Sunfire cranks no start

[Birdman4-2-0]

Car cranks over and won't start, getting no fuel or spark when you try to read the PCM all I'm getting is unable to communicate with PCM check DLC port and make sure the ignition is on. Could this be the ignition switch? The car died while driving and has now sat for 3 weeks, intermittedly you could start the car but it would die after 2-3 seconds. If anyone knows what this could be any help would be appreicated. The car is a 97 2.2L.

[Kidd-7]

I have the same problem; I am unsure of the spark, but my fuel pump would not start when trying to start the car. I also was unable to link to the computer. Did you find out anything? Mine is in the shop right now hoping they were smarter than I, but it dosen't seem so. Once mine would start it would run, but this week it has been starting when it wants to, usually it dosen't want to. I plan on tracing out my wiring and verifying if there is any voltage to the computer from the ignition; I have verified that there is none from the computer to the fuel pump relay.

[dialogue62]

My 1996 had the same symptoms. Here is what I have so far:

Two different shops said that the problem is with the ignition system (ignition cylinder, its housing, and the ignition switch). Apparently they are sending a theft signal to the computer which causes the engine to die immediately after start up.

The (reputable) mechanics at City Garage gave me the straight story but admitted that they could do nothing as it would involge proprietary equipment at a GM dealership to be able to resolve a problem involving the computer.

The Dealership told me the same story about the theft signals and said the ignition components would have to be replaced. They'd be happy to do it too, for a mere $1500. Yeh, I just bet they would.

A little research later and I discovered that there are recalls involving the ignition system (http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/), and defective fuel pump. The recall on the ignition system states that it is a safety issue and that it could suddenly burst into flame at any time. Funny how the dealership wasn't aware of this...

So, the car is at a different dealership for the recall work and I'll post the results when I get her back.

Cheers

[Kidd-7]

Thanks for the update; I've had the ignition recall fixed on my car some years ago. I picked my car up from the mechanic yesterday after them having it for 3 days; the story I got from the tech that worked on it was: !st the fuel pump wouldn't run (original prob); he played with it and the pump was running but then there was no spark; removed the wires from the coils and could see those spark when trying to start; put the wired back on and the car has been working since; of course they wanted to keep it and work on it some more on Monday. I took it home and she ran fine last night and this morning; later on I'm going to check out some of the wires and connectors.

[Kidd-7]

I had 1 problem over the weekend; it sputtered a little Sat night. I pushed in the clutch and gave it some gas and she recovered; I'm going to change the fuel filter just in case. What I did find that I believe to be the whole problem is the computer mount. I got under it yesterday to check out the computer and wires. After about an hour I had pulled the computer and duplicated the problem, funny after 3 days in the shop they knew nothing. The computer is rivited to the body; the rivits rusted off and the computer was being held on by 1 screw in the plastic wheel well. I blew out the connector and mounted the computer so we will see what happens. What I figure it that with the computer flapping in the breeze, it would get banged around enough to quit or loose contact. Hope this helps someone.