[Anonymous]

Hi, I have a 2003 Pontiac Grand AM. The problem I am having is that it starts when it wants to. It cranks but does not turn over. There are no service lights on. The first mechanic I took it to told me it was the fuel pump. He replaced the fuel pump and it started fine for a few days before the car died. A second mechanic hooked it up to a diagnostic machine and said it was the pass code lock sensor.

He replaced the sensor and it worked fine for about a week and then died again. I towed the car back to the shop where it started just fine. The mechanic had the car for about a week and could not duplicate the problem. This car has been towed 3 times already (about to be 4) and has started fine after being towed so I don’t know is something is coming loose. Rocking the car does not help it start but it has started after every single tow. Any ideas as to what may be causing this issue?

[Anonymous]

REPLY:

This is definitely an odd problem, and unfortunately would be quite difficult to diagnose over the internet. Your best bet is to leave the car with the mechanic until it acts up, or don’t get it towed when it is acting up and have someone to come to where the car is to try and diagnose it. With a problem like this, you really need to have it in the ‘act’ of not starting properly to see what is going on. I know it’s frustrating leaving your car at a shop and it not duplicating the problem. That’s the way it usually goes, and as soon as you get it home you’ll have a problem again. I don’t think the actual ‘towing’ of the car is ‘fixing’ the problem, and it starting after being towed is just a fluke. You could have anything from a faulty computer or body control module, ignition component, fuel problem, security, or wiring issue. You might want to have the mechanic re-check the passlock system he fixed before, and also check out the ignition switch itself as well.

[Anonymous]

I have a 2003 Grand Am 3.4 GT, sometime the car will start and when it does it runs great and if I shut it off it will start again. It seems if i let sit all night it won’t start, go out few hours later it will start. I replaced the PCM,BCM (used from same car). The crank sensor, ignition switch, key switch. Checked the TPS (good). Bypassed the Passlock with a resistor (no security light on) I would consider myself a good mechanic but this one has me stumped. when it doesn’t start it is firing and will run on starting fluid. I can hear the fuel pump kick in and pressure is good. What do you think this erratic problem could be?

[Protech]

Boy, you sure replaced a lot of parts. All that money could have been spent on getting it diagnosed! Anyway, it sure sounds like a fuel pressure problem to me. You say the pressure is good, but how about a specific reading?

[Author]

Posts