What is causing this no start problem?

Maintenance/Repairs
1

I have a 2001 Pontiac Grand Am SE 2.4 and I’m dealing with a no start problem that I can’t figure out. I’m thinking it’s probably the fuel pump, but it could also be the ignition switch or maybe crankshaft/camshaft sensor.

This all started a couple months ago. The car was acting weird when I tried to start it. I’d turn the key and get dash lights and headlights, but no crank at all. If I kept turning the key a few times, it would eventually start.

Then a few weeks ago, it changed to where the car would crank and start, but immediately die right after.

About two weeks ago, it got worse and turned into a crank but no start situation. It would just keep cranking and never actually fire up but I was able to get it to crank and start twice. Once it started, I didn’t notice anything wrong while driving it. The problem was, as soon as I shut it off, the same issue came right back the next time I tried to start it.

Now it’s at the point where it’s no crank, no start. I turn the key and nothing happens. No sound, no crank, no fuel pump prime. Just the dash lights and headlights come on like normal.

I’ve already checked all the fuses and relays under the hood and inside on both driver and passenger sides. I even swapped the fuel pump relay with the horn relay, so I know the relay is good. I checked the fuel pump fuse with a test light and it’s fine.

The fuel filter, injectors, and fuel pressure regulator are only a few years old, so I wouldn’t expect them to fail already. The fuel pump is at least 13 years old with over 100k miles on it, so I think it might have finally stopped working. I don’t know the exact age and miles on the fuel pump.

I also tried a few things like pressing the brake and starting it in neutral, turning the key on and off multiple times to build fuel pressure, and even wiggling the key while turning it, but none of them worked.

I’m not sure if I want to try starting fluid to see if it’s a fuel issue. I feel like it could mess something up internally since this car is pretty old. I’d rather do a fuel pressure test, but I can’t even find the test port anywhere.

I’m not good at diagnostics. I know this could be fuel, ignition, air, sensors, or electrical problem.

At this point I can’t even get the car started to take it anywhere, so I’m probably going to have to get a mobile mechanic to come check it out.

Based on how the car has been acting, what do you guys think is the most likely problem?

2

A bad ignition control module can cause the problems you’re having.

The battery is probably low on charge due to cranking the engine for so long without the it starting,

Tester

1 Like
3

For GM/Pontiac, can you use aftermarket electrical parts or do you have to use OEM AcDelco brand?

I think I changed the ignition control module with aftermarket brand OEG Parts two years ago when I replaced spark plugs. Maybe it wasn’t a good idea to use aftermarket brand.

This one: Amazon.com: OEG Parts New Ignition Module Compatible With Chevrolet Beretta L4 2.3L 93-94 10458132 10474118 10487716 19178834 DR420C : Automotive

Every time I’ve used aftermarket electrical parts on this car, they seem to fail sooner than expected. The throttle position sensor caused hesitation during acceleration, and the fuel injectors led to a misfire. I’ve learned my lesson and avoid aftermarket electrical parts on this car.

4

You can use softer marked but a name brand like standard sold at Napa, not Amazon. Fuel and cranking are unrelated. If it cranks but doesn’t stsrt or starts but dies, that could be fuel. But if it doesn’t crank, that is not fuel. With a bad crank sensor everything could b3 dead. One thing I have had is an mis adjusted ignition switch so when you turn the key, th3 dtarter is not activated. I would forget the mobile mechanic and just tow to a shop. Too many possibilities to rule out.

5

You want to install components that meets or exceeds the OEM’s specifications whenever possible.

Tester

6

The weird thing is I’ve gone through all three situations at different times. It first started as an intermittent no crank, no start. Sometimes it would act like that and I had to turn the key several times, and other times it would start just fine. Then it progressed to cranking, starting, and immediately dying. After that, it became a crank but no start. Now it’s a consistent no crank, no start no matter how many times I turn the key.

7

A no crank is not fuel or ignition related, a no crank mean the engine does not turn over like the starter is not engaging…

With someone helping you, tap the starter while someone is trying to start the vehicle… if nothing happens, then you need to check the signal wire (small wire) at the starter to see if you have a crank signal to the starter while someone is turning the key all the way forward… If you have a signal to the starter as well as B+ (big wire from battery) then you have a bad starter… If you don’t have power to the signal wire at the starter then you need to start testing the circuit to see why no signal to the starter while trying to crank it… Possible starter relay, ignition switch, neutral safety switch, basically anything between the ignition switch to the starter…

8

You may have multiple failures happening, but the engine has to crank 1st to test for a crank no start…

9

Nevermind, VATS issue would still crank IIRC. Might be issue with ignition switch…

10

Well we know free advice is worth what you pay for it​:grinning_face: I agree with having it towed to a full service shop. Too many variables, especially if you still have the ignition switch from the old no crank situation. The mobile mechanic might be able to diagnose, but then go get the part, come back install, then another problem pops up.

1 Like
11

First thought is this sounds like “25 year old” car problems….could be many things….:neutral_face:

Also agree with having the car towed to a mechanic to review. Bear in mind that some mechanics will not work on anything older that 20 years old. Might want to call the mechanic first before having it towed.

Good luck.

1 Like
12

Do you at least have a volt meter? Even a cheap one will work well. Nothing in the fuel sydtem will cause a no crasnk situation. Battery cables and terminal can cause this and if yore car has a side terminal battery they are notorious for causing loss of power or ground. Remove both ends of each cable , clean up and tighten each one. Costs nothing to try.