It does not do it often but it does happen none the less. There has been a few times where i turn the key to turn it on and you can hear it trying to come on but it does not. So after a few tries and some waiting it finally starts. Any suggestions on what is going on?? It is a Grand P. 1997 Gt. 3.8 Liter V6 3800. I runs awesome and no lights are coming on saying there is a problem....it runs great. Very smooth running car. Except for the not wanting to start sometimes part! PLease anyone know what is going on??

Now, I did put in gas treatment and fuel injector cleaner in a full tank of gas at the same time....was that dumb or it's ok?? Other than that i just flushed the radiator and put in new antifreeze, i also put on new wires and spark plugs ( split fire ), did an oil change ( valvoline max life ), and thats it......

Does the engine crank but not start or does the engine not turn over at all?


Mr.Rob

Does the engine crank but not start or does the engine not turn over at all?


Mr.Rob

Yes the engine cranks but does not start.......after a few tries and waiting it starts up..

Well to start off, Split fires are not the best.
I'll ask what MrRob asked; When you turn the key to start, What happens? Does the engine turn over? If for does the dash light up?
How many miles does it have on it. Most of the time, that doesn't matter. But we love information.
Thanks,


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v425/kustomkid54/pontiac_logo.gif





It does not do it often but it does happen none the less. There has been a few times where i turn the key to turn it on and you can hear it trying to come on but it does not. So after a few tries and some waiting it finally starts. Any suggestions on what is going on?? It is a Grand P. 1997 Gt. 3.8 Liter V6 3800. I runs awesome and no lights are coming on saying there is a problem....it runs great. Very smooth running car. Except for the not wanting to start sometimes part! PLease anyone know what is going on??

Now, I did put in gas treatment and fuel injector cleaner in a full tank of gas at the same time....was that dumb or it's ok?? Other than that i just flushed the radiator and put in new antifreeze, i also put on new wires and spark plugs ( split fire ), did an oil change ( valvoline max life ), and thats it......

Well to start off, Split fires are not the best.
I'll ask what MrRob asked; When you turn the key to start, What happens? Does the engine turn over? If for does the dash light up?
How many miles does it have on it. Most of the time, that doesn't matter. But we love information.
Thanks,


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v425/kustomkid54/pontiac_logo.gif

Well....yes it cranks...yes it turns over...and yes the lights come on like when it first starts up....153,000 miles. It runs great with no problems at all.....except for the starting problem....its not often like i said. when i turn the key it tries to start you can hear it trying but without success...i have to wait a few minutes and then finally after some tries it works......

Well....yes it cranks...yes it turns over...and yes the lights come on like when it first starts up....153,000 miles. It runs great with no problems at all.....except for the starting problem....its not often like i said. when i turn the key it tries to start you can hear it trying but without success...i have to wait a few minutes and then finally after some tries it works......

Just for ya'lls info....there is no system shut down or anything like that....everything stays on....it just keeps turning over without starting thats all......then finally it starts....what could be the prob????

Has the car ever shut off on you? it almost sounds like a Crankshaft Possition Senser\. My went out slowly and what your discibing is one of the symptoms. Mine started out with not starting right away to not starting for a day to week to month before it finally went out. Kid What do you think?

Sounds like you could be right.
Jeff,
Did you get new part on "race car"?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v425/kustomkid54/pontiac_logo.gif


Has the car ever shut off on you? it almost sounds like a Crankshaft Possition Senser\. My went out slowly and what your discibing is one of the symptoms. Mine started out with not starting right away to not starting for a day to week to month before it finally went out. Kid What do you think?

Has the car ever shut off on you? it almost sounds like a Crankshaft Possition Senser\. My went out slowly and what your discibing is one of the symptoms. Mine started out with not starting right away to not starting for a day to week to month before it finally went out. Kid What do you think?

If that is the problem.....where is that sensor located and how much is it?? Is it difficult to put on so i can take it to a mechanic or is it easily accessible for me to do it?

What else could it be?? Starter? Ignition? ETC., ETC......

Here is a thread about the crank posistion sensor,it should help you out!

~Larry~


http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=2355350&highlight=CKP#post2355350

Here is a thread about the crank posistion sensor,it should help you out!

~Larry~


http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=2355350&highlight=CKP#post2355350


I took it to a mechanic and he basically said what you all did.....it is the sensor....i just bought it at Autozone for 23.99. Thanks for all of your help guys...............

Just out of curiosity...what sparkplugs do you all recommend are the best out there??

What brand of oxygen sensor should i get?? I think the o2 sensor is the one located right behind the middle sparkplug in the back of the engine......am i right??

not yet jim but soon gotta buy the SC coupler.
sp3 did the mechanic do it or are you or did you do it? replacing the part is actually quite easy to do in your garage or carport. if you need any help please let me know I can talk you through it. I replaced mine in my garage.









/

Just out of curiosity...what sparkplugs do you all recommend are the best out there??


What brand of oxygen sensor should i get??
I think the o2 sensor is the one located right behind the middle sparkplug in the back of the engine......am i right??

AC-Delco Spark plugs 41-101 gapped at 0.060

AC-Delco AFS109 and it is loacted behind the #6 spark plug on the top of the exhaust mainfold,which is on the backside of the motor, closest to the driverside of the car.


~Larry~

AC-Delco Spark plugs 41-101 gapped at 0.060

AC-Delco AFS109 and it is loacted behind the #6 spark plug on the top of the exhaust mainfold,which is on the backside of the motor, closest to the driverside of the car.


~Larry~
Thanks Big L and warrior i am going to do it today....this afternoon. It would be great if you could talk me through it....Ill wait for your post...thnks.

The pcv valve is the one that helps with the idles...correct? when i am at a stop sign or just stopped ......so it can be smooth or is it another part??