car starts and shuts off

[cope30]

I have a 97 grand am Se it will start and shut right back off if I try to start it back without turning the ignition off it will just turn over but not start but if I turn the ignition all the way off and then back on it will start and right back off again. Has anyone experienced this before.

[xeroinfinity]

Welcome to AF !

What engine do you have ?

[cope30]

I believe it is the 2.4 I know it is a 4 cyl.

[xeroinfinity]

Ok, have you done, or had done, any service on this car resently?

Might try chnaging the fuel filter.
Sounds like it gets fuel, but only small amounts.

But it also could be the fuel pump.
Do you here the fuel pump ingauge when you turn the key on ?
Also check your fuses for the Fuel Pump and injectors.

[cope30]

Thank you for trying to help me Ireally appreciate it. The only thing that i've done different is I changed the radio but I didn't blow any fuses or cut any wires. the fuel pump is coming on when I turn the key on. I thought maybe the fuel pump was giving it enough to start but maybe the relay or somthing was keeping it from getting a supply of fuel thats why when I turn the key off and back on it will start again because it is turning the fuel pump on again. What do you think?

[xeroinfinity]

If the Fuel Pump runs then the relay would be good.
Even a bad fuel pump, working though, would mostly allow it to run at low speeds or idling.

Yours wont stay running so I'd think start by replacing the Fuel Filter.
When you turn the key off, then back on,
its probly just building more pressure which pushes the fuel through the clogged fuel filter.

IT also could be the FP regulator, it is on the end of the fuel rail.
One thing to try is to pull the vacum hose off the fuel pressure regulator and see if fuel runs out. If it does then the diaphram inside the FP regulator is bad and the FPR needs replaced.

You can check you Fuel Pressure, but it requires you to disconnect the fuel line and install the gauge and hoses.
Most part stores rent/sell them.

Hope that helps!!

[indyram]

Are you using a different key than usual and setting off the security system. IF you use a key without the transponder it will allow you to start, but kill it right away.

[xeroinfinity]

Hey indyram... uh grand ams dont have a transponder chip

also if the security was tripped the dashlight would be on,
and it would not start at all!

[Gir-_-]

PCV vaccum leak maybeh?

try pushing the pedal down a little bit and see if it'll stay on... around 1000rpms

[cook28]

If you have the DOHC it almost sounds like it may be electrical if your getting fuel. I would be looking at the ECM as it also controls fuel. I have had an ECM act similar as it was on it's way out.