Mystery Nightmare!!!

[MelindaGrandPrix]

ok the problem is that my 97 grand prix will start then shut off like you just turned the key back off sometimes it will turn over but not start at all .......its not: the MAC, the fuel anything, or the TNF everything i have seen might could be it it isnt .......im soo fed up i JUST bought the car and the camshaft sensor has been replaced already PLEASE somebody help me !!!!

[BNaylor]

Welcome to AF.

It would help to post your mileage and which model Grand Prix or engine so members can weigh-in to provide assistance.

It is either fuel related or ignition. Replacing the camshaft position sensor won't help if the crank position sensor is bad. Fuel pressure can be checked at the fuel rail.

[richtazz]

its not: the MAC, the fuel anything, or the TNF everything i have seen might could be it it isnt

I know you're a newbie, and probably not real automotive literate, but the above statement makes absolutely zero sense.

How did you determine it's not the MAF (Mass Airflow Sensor, not MAC?), the fuel anything (not even going to try to decipher that), or the TPS (Throttle Position Sensor instead of TNF?)

[MelindaGrandPrix]

well sorry im not car litterate .......look i know nothing about cars all i know is that there are no codes and we have tested everything that could be wrong with it and it isnt.......i just need help......it has 201k miles and is a 3800 SE 3.8l

[MelindaGrandPrix]

and thanx for the advice BNaylor ......the cps is fine and the feul pressure is great....im confused

[Mickey#1]

Is this the supercharged (GTP) engine?

What's the security light do when you get in the car, close the doors & turn the key to the run position? It should come on then turn off after a few seconds.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by Mickey#1

Is this the supercharged (GTP) engine?

Obvious it is not. The SE model if stock has the L36 N/A SII 3800.

[MelindaGrandPrix]

no its not supercharged and the security light does nothing

[Mickey#1]

Originally Posted by BNaylor

Obvious it is not. The SE model if stock has the L36 N/A SII 3800.

I don't see where she says it's an SE.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by Mickey#1

I don't see where she says it's an SE.

See Post #4.

Also, later year SEs have the 3100 but in 1997 the N/A 3800 was standard for the SE model and the 3100 was not fielded or available until later on '97.

Originally Posted by MelindaGrandPrix

well sorry im not car litterate .......look i know nothing about cars all i know is that there are no codes and we have tested everything that could be wrong with it and it isnt.......i just need help......it has 201k miles and is a 3800 SE 3.8l

[Mickey#1]

So the security light doesn't come on for a few seconds?
Does the car have a remote starter?
After it quits running does it restart quickly or does it take a lot (more than 5 seconds) of cranking?

[Mickey#1]

Originally Posted by BNaylor

See Post #4.

You got me! I must read that 3 times & just saw 3800 3.8l.

[MelindaGrandPrix]

no it will come on when the key is in the on position but when i start it (if it starts) it isnt on and once i get it to start it will run on idle for like 1 or two minutes the it will shut off and will start mabye for like 2 seconds then shuts off then wont start at all........after like an hour it will do it all again.....and no remote starter......if u were talking about the theftlock instead off the check engine light......then no it doesnt blink or come on at all

[Mickey#1]

Try unplugging the MAF sensor & see if that helps.
Check for fuel in the vacuum line that goes to the fuel pressure regulator. Replace the regulator if fuel is in the vauum line.

If neither of those 2 things help then check for spark at each of the three front cylinders. Remove the spark plugs & check their condition.