Sometimes it Starts, Sometimes it Doesn't!!

[Pontiac Ninja]

This is the deal......
I'll go to start my car and sometimes (usually once a week) it simply won't start at first. The needles will sweep, the check lights will come on, but there is no turning over sound or anything at all. Alot of times it will immediately start on the 2nd try and then other times it takes 6-8 times till it finally starts.
The dealership has replaced the ignition switch and the battery cable (and bolt). They simply don't want to keep throwing parts at it, because they can't get it to replicate the same problem. Here lately it has gotten worse, and I'm about to send it to them and say don't give it back to me until its fixed! I mean thats crap! A very well taken care of 2000 should NOT do that!
Anyways I heard of this happening to other ppl, but haven't gotten any real info. to help. This is the first thread I have started about it, and I found no help with searching. One guy I found had to replace a fuse or something, but his needles didn't sweep, and mine do. I've also heard of a car dieing suddenly on the road and thats usually the fuel pump, but my case is different. There has got to be someone out there that can help me out!! Thanks to all of you who read this!
Jason

[SC/TGrandAm]

Definately sounds like a starter, the GA starters are ****. sometimes it takes my car 2 times to start it. And sometimes i turn the key and it just goes errrrr and then 5 sec later it starts. Kinda embarassing when someone is around and it does that. Just another one of good ole pontiacs pos parts.

Ive seen some brand new GA's that need starters 5,000 miles down the road. I think you got another bad starter. I suspect your under warranty still? If so tell the dealer to fix it and your not picking it up until its fixed. If your out of warranty just get an aftermarket starter, then you wont have to worry ever again.

[Pontiac Ninja]

Hey, thanks for the reply. Mine doesn't make any sound though when I try and start it accept for the hum of the fuel pump. But I will have the dealership check the starter. I'm taking it in today and letting them keep it for a day or 2, to see if it will replicate the probelm for them, since its starting to happen more frequently. Any further suggestions from ppl would be greatly appreciated. Thanks alot!!

[Vintalage]

Sometimes, I have to hold the key at start for about 5 secs for it to fire up. Usually happens when the car is warm.

[SE'sarecool2]

Hey guys, just a few of my observations if it helps. I just bought an '01 SE 2 months ago and I get a similar problem. I'll drive my car a few miles and shut it off(short trips to Wawa,etc) and when I go to start it again I have to turn the key 3 or 4 times before it starts. My best guestimate is that it's a heat soak issue since the car starts right up when the motor is cold...hope this info helps

[2002AmSE]

Wait, This could be the PASS-LOCK security system that is built into all of our cars, it could be the car thinking that its being stolen and not starting at all. Is the SECURITY light on when you are about to turn the key?

[VaGT]

Originally posted by SE'sarecool2
I'll drive my car a few miles and shut it off(short trips to Wawa,etc) and when I go to start it again I have to turn the key 3 or 4 times before it starts.

That's because your car looks over at the Wawa gas pumps and is deathly afraid you'll actually put that crap in your tank

[SE'sarecool2]

Originally posted by 2002AmSE
Wait, This could be the PASS-LOCK security system that is built into all of our cars, it could be the car thinking that its being stolen and not starting at all. Is the SECURITY light on when you are about to turn the key?

No, I haven't noticed the SECURITY light on when I turn the key so I don't think that's why it won't start right up when the engine is warm

[2002AmSE]

Ummm, SA'sarecool2, i was talking to the maker of the forum, which his problem, the problem with SA'sarecool2 is a completely different problem, and it is everywhere on the forum, just look.

Originally posted by 2002AmSE
Ummm, SA'sarecool2, i was talking to the maker of the forum, which his problem, the problem with SA'sarecool2 is a completely different problem, and it is everywhere on the forum, just look.

That's correct.. but from what I know the warm hard start issue that SA'sarecool2 is experiencing has never been resolved. That's not to say that he should be posting in the same thread.. but I've been looking for the answer to this problem and the 'search' button hasn't gotten me answers... Does anyone know how to fix this? If you can point me in the right direction I would appreciate. SA'sarecool2 - I think it's a fuel issue, specifically the fuel pump, but I'm not sure. Thanks

[Pontiac Ninja]

Originally posted by 2002AmSE
Wait, This could be the PASS-LOCK security system that is built into all of our cars, it could be the car thinking that its being stolen and not starting at all. Is the SECURITY light on when you are about to turn the key?

Hey guys!
Thanks for all the comments. I don't really recall if its on right before I'm about to start it or not. It is on (along with all the other start-up light) right after it doesn't start and goes back to the "on" position.
This problem happened the worst it ever has last night (took about 15 tries!), and then again this afternoon. I drove it straight into the dealership when I got back into town, so it will already be there for Monday morning. I have good feeling this time that it will actually replicate for them, so they can trace the problem! I'll keep you guys posted.
Jason

[Jagey]

mine does the same thing. Sometimes it takes a LOT of effort to start it, and sometimes it starts nice and easy. Embarassing as hell when it doesn't start right away though. Not so much now, but when it was brand new it was quite embarassing.

