'02 Grand Prix Starting Problem

[sxbladyinred95]

Hi to all,

I'm new to this, but I'm trying to figure out what my problem might be w/out having to pay the dealership any more outrageous amounts to tell me nothing.

My 2002 GP will run great for several days, and at some point it decides it will not start if I attempt to restart w/in minutes of shutting if off, but will after 30min.-hour. When attempting it just turns over and never pickup. I've had dealership maintenance <replaced fuel/air filters, cleaned fuel injections/throttle body & diag. on the computer...?> and no solution.

Is there any additional advice you all can give me to try to correct my problem.

Thanks

Red95

[BNaylor]

Welcome to AF.

Your original post has been moved to it's own thread. We prefer that issues concerning a '97-'03 Grand Prix are not mixed with '04 and up.

Also, it would help to post your mileage and what Grand Prix model to include engine size.

[eippermx]

Interesting problem...I'll take a shot at it.
Next time the no-start/no SES situation happens, check to observe if you have spark at one of your plug wires. That would at least point you in the direction of either an ignition or a fuel problem.

If no spark check the usual suspects [ I've learned on this forum and from working on my GT & GTP ] ::

Loose ground cable >> cracked/loose vacuum hoses >> CRKPS >> MAF >> MAP >> IAT >> TPS >> ignition module

If you have spark:
Check fuel pressure >> Fuel pump / fuel pump relay >> fuel regulator

Hey BN,RTazz, GTPDad if you read this thread, set me straight if I missed somethng or screwed this advice up. Thanks!

[squeaky3]

hey

does it crank over at all
if it doesnt crank over it could be a starter goin bad or a ground to the starter or soemthing like tat
just my .02

[sxbladyinred95]

Thank you all for the redirection and advice.

My 2002 GrandPrix GT is a 3800 engine V6 w/84,500 miles.

As of today, I'm passing this information to the mechanics w/hopes that they will find the problem, because since I created this post, I've had the ICM removed and tested and I was told it was Ok and at this point I've also had the Cam Shaft Sensor replaced and in the process of replacing the sensor, since I've found a company w/one in stock.

As for the question if it cranks at all....once it cools or do whatever it does, I'm able to go back and it starts w/no problem.

I'll continue to update as the mechanic test using the advice given.

Thanks again so much, because it's hard for a not so knowledgeable female to really understand it all.

Red95

[sxbladyinred95]

Hello once again,

I'm back w/the latest update. I was told by the mechanic that the test were performed on my car and all checked out fine....By the way I did have the cam sensor replaced and still no luck.

I've been leery of driving it whereas I have to turn it off and return w/in a short period of time, but I think I've found another way to make the problem occur. If I just sit there and start the car and then turn it off and start again, and turn it off and ........nope, it won't start but it turns over but also the sound of it trying to start sounds much worse doing it this way...? Maybe I can show the mechanic this and give him a better description of what I'm trying desperately to explain, since they can't get it to happen w/the car in their possession.

Please keep the helpful advice coming. I greatly appreciate it.

Red95

[youngnwiaguy]

Could it be a neutral safety switch? I use to have a Buick Regal and it would do that to me. Sometimes it would start fine and other times it wouldn't start at all, ended up having it towed once before they figured it out. Once they replaced that, I never had a problem with it again.

[Shanaro]

Originally Posted by sxbladyinred95

Hello once again,

I'm back w/the latest update. I was told by the mechanic that the test were performed on my car and all checked out fine....By the way I did have the cam sensor replaced and still no luck.

I've been leery of driving it whereas I have to turn it off and return w/in a short period of time, but I think I've found another way to make the problem occur. If I just sit there and start the car and then turn it off and start again, and turn it off and ........nope, it won't start but it turns over but also the sound of it trying to start sounds much worse doing it this way...? Maybe I can show the mechanic this and give him a better description of what I'm trying desperately to explain, since they can't get it to happen w/the car in their possession.

Please keep the helpful advice coming. I greatly appreciate it.

Red95

Unsolicited advice, Why don't you check your car harness and Pontiac Engine, I encountered the same problem before and the mechanic told me that the harness is the problem.

[sxbladyinred95]

Thanks again to all for the helpful advice. I'll turn the new suggestions over to the "mechanic" and I'll update you on the outcome. Also, as of today, I was not able to demonstrate my findings to the "mechanic" due to my late work hours, but I have intention of doing so this weekend.

Again, thanks so much and all advice is welcomed and appreciated.

Red95