I have a 2001 Pontiac Grand Am SE1, 6cyl, 87,000 that I bought new. Car will not start, will not even try to turn over, is completely silent. Used a volt meter on the battery and says 12.4, cleaned the battery terminals and checked the cables. All lights and stereo work when key in on position. Everything shuts off when turn key to start. Hooked up computer to it and doesn't throw any code. Drove the car and it started fine about three weeks ago, filled it with gas and got a carwash and drove 5 miles back home. Then went to try and start it 5 days ago and nothing. Going to try jacking it up and banging on the starter per instructions from a GM tech. I don't think it's the security issue, as I know 2 others that have had this problem and with them the car at least tried to start.
Sometimes the problem has been the ignition switch power to starter. If you have checked that, then:
This procedure usually works:
·Check the battery cable connections:
Make sure the negative cable makes a good ground connection at the battery and (preferably) at the engine. Make sure the positive cable, makes a good connection at the battery and at the starter.
·Check the battery the simple way, like this:
Turn on the headlights, then try to start the car.If the headlights do not dim or go out, then the battery is likely ok.
·Check the starter and solenoid:
If the wiring looks ok, then look at the starter solenoid for a good connection, and proper voltage at the starter(10 volts minimum while cranking).
If the starter spins and no crank, the problem is most likely the Solenoid's pinion gear is stuck.
Have someone hit (not too hard) the starter while you try to start the car. This usually works by dislodging a stuck pinion gear.
·Make a simple test of the alternator:
If you can, somehow get the engine running, measure the voltage at the battery. It should be at least 13.6 volts to properly charge the battery.
If it does not crank, it could be the key switch, the neutral safety switch, or the starter.
While you are under the car you need to check to see if you have power on the purple wire at the starter solenoid when the key switch is in the start position. That is power coming from the key switch thru the neutral safety switch that energizes the starter solenoid.
Thanks Stephen! We'll be sure to try this later. Will let you know if that helps.
Replaced the starter today, now the service vehicle light, the ABS light, and the TracOn light are lit and stay on after start the car. Going to drive it over to my dad's so he can put it on his computer this afternoon.
Forgot to reply on this....my brother replaced the wheel hub assembly on the passenger front side and everything's A-OK
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Used parts such as starters and altinators don't last. It might **** but it sounds like you need to buy a new starter,altinator, and battery. Or just start with buying one at a time.
Testimonial: "kellertech1?? i tried something new.. my batt. was dead after sitting for 5hrs so i jumped it & later unhooked the batt. & hooked the batt. back up next day & car started ok kinda a weak start but started. so can a starter drain a batt or where should i look for a short or could this be a weak batt. that tested good but 2 weak 2 start the car."
SOURCE: 1987 pontiac fiero starting problem
the ignition control module goes bad as well. when it goes bad, things like this happen too often in these cars. my car had the same problem. and it didnt work right til i changed the ignition control module which is inside the pick up coil
SOURCE: 2001 Pontiac Grand Am won't crank and I have replaced everything
I am going to go with the assumption that when you say it won't crank you mean it turns over but won't start. If it is a 3100 or 3400 it could be the coil pac modual that sits under the coil pack. Most Autozones and Advance stores have a tester for them so you won't have to repalce something that expensive. If it is a 2.4 you may need the tower that houses the coil packs or even the coil pac modual that sits under the cover on top of the motor. Before you do anything else, spay some ether down the intake while turning over. If it thry to run, then you may have a fuel pump problem. Better than that if you have access to a fuel pressure gauge, check the pressure while you are turning the engine over. Compare it to the recomended presure in section four of a hayes manual.
SOURCE: clicking starter=car not starting
this may be same thing thing as found on volvo 940 you have a large double relay both for fuel pump and allso for starting
SOURCE: 2002 Pontiac Grand prix wont start; unable to remove key
On many cars, if the battery is dead, it locks the key in the ignition. Put a battery charger on the car or replace the battery and give it a shot.
Good luck.
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