Fuel pressure regulator or electrical?

[jefferyfreeman2003]

Hi All...I have experienced pretty much all of the ailments described on this site and get to them as time and $ permit. However this latest gremlin needs to be addressed asap. Here is the scenario: 00', 3.5, 125k miles, plugs, air, fuel filter, battery(cables stripped and cleaned) less than a year old. Oh yeah...almost forgot the GM Service Replacement Transmission at 90k(hey at least it has 100k warranty!).
For 2 years had the intermittent, no crank/toggle wait, will crank problem, still does this now. Also used to have the cranks but wont start until it is floored problem. Sometimes it would die when I let off had to feather it like the old carbs. then would idle. Tootbrush and carb clean on throttle body seemed to help quit abit. This seems to have went away but spawned the current issue.
Was hwy driving and engine "blinked" off then on again, SES lite came on has not went out since. Cranks strong but will not start normal or when floored. Just will start after 5-10 seconds of cranking, like building fuel pressure... sounds like a Honda with broken timing belt until it starts..thoughts?

[dtownfb]

I guess the best way to decide is if during the the starting process do you see the dashboard lights or is the dashboard black? I have the same exact issue (minus the "check engine" light); I've narrowed it down to the ignition switch. Let me know what you find.

[LittleHoov]

Good place to start would be to see what that check engine light is telling you. Could very well be a Crankshaft Position Sensor causing your starting troubles.

Get it started, then drive up to the nearest auto parts store, they should read your codes for free.

Your older symptoms are pretty typical of an ignition switch, but the switch wont throw a code, so you may be having multiple issues. You can pull and clean the contacts on the switch, many have had good luck with that. Search for "ignition switch removal" if you want instructions on how to take it out.

PS, nice to see someone else who believes in gremlins

[jefferyfreeman2003]

TY all for the responses..I just swapped Crank sensor...car fired right up..like new(ses still on)...just wondering, old sensor had metallic slag buildup on both sides..I was tempted to wipe off and put back in..but I did not..anyone tried that before?.. would the slag cause it to misbehave?

Going to attempt the ignition switch cleaning tomorrow..also might swap the pads and rotors while I have my Uncles purple PTCruiser as a loner...yeah that sucks..everyone looks at me real funny....

Gremlins rule..quick funny story..local news report one night a few weeks ago here in Detroit..had a violent crime story followed by the obligatory.."please be on the lookout for a 70's model AMC Gremlin.."...I swear to you know who..what moron would attempt a serious crime and try to escape without notice in a Gremlin??..in the year 2008??...TTYL..TY again.

[betes99]

If you want to get your SES off, just unhook the battery of a few minutes and it'll turn off.
I know my first choice for a get away car would be a Gremlin no doubt! haha