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1996 Grand am won't start
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bencline208
Novice
Sep 2, 2009, 6:12 PM
Post #1 of 10
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1996 Grand am won't start
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1996 Pontiac Grand am 3.1 V6 about 150,000 miles
I'm not sure if I have 2 separate problems, or they are connected, I think they are because they appeared at the same time.
When I try to start the car it will turn over fine, and the engine will start then shut off immediately, usually if I try to start it multiple times it will eventually start and stay running. Today I cranked it so many times it ran dead though. Also, occasionally it will start and run on the first try.
The other Problem that appeared at the same time, is most of the warning lights(Oil pressure, coolant level, the theft system, sometimes the brake light) will come on while driving and stay on, and at the same time I will lose the Tach, and temperature gauge. I also think this and the starting problem are related because if it starts and runs first try these lights will not be on at first, but if I have the shut off problem they will be on from the start. Once the car starts and keeps running it runs fine and I have no problems until I shut it off again. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
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DanD
Veteran
/ Moderator
Sep 2, 2009, 10:49 PM
Post #2 of 10
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Re: 1996 Grand am won't start
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This is just off the cuff; but I’ve had to replace a number of ignition switches on these things? The start and stall sounds like the anti theft being triggered: as for the rest of the lights staying on, I’m not sure? The instrument cluster, on these vehicles; are themselves a computer and like any computer; if its not receiving the proper inputs they’ll do all kinds of crazy stuff.
Dan.
Canadian "EH"
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Sidom
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Sep 3, 2009, 6:04 AM
Post #3 of 10
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Re: 1996 Grand am won't start
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One other quick question, is the security light ever on?
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bencline208
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Sep 4, 2009, 3:12 AM
Post #4 of 10
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Re: 1996 Grand am won't start
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I don't know that there is a light that says "security" I have never seen one during start up or anything, there is a light that just says "theft". And yeah it's on all the time.
(This post was edited by bencline208 on Sep 4, 2009, 3:16 AM)
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DanD
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Sep 4, 2009, 3:46 AM
Post #5 of 10
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Re: 1996 Grand am won't start
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Security and the theft light are one and the same.
On a system that functioning properly; the theft light should come on when the ignition is first turned on. As you continue to turn the ignition to the start position, a security code is generated by the ignition switch and is sent to the instrument cluster. The instrument cluster; if it recognizes the security code; sends (via serial data) (computer language) a signal to the PCM (computer) allowing fuel. The engine starts and the theft light should go out.
What has to happen is that you’re going to have to figure out; is the ignition switch constantly sending out the security code and whether its sending the same security code every time.
Can the instrument cluster recognize the code; can it act on the code and send the signal to the PCM. Is the PCM receiving the instrument cluster’s signal and does the PCM act on the signal and authorize fuel.
Easy right; NOT; even with a full function scanner, multi-meter and some experience working with these systems; it’s like playing a cat and mouse game.
Suggest taking the car in and have it diagnosed; it would be way to hard trying to explain the test procedures, sitting here at a key board.
Dan.
Canadian "EH"
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bencline208
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Sep 4, 2009, 3:52 AM
Post #6 of 10
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Re: 1996 Grand am won't start
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Well the car probably isn't worth the trouble, but I appreciate the help.
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bencline208
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Sep 4, 2009, 5:15 AM
Post #7 of 10
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Re: 1996 Grand am won't start
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Well I just noticed that the coolant fan doesn't seem to be working either.
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DanD
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Sep 4, 2009, 5:43 AM
Post #8 of 10
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Re: 1996 Grand am won't start
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There are only three reasons the engine cooling fan will come on. If the engine temperature is high enough that the PCM will turn it on; when the AC pressures are at a predetermined pressure or when the PCM puts the vehicle into limp in mode during a major malfunction that may hurt the engine.
The fan is not meant to run all the time.
Dan.
Canadian "EH"
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bencline208
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Sep 4, 2009, 5:01 PM
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Re: 1996 Grand am won't start
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Ah, okay, I expected it to run as often as my Honda CRV, which runs very frequently, and usually within a few minutes of starting it. I let the Grand Am run for about half an hour and it never kicked on, so I was getting worried, especially since the temperature gauge is not working. I probably wouldn't know it was overheated until too late.
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DanD
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Sep 5, 2009, 2:04 AM
Post #10 of 10
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Re: 1996 Grand am won't start
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I would still be careful; a half-hour of idling, I would have also expected the cooling fan to come on?
Dan.
Canadian "EH"
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