[AndyVTek]

If I remember correctly, someone decided that our fuel pumps can be the cause for the hesitation.

For the guy who created the post, I think your problem is somewhat different.

But for the rest of us, that "embarrassing" hesitation is a factory part problem...

Videoman's old post helps:
"Unless you have the key turned to the on position for 3 seconds your fuel pump won't have enough time to prime itself. If you are experiencing this problem try:

For a cold start, turn the key to the on position wait for three seconds, count em ( one grand am, two grand am three. ......)

Then turn the key to start the car hold it firmly , twisting the key till it wont turn any further and let go. 99% of the time that will do it.

The other 1% is if you havent listened to a word I've said and still complain that it wont start properly."

Post link: http://www.grandamgt.com/forum/showt...threadid=12653





Then again, you could have a different problem...

[Vintalage]

Originally posted by AndyVTek
If I remember correctly, someone decided that our fuel pumps can be the cause for the hesitation.

For the guy who created the post, I think your problem is somewhat different.

But for the rest of us, that "embarrassing" hesitation is a factory part problem...

Videoman's old post helps:
"Unless you have the key turned to the on position for 3 seconds your fuel pump won't have enough time to prime itself. If you are experiencing this problem try:

For a cold start, turn the key to the on position wait for three seconds, count em ( one grand am, two grand am three. ......)

Then turn the key to start the car hold it firmly , twisting the key till it wont turn any further and let go. 99% of the time that will do it.

The other 1% is if you havent listened to a word I've said and still complain that it wont start properly."

Post link: http://www.grandamgt.com/forum/showt...threadid=12653





Then again, you could have a different problem...

I'll try that for my car but I have done that when the car was warm and it still cranked. I need to make a video of it.

[Panacea]

Do you guys leave the key in the "ON" position 3-5 seconds before you turn it all the way over to start the car? If you just get in the car, put the key in and try to start it, you're going to have hesitation, you're fuel pump hasn't pressurized yet.


Try levaing the key in the "ON" Position for 5 seconds without starting it, then try to start it. Let me know if it fixes your problems!!!

[Vintalage]

Originally posted by Panacea
Do you guys leave the key in the "ON" position 3-5 seconds before you turn it all the way over to start the car? If you just get in the car, put the key in and try to start it, you're going to have hesitation, you're fuel pump hasn't pressurized yet.


Try levaing the key in the "ON" Position for 5 seconds without starting it, then try to start it. Let me know if it fixes your problems!!!

I did this today when my car was cold. Still took some time to start. Like about 5 secs or close to.

[Pontiac Ninja]

Originally posted by AndyVTek
If I remember correctly, someone decided that our fuel pumps can be the cause for the hesitation.

For the guy who created the post, I think your problem is somewhat different.

But for the rest of us, that "embarrassing" hesitation is a factory part problem...

Videoman's old post helps:
"Unless you have the key turned to the on position for 3 seconds your fuel pump won't have enough time to prime itself. If you are experiencing this problem try:

For a cold start, turn the key to the on position wait for three seconds, count em ( one grand am, two grand am three. ......)

Then turn the key to start the car hold it firmly , twisting the key till it wont turn any further and let go. 99% of the time that will do it.

The other 1% is if you havent listened to a word I've said and still complain that it wont start properly."

Post link: http://www.grandamgt.com/forum/showt...threadid=12653





Then again, you could have a different problem...

My problem is definitely different. It never has hesitated and therefore been embarrasing. It simply never starts to begin with, and never has a chance to be emabarrasing (at least to anyone that is outside.) Then between 1 and 20 tries later it will finally start! It averages happening about once a week to week and a half.

I have also heard of GAs dieing while driving down the road. This has been a fuel pump related problem, but that has only happened once. It was about 3 years ago! I think it was a fluke back then, maybe bad gas?! So, I really don't think thats it either. Its still at the dealership, heres hoping for something positive!

Jason

[AndyVTek]

[Pontiac Ninja]

Nothing happen at the dealership, AGAIN! It started just fine for them every time, for the 3 days that they had it. Man I wish I could come up with some answers to this problem.
I hope ppl are still looking at this, and can help me out!! THanks.
jason

[Monello]

Hey, there are a few things you need to do.

First

Replace Air Filter,
Replace FUEL FILTER <-- THIS IS A MUST, you can do it yourself, only 4 bucks at Autozone.

While you are there also buy fuel injector cleaner, and brake cleaner.

Get back home, change the fuel filter. Remove your MAF, and soak it with brake cleaner. You will see the carbon deposits disapeer. Make sure to give it a good 30mins to 1 hour to TOTALLY dry. =) Then go get gas and put the fuel injector cleaner in before you fill the tank. Drive the car for a hundred miles or so, and let us know if it still happens.

There are other things that can go bad, but i dont think you have the tools to check them.

Fuel pump. Have someone with a fuel pressure tester hook it up and make sure the is pressure going to the injectors even with the car off.

The IAC sensor. If your car starts then shuts off, this has been known to be the problem. Have someone test it, if they dont know how or u want to do it, post on here and i will give you instructions.

Later,
Pat