2000 GTP won't idle

[4DoorFury]

I have a 2000 Grand Prix GTP, 65K, and I experienced a problem this afternoon with it. It WILL start, but will only run for about 2 or 3 seconds, then it proceeds to cough and die, similar to running out of gas. I checked the ports on the fuel rail, and it's getting plenty of fuel. I checked the underhood relays for fuel pump, injectors, etc. I unplugged negative terminal on battery to reset electronics, and it still did the same thing. it just had a brand new fuel pump put in about 8K ago, and it will start, so I don't know what to look for. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Also, does everyone have alot of problems with GTP's? I have had mine for 9K, and I've replaced wheel bearings, fuel pump, and now this. BTW, my car is stock; electronically and otherwise. Again, any help would be appreciated, Thanks.

[BNaylor]

Classic symptoms of a bad fuel pump resistor. The GTP has a two speed fuel pump. The hi-speed fuel pump relay is not enerigizing because of the resistor. As a result the fuel pressure is too low and the engine will die out after running a few seconds. See link below for guidance:

http://rmcgp.clubgp.com/fpresistor.html

[4DoorFury]

Originally Posted by bnaylor3400

Classic symptoms of a bad fuel pump resistor. The GTP has a two speed fuel pump. The hi-speed fuel pump relay is not enerigizing because of the resistor. As a result the fuel pressure is too low and the engine will die out after running a few seconds. See link below for guidance:

http://rmcgp.clubgp.com/fpresistor.html

If I have a bad resistor, would I be able to keep the car running by revving it up? I can keep it running if the rpm's are above 2,000. As soon as the revs drop, it will settle down for 2 seconds and die.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by 4DoorFury

If I have a bad resistor, would I be able to keep the car running by revving it up? I can keep it running if the rpm's are above 2,000. As soon as the revs drop, it will settle down for 2 seconds and die.

How old is the fuel filter?

If it runs above 2K rpm and doesn't die then you may have another problem like a dirty or flaky idle air controller (IAC).

With a bad resistor it will die regardless of where rpms are in a matter of a few seconds.

Also, a dirty or flaky MAF sensor can cause idle problems.

[4DoorFury]

Originally Posted by bnaylor3400

How old is the fuel filter?

If it runs above 2K rpm and doesn't die then you may have another problem like a dirty or flaky idle air controller (IAC).

With a bad resistor it will die regardless of where rpms are in a matter of a few seconds.

Also, a dirty or flaky MAF sensor can cause idle problems.

Thanks for the help, I'm gonna go mess with it right now. Would you suggest cleaning the IAC and MAF first or replacing the fuel filter? Also, any special tool needed for fuel filter change? I know on Fords, you need a special little bottle opener type tool.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by 4DoorFury

Thanks for the help, I'm gonna go mess with it right now. Would you suggest cleaning the IAC and MAF first or replacing the fuel filter? Also, any special tool needed for fuel filter change? I know on Fords, you need a special little bottle opener type tool.

I would replace the fuel filter if it has been a long time since replacement. On IAC clean with STP throttle body spray cleaner. MAF use electrical contact cleaner or MAF spray cleaner. No special tool is need for fuel filter change.

MAF has two Torx safety screws so you will need a special Torx bit.

Here is a link to fuel filter replacement:

http://www.pfyc.com/supportfiles/gasfilter/

[4DoorFury]

Originally Posted by bnaylor3400

I would replace the fuel filter if it has been a long time since replacement. On IAC clean with STP throttle body spray cleaner. MAF use electrical contact cleaner or MAF spray cleaner. No special tool is need for fuel filter change.

MAF has two Torx safety screws so you will need a special Torx bit.

Here is a link to fuel filter replacement:

http://www.pfyc.com/supportfiles/gasfilter/

I worked with it this afternoon, and I did the jumper thing on the relay, so I know that it is not the fuel pump resistor. I took out and cleaned the IAC, and put it back in , and now the car won't even start at all. I have not put in the fuel filter yet, but I'm pretty annoyed with it, so I'm gonna do the filter tomorrow. Do you think that this problem could be caused by a bad fuel filter? I'll try it and get back on here tomorrow if I have any more questions. Thank you for all the help.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by 4DoorFury

I worked with it this afternoon, and I did the jumper thing on the relay, so I know that it is not the fuel pump resistor. I took out and cleaned the IAC, and put it back in , and now the car won't even start at all. I have not put in the fuel filter yet, but I'm pretty annoyed with it, so I'm gonna do the filter tomorrow. Do you think that this problem could be caused by a bad fuel filter? I'll try it and get back on here tomorrow if I have any more questions. Thank you for all the help.

Its possible but the only way to really tell is to hookup a fuel presure gauge to the Schrader valve on the front fuel injector rail. Normal pressure is around 48 - 55 psi. If lower than this then you'd backtrack to the fuel filter, fuel lines, and eventually the fuel pump.

Whe the stalling occurs do you get any dash or instrument panel lights? Do you get the TRAC or ABS lights. During stall does the tach drop off abruptly to zero before noticing the engine dies?

[4DoorFury]

Originally Posted by bnaylor3400

Its possible but the only way to really tell is to hookup a fuel presure gauge to the Schrader valve on the front fuel injector rail. Normal pressure is around 48 - 55 psi. If lower than this then you'd backtrack to the fuel filter, fuel lines, and eventually the fuel pump.

Whe the stalling occurs do you get any dash or instrument panel lights? Do you get the TRAC or ABS lights. During stall does the tach drop off abruptly to zero before noticing the engine dies?

No I get no lights when the vehicle stalls, only the standard oil and battery lights that come on when the key is in the "on" position. No Trac lights or ABS either. I am gonna check the pressure today, and change the fuel filter. The tach doesn't abruptly drop either. Thanks again

[auggiedogi]

I was reading about your problem and am having a similar problem on my 2001 Grand Prix GT. If I take a short trip of less than 5 miles and turn the car off for no more than an hour it stalls but then I can start it right away. Do you think this is the same thing? I have just had the fuel injector unit cleaned and the fuel filter replaced because the dealer thought that was causing the problem. It was better for about two weeks and then started doing it again. Any suggestions??

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by auggiedogi

I was reading about your problem and am having a similar problem on my 2001 Grand Prix GT. If I take a short trip of less than 5 miles and turn the car off for no more than an hour it stalls but then I can start it right away. Do you think this is the same thing? I have just had the fuel injector unit cleaned and the fuel filter replaced because the dealer thought that was causing the problem. It was better for about two weeks and then started doing it again. Any suggestions??

Are you referring to a fuel pump resistor? A GT does not have one so that would not be your problem.

Get fuel pressure tested for a possible fuel delivery problem. For ignition the crank position sensor is suspect.

[richtazz]

Looks like you have them covered Bob, and I agree with you as to what they need to do. I figured I'd throw my 2 cents in so they could see that someone else agrees.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by richtazz

Looks like you have them covered Bob, and I agree with you as to what they need to do. I figured I'd throw my 2 cents in so they could see that someone else agrees.

[romeguy1]

Hey 4DoorFury,

I just had the SAME thing happen with my 2000 GTP last nite. It starts fine,
but dies after only a few seconds. If I rev the engine I can keep it going
awhile longer, but the minute I take my foot off the accelerator it dies off.
Hadda have it towed to the dealership. Anyway, was wondering how you made out and what the final fix was?

Thanks,
Jim