2002 Pontiac Grand Am won't start?

Question

My friend has a 2002 Pontiac Grand am. We've replaced the fuel filter and checked fuel pressure, which was good. We've checked and adjusted spark plug gap, and made sure they were working, changed the oil and the battery. It'll turn over, but it won't start. What sensors should I check to try to fix the problem?

The engine is an Ecotec 2.2 Liter 4 cylinder which uses a coil pack. Spark is present.

I've used an OBD II code scanner on the car and it comes up with no codes. It has to be something simple I'm overlooking. Or it may be something that the code scanner won't pick up.

Answer 1

bet its the PCM. try this.


SECURITY RELEARN PROCEDURE

In the event that your vehicle fails to start after installing the DHP 1.0 PCM, you will need to perform the Security Relearn Procedure. This procedure allows the PCM to function properly in your vehicle. Follow the steps listed below completely.

Attempt to start the car by turning the key to the Start/Run Position.
Observe that the vehicle fails to start and that the security light is illuminated.
Release key to the 'ON/Accessory' Position. (DO NOT turn key to the 'off' position.)
Allow the vehicle to sit with the key in the 'ON/Accessory' Position for no less than 11 minutes.
Turn key to off position and allow the vehicle to remain in the 'OFF' position for no less than 30 seconds.
Repeat #1 - #5 for 3 cycles.
On 4th attempt, car should start.
NOTE : Since this is a fairly long procedure, I would limit all electrical sources, such as disconnecting headlights, to prevent discharge of battery.

NOTE 2 : It is SAFE to wait LONGER than the allotted time, but it is not safe to wait less time. I.e. 12 minutes instead of 11 minutes should be safe; however, waiting 10 minutes instead of 11 minutes is not safe.

Properly executed, this procedure should take approximately 35 minutes to complete.

Answer 2

2002 Pontiac Grand Am Starting Problems

Answer 3

The first thing is to put it on a scanner for possible (likely) faults. That will tell you what is malfunctioning in most cases.
There are many things that can prevent starting.


I had a Pontiac with ECM (computer module) problems. When my ECM malfunctioned, there were no codes but it would not start. It didn't go out all at once, however. It would malfunction off and on, then eventually gave out completely.
That may be something you'll need to do if all else fails but it is rather expensive.

Answer 4

take a spark plug wire off and put the boot by something Mattel like the exhaust manifold and turn the car over have a Friend or your self see if you have got spark if you don't ignition module is bad and that your problem. A norther thing is if you changed the fuel filter turn the switch on and bump the starter several time to get fuel up to the fuel rail. hope this help. P.S check crank sensor it is inside the harmonic balancer if you can get a code scanner run the codes no way to check with out won or get a new crank sensor and put it in but are not cheap to take a guess

Answer 5

Mine doesn t do what anyone else has going on? Mine just doesn t crank when you turn the key to start. All lights but SERVICE ENGINE light go off. I can make a cheap copy of the key without security, so no security light or system. Power to fuses, and solenoid. I don t hear it click when I crank it. I change out the solenoids with the blower fan 1 and 2 solenoids that are the same. No change. The blower fan works fine. So the solenoids are all good. I can watch the test light turn on when it is on the solenoid connection. So when I turn the key, it sends power to the solenoid. Is there a ground somewhere that would be causing this? Or what could it be? It is driving me crazy. And I need to smog it in a couple weeks.

Answer 6

FROM OWNERS MANUAL Your vehicle has the Passlock@ theft-deterrent system.
Passlock@ is a passive theft-deterrent system.
Passlock@ enables fuel if the ignition lock cylinder has
not been tampered with.During normal operation, the SECURITY light will go off
approximately five seconds after the ignition key is
turned to ON and the engine is started.
After attempting to start the engine, if the SECURITY
light flashes or stays on, wait ten minutes with the key in
ON until the light goes off. Then turn the ignition to
OFF before attempting to start the engine again.
See Roadside Assistance Program on page 7-5 for
more information. I JUST PERFORMED THE PROCEDURE THE MANUAL SAID AND MY AUNTS GRAND AM STARTED RIGHT UP. if you dont have the owners manual, you can download a pdf version of it online for free to your computer. i had to do my own and my aunts manuals. i wouldnt recommend printing because you will run out of ink lol.

Answer 7

my 202 Pontiac grand am 3.4 liter cut off while I was driving and it now not giving spark to start, I hot wired the fan so it wouldn't run before the car cut off, to the fuse marked ing mod in the fuse box under the hood after driving like that for about 40min that's when the car cut off I replaced module coils and check for bad wires being burned and still no spark no start

Answer 8

Take notice if the theft or security light is flashing on the istrument panel when you try to start the car. If it is then you will have to get a new passlock sensor. It is built into the ignition cylinder. It is easy to replace but the new cylinder will have to be coded for your key. Just another idea to check along with the others. You will have to do the security relearn procedure previously explained after the cylinder is replaced.

Answer 9

Take off the distributer cap (assuming it's got one), and chip the scale off of the 6 electrodes inside. While it's off, be sure the rotor is in good condition. Clean any dirt off the components that live under the cap. Do NOT use carb cleaner, brake cleaner is better because it dries clean.

If this doesn't work, sell it and buy a Honda.

Answer 10

First check to see if you are getting fire to the plugs. Pull plug wire, put a screw driver into plug and hold near the exhaust manifold and look for spark. If no spark present, you have a problem with the coil pack. If spark present, get a GM code reader at any parts store. Follow directions to hook to computer and it will tell you if you have a problem with the computer or a sensor. Hope this helps.