Had a nice walk home from work tonight cuz once agian the car won't start. Didn't start this morning either when i was gonna go outa town. All electronics turn on, don't hear any sound from the fuel pump AT ALL. And everytime it won't start i don't hear anything from back there. What is wrong cuz i thought you just replaced it before i bought it?????

 

It could be your VATS system. Thats the problem I was having. The Ohm readings in your key may not match the computers readings and then will shut off the fuel and ignition systems.

Or I heard stories about the fusable links making a car not start.

Edit : take a look at the security light on the dash when you turn the key. If its illuminated when you turn the key to crank, then that means its messed up.

 

The only lights that come on are the service engine soon and one that says INFL REST.....what is that light????

 

INFL REST is your inflatable restraint (airbag) system filling up with air so that if you hit something that hits a sensor your wont blast your head on the steering wheel

 

ok then thats obviously not a bad thing. Still waitin to go check on the car

 

Well I went to get the car and it started right up. POpped the key in, pump came on and it started fine. What can cause these "no start" spells????

 

Hmmm, I saw this probelm in a 2001 Grand am GT, too bad we never figured out what was wrong, we just hooked up some jumper cables to it for a while, revved up the jumping car, and the grand am started, thats all i know, but i can't really tell you anything otherwise

 

if everything else has power to it check the clutch/park safety switch and the key cylinder, fuseable link to the starter

 

the what

 

Ok the car will not start anymore. Been sittin for about 2 days and theres nothing. WTF

 

Lets rule out some things, Anti theft (vats) would cause it NOT to turn over(meaning turn key no cranking of engine at all) IF it is turning over the fuel pump should come on for a few sec. then go off Either its not getting current (re:fuse or relay check the wires at the tank) or if its got current to the wires the tank then it is the fuel pump. My .02!

 

When i turn the key everything turns on except the pump....I can turn the key and the engine just cranks and cranks but won't come start.

 

Then as stated above its not the anti-theft. Time to disconnect the wires going to the tank take a test light and see if it is getting current to the tank.

 

Where exactly are these wires? Do i have to drop the tank? or are they at the engine??

 

No you don't have to pull the tank to check the wiring. Jack up the rear of the car you should be able to see a four or five wire connector coming from the tank. This is the connector to test.

 

wheres the connector? I mean like which side of the tank.

 

Check the Accessory wire coming off the positive battery cable. Its the little wire coming off the big one. It goes to a little post next to the battery which powers all your accesories. If this wire is loose your starter will turn but not start. But if the engine actually cranks and doesnt start then this is most likely NOT the case. Just something to marinate on

 

My '89 Iroc is doing this exact same thing. Any body know if he figured out what the problem was? Mine left me stranded at work and the service station has been trying to figure it out for 2 days and haven't found ****. I am tired of driving this rental Neon and can't afford it to boot.
:hail:

 

If your pump is not coming on then you need to trace power and see where it's not making it through. Two things that come to mind are the fuse for the fuel pump, and the relay. The fuse is located near the battery, and the relay should be on the drivers side firewall. You can check for power at the connecter near the differential, and if that doesn't have power(the 2 seconds after you turn the key), trace back farther.

The 'g' terminal on the ALDL is the fuel pump test terminal. Run 12v to this and the pump should run. If not, the wiring between there and the pump is bad, or the pump itself.

All of this only applies if your car cranks, but does not start. If it doesn't crank, you've got other problems.

 

It cranks fine. The shop where I dropped it off keeps telling me it is something in the VATS. I had that happen once but when VATS went out before it wouldn't even crank. They have had it for 2 days and told me it will take them some time to trace it. I don't have gobs of time or money for it. HAving to pay for a rental and then for their 'time' to trace it? If I would have known how long it was going to take them I would have just towed it to my house and tried to figure it out myself.

 

check your fuel pump relay before assuming it's your fuel pump.

 

Shop says it was corrosion on the line from the fuel pump to the VATS. They cleaned the connection and the car started. Guess I'll be tracing down all electrical connections and cleaning the connectors before I get stranded again.