2001 Pontiac Grand Am SE 3.4L V-6 Will Crank Over But Will Not Start

[Carla_in_Kentucky]

I have a 2001 Pontiac Grand Am SE, 3.4L V-6. I drove my car last on Saturday. I parked it in my yard when I got home and gave it a well needed cleaning (inside and out). I did not drive it anymore over the weekend. I attempted to start it this morning to go to work and it will not start. It cranks, but doesn't start. The security light is not flashing, so that is not the problem. The fuel pump kicks on, hums for a couple seconds, then kicks off, so that is not the problem. It has a half tank of gas, so that is not the problem. I checked the battery, it is fine. All dash lights, wipers, radio, etc. work fine. As far as I know, no water got under the hood. Everything looks dry under there. Any idea on what the problem is? I have to get it fixed today, as I have to leave to go out of town at 2:00 a.m. tomorrow.

[3100]

Hi, how did you check the battery? What was the voltage? How does it crank? as usually or bit slower? Can you unplug one of the wires and check for spark while someone is cranking the engine. If you don't see spark tell your good friend to check the CKP (crankshaft position sensor) by disconnecting the two wire connector that has yellow and purple wire by the icm (ignition coil module) set his DVOM to read AC mV connect leads of the DVOM to sensor side, crank the engine several times. You should get about 200 mV AC if not replace CKP and you will need a special scan tool to relearn CKP or you will have code p0336. and engine will not run good.

[Carla_in_Kentucky]

Well, I haven't actually checked the battery with a meter or anything. But, I did check the cables and made sure they were tight and not corroded and did the whole "turn lights, wipers, radio, etc" on to check. Everything seems to be working fine. Well, other than the darn thing will not start. As for the cranking, it is cranking like normal, if not a bit faster than normal. So, now I am wondering if it has possibly jumped time. Also, wondering if it could be the coil pack. As for the things you said to check, is there any of those things that I can do by myself? No one here but me right now. Thank you for your time and assistance.

[3100]

any after market alarms installed?

[Carla_in_Kentucky]

Nope, haven't installed anything on it. I had a CB Radio in it for a few years, but have since taken it out. However, she never gave me any problems when it was in there.

[3100]

do you have a good neighbor who can check for a spark by removing the spark plug cable. You have to have one more person to crank it.

The 3 main things she needs is: spark, fuel and air

air we can eliminate, you say you hear the pump that is good but it does not mean that the pressure is in specs. You need special gauge for that but lets hope it is fine. We just need to know if she is getting spark. It is easy to check you just need one more person for that. Remove cable bring it close to the tip of the larger screw driver make sure you are holding screw driver by the handle and see if the spark is jumping to the metal part of the screw driver while engine is cranking. In the mean time I will try to find a picture for your engine and will ask you to test something it will be easy don't worry.

[Carla_in_Kentucky]

Haha, thanks a bunch! Easy works for me!

[3100]

I tried to upload a picture with instructions but it failed

[Carla_in_Kentucky]

Sent ya an e-mail.

[xeroinfinity]

Welcome to AF Carla_in_Kentucky !

Have you checked your fuses in the underhood box?

Their is one for the injectors(#48). You may have fuel coming to the rails, but if the fuse is blown, they wont put the gas in the cylinders to start/fire.
I'd check these fuses in the fuse box under the hood #18, #39, #41, #44, and #48.

Also the crank sensor wires on the 01 I think are up front along the intake edge, 3 wire plug in.
Here is a link to test that. Crank sensor testing/replacing
Though if this is the problem you might not get this changed/fixed by your deadline to leave.

And if the fuses are good you might go ahead and try the security relearn just in case thats the trouble.

Security relearn procedure:

1) Attempt to start the car by turning the key to the Start/Run Position.
2) Observe that the vehicle fails to start and that the security light is illuminated.
3) Release key to the 'ON/Accessory' Position. (DO NOT turn key to the 'off' position.)
4) Allow the vehicle to sit with the key in the 'ON/Accessory' Position for no less than 11 minutes.
5) Turn key to off position and allow the vehicle to remain in the 'OFF' position for no less than 30 seconds.
6) Repeat #1 - #5 for 3 cycles.
7) On 4th attempt, car should start.

NOTE : Since this is a fairly long procedure, I would limit all electrical sources, such as disconnecting headlights, to prevent discharge of battery.

NOTE 2 : It is SAFE to wait LONGER than the allotted time, but it is not safe to wait less time. I.e. 12 minutes instead of 11 minutes should be safe; however, waiting 10 minutes instead of 11 minutes is not safe.

Properly executed, this procedure should take approximately 35 minutes to complete

Hopefully it's a fuse and Good Luck!

[wandas2002]

[quote=Carla_in_Kentucky;6028924]I have a 2001 Pontiac Grand Am SE, 3.4L V-6. I drove my car last on Saturday. I parked it in my yard when I got home and gave it a well needed cleaning (inside and out). I did not drive it anymore over the weekend. I attempted to start it this morning to go to work and it will not start. It cranks, but doesn't start. The security light is not flashing, so that is not the problem. The fuel pump kicks on, hums for a couple seconds, then kicks off, so that is not the problem. It has a half tank of gas, so that is not the problem. I checked the battery, it is fine. All dash lights, wipers, radio, etc. work fine. As far as I know, no water got under the hood. Everything looks dry under there.

did u ever findout what the problem was with your car. i have a 2002 that did the exact samethingandi cant find out whats wrong with it.

[Carla_in_Kentucky]

Thank you to everyone for your help, assistance and advice. It turns out it is the fuel pump. It is being towed to the garage this afternoon and will hopefully be up and running before the weekend is over. Ended up driving the truck and was cramped, but at least we made it there and back. I'm glad my car quit at home instead of out on the road.