Car will no longer start

Buzzycat · #1 07-19-2006, 12:51 PM

Ok, first my car is a 1998 Pontiac Sunfire 2.2L with auto trans. I will include everything I did to help ease diagnosis.

I replaced the water pump (after it overheated and a very large coolant leak coming from the area around the passenger front tire) The car sat for about a month because I still had a leak after I redid the pump. I then decided to remove the water pump again and reseat the gasket incase it was not sealing properly. (The first time I did the pump it was at 2 in the morning on Sunday and I had to be at school in 5 hours so I never took the old gasket off, I just used half a tube of gasket sealant) (I fixed this when I redid the pump)

I had to take off the alternator (to get access) During this I forgot to take out the battery and the red wire from the alternator touched the metal bracket causing a large spark. I then removed the battery to prevent this happening again.

After reseating the water pump, reinstalling the alternator, the alternator bracket (I have large hands and the bracket got in the way) and the serpentine belt, I filled the reservoir with water (just to check for leaks) and tired to start the car.

The car cranks normally but will not turn over. I made sure the belt turns (it does) the battery holds a full charge, and the connections on the alternator are solid.

These are the problems. The serp belt is very tight (it just barley flexes with a lot of presser from your hand) The break pedal is also hard until you crank the engine (it then loosens up, but as soon as you stop cranking the engine is gets hard again)

I have 0 money, so taking it to a shop is out of the question, please help me I start school again in 3 weeks and I really dont want to be waiting for the train in snow.

MrR0b0t0 · #2 07-19-2006, 12:59 PM

Im pretty sure the brake thing is normal, cuz mine does it too. As or the rest of it, I have no clue.

Young Chuck D · #3 07-19-2006, 01:05 PM

maybe that huge spark fried your starter? get your starter tested at autozone/advance auto parts, they should do that for free.

Buzzycat · #4 07-19-2006, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Young Chuck D

maybe that huge spark fried your starter? get your starter tested at autozone/advance auto parts, they should do that for free.

oh boy... you dont even want to see where the starter is. I was hoping someone would say to check a fuse, or relay.

Buzzycat · #5 07-25-2006, 06:35 PM

Ok, the starter is fine. I also put in new plugs, plug wires, and new coil packs. It still does not start except I think I have figured out the problem. The anti-theft system that came with the car (the stupid GM pass-key) is killing the gas to the engine.

If you let the car sit for a few minutes it will start for literally 2 seconds, then die out. Also my check engine light is on (from when the car originally blew the water pump) and my ANTI-THEFT light.... I have no idea how I missed this for the last 2 weeks.

So now my question is, how do I reset this stupid anti-theft system I never wanted on the car in the first place? I am guessing I need to have it towed to a dealer and bring my title with me. I just really really hope I can do this myself, or I might not be able to pay for my tuition for school considering a tow is 85 dollars plus milage, and lord only knows how much Pontiac is going to charge to reset the theft system.

jakegday · #6 07-25-2006, 11:24 PM

why are you pressing on the brake while cranking the engine? when the engine is started is the brake pedal fine until you shut it off again??? or is it fine ONLY when your starter is cranking??

if its fine when the engine is running, then that is just power brakes, almost every car made since 1980 has them

Young Chuck D · #7 07-26-2006, 05:56 AM

find a friend or even a friend of a friend with a tow hitch thing and have them pull you... GM dealerships are everywhere, look online for the nearest one..

but call them first to see if they can diagnose that your problem is the anti-theft device locking up.

Buzzycat · #8 07-26-2006, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jakegday

why are you pressing on the brake while cranking the engine? when the engine is started is the brake pedal fine until you shut it off again??? or is it fine ONLY when your starter is cranking??

if its fine when the engine is running, then that is just power brakes, almost every car made since 1980 has them

I tried starting it in Neutral incase I fried something electrical. Thats how I noticed the break pedal being hard.

Buzzycat · #9 07-26-2006, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Young Chuck D

find a friend or even a friend of a friend with a tow hitch thing and have them pull you... GM dealerships are everywhere, look online for the nearest one..

but call them first to see if they can diagnose that your problem is the anti-theft device locking up.

That wont work, the closest dealer to my house is almost 10 miles away. And towing one vehicle with another without proper tow straps, secondary break lights etc is illegal in Illinois.

Buzzycat · #10 07-26-2006, 05:30 PM

so no new ideas? I checked the relays and fuses, unpluged the battery (to reset and possible issues) and still nothing.... I am seriously thinking about junking a perfect car. The exterior is perfect, the inside is in even better condition but I have done everything anyone has thought about and it still will not start. I am beyond being depressed, I am now moving into the pissed off zone.

my99cavy · #11 07-26-2006, 05:33 PM

bring it in somewhere and have the pros look it over. forget friends towing it, call a tow truck comany.

Buzzycat · #12 07-26-2006, 11:14 PM

I did the last thing I ever wanted to do on this earth.... I asked my mom for money

She said have it towed to the dealer and have it fixed and she would pay for it.

I guess I will tell you guys what it is when it gets fixed. God I am so embarrassed now.... when I moved out of the house I swore I would never ask for another thing from my mom.... heck if anything I should be giving to her, not the other way around.

my99cavy · #13 07-26-2006, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buzzycat

I did the last thing I ever wanted to do on this earth.... I asked my mom for money

She said have it towed to the dealer and have it fixed and she would pay for it.

I guess I will tell you guys what it is when it gets fixed. God I am so embarrassed now.... when I moved out of the house I swore I would never ask for another thing from my mom.... heck if anything I should be giving to her, not the other way around.

yeah i feel ya on the subject of asking the rents for money. but sometimes you have to do what you have to do. o well. but yeah let me know what it ends up being.

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