Mysterious Ignition Problem

extremejrowe · #1 08-15-2009, 08:03 AM

I have a 1997 2.4L pontiac grand am gt. On some days when I go to start it, it will start right up for about a second then die, and to get it to start up again i will have to turn the car ignition key all the way off then back. Today it just wouldn't start, it started for the second as it typically would, this time I tried turning the key back then forward again (wihout cranking the starter) all before the engine stopped turning over, and when I did that the car came to life again for another second then died.

WHAT COULD MY PROBLEM BE?

THANKS SO MUCH FOR ANY HELP

GTP Dad · #2 08-15-2009, 10:58 AM

Does the security light come on when you turn the key? If the light is on make sure the key is an OEM key. Then set the parking brake and turn the key on for 10 minutes, turn it off for 30 seconds. Repeat and on the third try start the car. If the car doesn't start you could have a fuel pump or fuel pressure regulator issue. Try to reset the security system. If that doesn't work then we will try something else.

extremejrowe · #3 08-15-2009, 08:17 PM

well, when i got home, i tried starting it... and it started right up...

so now what?

and what does the security light say?

GTP Dad · #4 08-17-2009, 06:49 PM

If the security light comes on the system has recognized a possible theft of the vehicle using an unauthorized key. If this happens it will disable the ignition and cause the car to stall. Often you need to reset the system before the car will start. The system can reset itself after a period of time although this is rare. Keep an eye on the light and if it comes on while driving the security system may be the entire problem.

3100 · #5 08-17-2009, 11:14 PM

also if the recall for the ignition switch has not been done yet on your car, you might want to check your ignition switch since it could be melting slowly and causing no start sometimes.

extremejrowe · #6 08-19-2009, 09:01 AM

If i give the car some throttle no it starts right up, but if i dont give it throttle on start up, I get the same problem as previously stated

3100 · #7 08-20-2009, 10:44 PM

check the air filter

extremejrowe · #8 08-21-2009, 08:43 AM

would that also make it to where i need to turn the ignition off then back on to get it to even fire again?

3100 · #9 08-21-2009, 08:49 AM

You said that when you open the throttle a little it starts. Clear logic would be not enough air entering the engine. You can also try cleaning the throttle body especially plate it could be very dirty, and also clean IAC valve and its passages. Any codes?

extremejrowe · #10 08-21-2009, 09:53 AM

is there any place i can go to get the codes quick and cheap? I'm mechanically inclined but i've never worked on cars much before, just motorcycles and everything else

also, how easy is it to clean the throttle body plate?

3100 · #11 08-21-2009, 10:31 AM

do you have check engine light on? if no then you do not have any codes. When you start the car do you see check engine light iluminated for 2-3 seconds? if yes then your bulb for check engine light is OK. and if it is not illuminated constantly you do not have any codes. In the case you have check engine light on, you can go to your closest Auto Zone they will check it for you free. Write the code that they give to you and come back here with the code and someone will help you.

Throttle Body can be cleaned with throttle body cleaner spray (you can get it anywhere: Walmart, Auto zone, Pep Boys etc)

remove that big air duct that goes from your air filter box to the engine and you will see throttle body most likely it is full of carbon mixed with oil and dust. Sometimes you will find nests,from smaller animals and birds if the car was not driven for a longer period. Use some soft cloth to wipe out dirt trying to make it as shiny as possible from both sides of the plate.

extremejrowe · #12 08-21-2009, 10:45 AM

yea, the check engine light is on... i figure at 160,000 miles thats pretty normal and not much to worry about, but as soon as i get the car started i will take it to autozone and have them find out the codes for me

extremejrowe · #13 08-21-2009, 10:52 AM

i'm doing some research and looking at how ignition systems work... could it be my distributer? if so, are they an expensive part?..... also, could my catalytic converter be clogged causing this?

crazy Jim · #14 08-21-2009, 11:21 AM

you may want to update your study materials as most cars have not had distributors for about twenty years. I'd check for spark and fuel pressure next time it does not start. ALso pull vacuume line off the Fuel pressur Reglator and see if any gas dribbles out. If so the regulator is on the fritz.

Brandish · #15 08-21-2009, 11:24 AM

Does the starter turn over every time you try to start the car?

As GTP Dad suggested, it may be an issue with the Passlock system. Typically with Passlock, it will kill the engine shortly after you start it, and the security light will begin to flash in the instrument cluster. The only way to fix it is to replace the ignition switch, or bypass the Passlock system entirely. If the security light isn't flashing, then it could be any number of things. The ignition switch may still be at fault, but you'd have to test the wires at the ignition harness to see if they're losing power at all. Beyond that I'm just guessing, but it could be the fuel pump, fuel filter or maybe even the coil just to start...

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