's 94 GP 3.1. It has been off & on for 2 years. I've tried just about everything including: cleaning battery terminals, checking battery cells, checking charging system, replacing starter (for about 20 minutes, 2 years ago), reinstalling original starter, cleaning ground connection to engine, cleaning jump post, eliminating resistor on iginition key & finally installing (and leaving in this time) starter.
The problem is very intermittent, normally it starts very strong in the morning. If you stop for gas or coffee, it clicks 1, 2, 3 or even 10 times, fortunately it has always started up. My brother thinks it has something to do with the theft deterent system. He actually tapped something under the steering column & it started properly for about a month.
Coinsidence, I don't know.
This car also has an aftermarket alarm system with an additional keypod which we do not use.
I hope someone can help us both. Good Luck!!

[sithian476]

Originally Posted by MikeD2

I have the exact same problem with my daughter's 94 GP 3.1. It has been off & on for 2 years. I've tried just about everything including: cleaning battery terminals, checking battery cells, checking charging system, replacing starter (for about 20 minutes, 2 years ago), reinstalling original starter, cleaning ground connection to engine, cleaning jump post, eliminating resistor on iginition key & finally installing (and leaving in this time) starter.
The problem is very intermittent, normally it starts very strong in the morning. If you stop for gas or coffee, it clicks 1, 2, 3 or even 10 times, fortunately it has always started up. My brother thinks it has something to do with the theft deterent system. He actually tapped something under the steering column & it started properly for about a month.
Coinsidence, I don't know.
This car also has an aftermarket alarm system with an additional keypod which we do not use.
I hope someone can help us both. Good Luck!!

Yeah, mine has an aftermarket sort-of thing because I compare what I have now with the one that can supposedly come with the car, and it looks much more modern. My keyless system is newer and controls not only the locks (which is what the feature came with the car only did) but the ignition too, so is it possible that this causes it?

[richtazz]

If you don't use the aftermarket alarm/keyless entry very often, just take it out. The older aftermarket systems weren't very reliable in the first place, and will cause many headaches as they get older. If you do use it, invest in a new one, as the current models are much better than the old ones.

[MikeD2]

Rich, I wish I knew how to eliminate the aftermarket system. I bought the car used & don't have any info on it. I looked online for wiring diagrams, etc. but they only had information on the units they are selling now.

[Chazman]

Originally Posted by sithian476

And what if it doesn't check out? Time for a new battery?

For the first two yes, but if you have low voltage when running it's probably a bad alternator.

[punchpipe]

Originally Posted by MikeD2

I have the exact same problem with my daughter's 94 GP 3.1. It has been off & on for 2 years. I've tried just about everything including: cleaning battery terminals, checking battery cells, checking charging system, replacing starter (for about 20 minutes, 2 years ago), reinstalling original starter, cleaning ground connection to engine, cleaning jump post, eliminating resistor on iginition key & finally installing (and leaving in this time) starter.
The problem is very intermittent, normally it starts very strong in the morning. If you stop for gas or coffee, it clicks 1, 2, 3 or even 10 times, fortunately it has always started up. My brother thinks it has something to do with the theft deterent system. He actually tapped something under the steering column & it started properly for about a month.
Coinsidence, I don't know.
This car also has an aftermarket alarm system with an additional keypod which we do not use.
I hope someone can help us both. Good Luck!!

Same thing thing with my 95 grand prix 3.1 its been clicking like this off and own for 2 years! It didn't start until after i had a car starter installed though. Replaced 2 batteries and 2 starters still have the problem to this day. My security light came on right after the trouble started but I thought it was because i needed a replacement PASS II key(security system key) I never had it replaced.Just recently i took my car in for diagnostics and they told me i had a stored PASS II key error 42.But sometimes when i start my car I can hear a whining sound coming from the dash board. Found out it was my theft detterent relay. Thats what probably causes the intermittent of the car starting sometimes fine and other times whenever it feels like. I havent had time to see what the next step is too correcting the problem whether it be replacing the key or the ignition switch. If any body gets a chance please SEND ME AN EMAIL!!!!!!!!!!! THANKS!!!!