06 SV6 Ignition/Starting Issues

[SALwxguy]

I have been having some starting issues with my 06 Montana SV6. The issue is when I turn the key to start the van, the engine turns like I am still cranking for about 5-10 seconds. Sometimes it will start after it continues to turn over, sometimes it dies. Once I try to restart it, it fires right up. I have checked the spark plugs, and had it into the Pontiac dealer and they could not find anything. My father suggested adding some fuel injection cleaner to the gas tank and I did that once with no success. We stopped using gas with ethanol per a suggestion with no luck. Only ideas I am getting now is to let whatever is happening run its course until something breaks, then we will know what is wrong.
Does anyone have any ideas? My wife does not like the idea of waiting.
~Scott

['97ventureowner]

Originally Posted by SALwxguy

I have been having some starting issues with my 06 Montana SV6. The issue is when I turn the key to start the van, the engine turns like I am still cranking for about 5-10 seconds.

This is "normal" according to GM. It is part of the starting system to prevent accidental starting of the engine while it is already running. I discovered the same thing with my '06 Uplander (sister to the SV6) and I believe the owners manual mentions something about this as well. ( I don't have access to my manual right now, but will post the excerpt from it if I find it tomorrow.)

Originally Posted by SALwxguy

Sometimes it will start after it continues to turn over, sometimes it dies. Once I try to restart it, it fires right up.

Again, my van does the same and was told that is "normal" and part of the starting system. It took me awhile to get used to it and personally that is really the only "new" feature I do not like about these vans.

['97ventureowner]

Managed to grab the owners manual out of my van when I had to go out and shovel some snow tonight.
It says the following concerning the starting system:
"Your vehicle has a Computer-Controlled Cranking System. This feature assists in starting the engine and protects the electrical system.If the ignition key is turned to START position,and then released when the engine begins cranking, the engine will continue cranking until the vehicle starts, or until it exceeds the maximum cranking time allowed, approximately 15 seconds to prevent cranking motor damage.To prevent gear damage this system also prevents cranking if the engine is already running.
If the engine does not start in 10 seconds,push the accelerator pedal about a quarter of the way down while you turn the key to START. Do this until the engine starts."

[SALwxguy]

Thank you! This is actually the concerned wife. I was just hoping for some clarification. Does what the owner's manual said mean that we are releasing from the key too quickly?

Thank you so much for your time and help. My husband's in the military, the Montana is our only vehicle, we have a 2 year old and a 3 year old...I just have visions of it breaking down at the worst possible time when I have no one around to help me. I have heard other vehicles making this same sound in parking lots (now that I'm paranoid about that sound, I seem to notice it!).

Thanks again!

[JabbaTHutt]

I noticed that also, when we got our van last year I turned the key and it slipped in my hand, hmm this is neat I have no control over it once I tell it to start, I think this is what has lead to the start button on some newer vehicles. Now I just turn it and let go, no use holding it till the van starts since I don't have control of it and the computer does. I use this time to adjust mirrors, put on seat belt or whatever.

['97ventureowner]

Originally Posted by SALwxguy

Does what the owner's manual said mean that we are releasing from the key too quickly?

No, I don't think so. I think it may be some sort of glitch that occurs once in awhile . My van still does it on occasion, and I'll have to admit, this being the first vehicle I have owned that does this sort of thing can take awhile to get used to . Especially when you are so used to turning the key in order for it to start by yourself unaided.