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Pontiac Grand Am Starting/Stalling Problems

321 messages,  Last post on Apr 22, 2013 at 8:52 AM

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What is this discussion about? Pontiac Grand Am, Electrical, Sedan

Messages Page 33 of 33

#313 of 321 Re: key won't turn - steering won't lock [rick2165] by ramareno1983

Sep 23, 2012 (2:31 am)

Replying to: rick2165 (Sep 21, 2012 1:23 pm)
Rick did you try cutting a new factory key not a cheap key from wal mart a numbered key laser cut from factory specs by local locksmith had this problem with a toyota before Good luck let me know

#314 of 321 Re: key won't turn - steering won't lock [ramareno1983] by rick2165

Sep 23, 2012 (8:18 am)

Replying to: ramareno1983 (Sep 23, 2012 2:31 am)
I tried both keys I had for the original lock cylinder, then replaced with a new lock cylinder. After 2 days, the keys for the new cylinder would not turn. These keys were new. I am thinking that the fact the steering will not lock is a clue. I have read several posts describing this same situation (key won't turn, steering won't lock), but can't find what the eventual solution was. I found a post yesterday of a person that had the same issue a couple days after replacing the cylinder (as I am having). I have another new cylinder, don't want to install it until I understand the problem because if it happens again, I will have to destroy another new $170 cylinder.

#315 of 321 ABixby by abixby

Nov 28, 2012 (7:20 am)

I drive a 2004 Grand AM. I am having starting issues. Went thru the changing of the ignition switch. Relearning the new keys. On a cold start the engine will crank but will not fire. I can disconnect the battery momentarily then the car will start. It will continue to start as long as I restart it with in a 2 hour window. if it sits for longer it will not start. it sounds like a relay sticking issue an I on the right track?

#316 of 321 2002 grand am gt will turn over but wont start after i shut it off. HELP!! by chris345

Jan 11, 2013 (8:16 pm)

My 2002 Grand am GT 3.4l has been nothin but a problem. After buying it the head gasket went (i replaced it), then I've had the security issues eveyone else has delt with, and on top of the security issues after driving the car i would go to a store shut the car off go shopping then try to start the car and it will trun over but not start after leaving the car for a few hours it will start(note i just replaced fuel pump and had the security issues delt with) the car will try to start with starting fluid and most of the time it start from a cold start. I just started the car let it run till it got up to temp. shut it off and tried to start it and it will just trun over. Also sometimes when driving the car and i'm at a stop sign it will idle to 1000rpms and drop to almost stalling. Can anyone put me in the right direction.

#317 of 321 grand am03 by kimijo

Feb 20, 2013 (7:11 am)

These are great cars! The only thing is a lot of mechanics dont know the ins and outs. They are not their cars so they dont care. I have had problems with mine as well. I have a new ignition switch, alternator, battery etc. After the auto parts person said the ignition switch was so complicated i needed a professional. I went home and changed it.Get a manual, search the internet then fix your own car.

#318 of 321 PROBLEM STARTING 2001 GRAND AM PLEASE HELP by fontino2010

Mar 23, 2013 (4:08 am)

I have a 2001 grand am se 3.4 v6, car has high kilometers 295.000, the issue I'm having is that when I go to start the car sometimes it will start right away no problem but once its at full running temp it cranks over a lot before starting, the fuel pump always turns on so its getting fuel and when that happens after it cranking a lot before starting u smell gas, I live in winnipeg canada so over night in -25 weather starts fine in morning but once warm it cranks a lot and when fired I smell gas, I've changed the plugs and fuel filter but engine light is on and reads catalyst system, could it be cause the catalyc converter is clogged?? Cause it does idle kind of rough when started and seems to be over fuelling itself upon cranking hence the gas smell any help would be great ???? Thank you

#319 of 321 2000 Grand Am GT - Won't start, trunk opens itself, car starts itself by lumtaylor

Apr 19, 2013 (1:03 pm)

#320 of 321 2000 Grand Am GT - Won't start, trunk opens itself, car starts itself by lumtaylor

Apr 19, 2013 (1:03 pm)

I have a 2000 Pontiac Grand Am GT that has been sitting unused in my driveway for most of this past winter, I replaced the back tires yesterday and went to jump the car (as it was obviously dead from sitting around for so long) after a bit I tried to start the car, giving it gas, etc. It chugged a bit and eventually there was a popping sound and a bit of smoke/steam/something I have no idea ghosted up out of my open hood.
 
After this it got worse, with the battery still hooked up to jumper cables, after several attempts at starting, the car began trying to start itself, and opened the trunk by itself, even with the key out of the ignition. When the jumper cables are removed, even after 20+ minutes of charging off another car, all power in the Grand Am dies instantly, so I guess the battery isn't holding charge.
 
I have no idea what this is, and really don't want to tow the thing (I'll probably have to tow the thing) haven't been able to find any answers to this problem anywhere on the internet, anybody help me?

#321 of 321 Re: 2000 Grand Am GT - Won't start, trunk opens itself, car starts itself [lumtaylor] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Apr 22, 2013 (8:52 am)

Replying to: lumtaylor (Apr 19, 2013 1:03 pm)
You really can't diagnose anything until you get a fresh battery in there--your car's various computers will go nuts with low voltages in the electrical system.
 
You can't charge up a battery in 20 minutes anyway, and it's not a good idea to jump start a completely dead battery anyway--it could explode--so either remove your battery and have it charged overnight, slowly and then load-tested, or get yourself a new battery and then take it from there.

Messages Page 33 of 33

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