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2003 Pontiac Montana Starting problem


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airpolice
Novice

Sep 6, 2012, 3:37 AM

Post #1 of 11 (6115 views)
2003 Pontiac Montana Starting problem Sign In

Hi all,

I have a 2003 Pontiac Montana with 132,000 miles. I took the van on a road trip to Chicago and back in 1 day. Van ran like a top. The next morning when I went to start it, the engine cranked over real slow with a high pitch noise. When it did finally start it was running really rough, stumbling and then the engine shut off. I took it to my local mechanic and they said it was the MAP sensor. They leak checked the head gasket and found it was not leaking. Well, the engine is still starting slow in the morning. Almost feels like maybe an injector is not closing and loading up the cylinder. Any help in this would greatly be appreciated!!!


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Sep 6, 2012, 4:52 AM

Post #2 of 11 (6087 views)
Re: 2003 Pontiac Montana Starting problem Sign In

What, if any codes are being stored in the computer.



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airpolice
Novice

Sep 6, 2012, 5:49 AM

Post #3 of 11 (6080 views)
Re: 2003 Pontiac Montana Starting problem Sign In

Good question. I will check with the shop to see what codes were present and post here when I find out.


airpolice
Novice

Sep 6, 2012, 5:58 AM

Post #4 of 11 (6075 views)
Re: 2003 Pontiac Montana Starting problem Sign In

Shop said it threw a code for a Bad MAP sensor. They replaced the sensor but the problem still exists.


nickwarner
Veteran / Moderator
nickwarner profile image

Sep 6, 2012, 2:11 PM

Post #5 of 11 (6041 views)
Re: 2003 Pontiac Montana Starting problem Sign In

There are about 6 different codes that reference the MAP sensor. We need the exact code number.


Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Discretesignals profile image

Sep 6, 2012, 6:06 PM

Post #6 of 11 (6027 views)
Re: 2003 Pontiac Montana Starting problem Sign In

When you mean starting slow, do you mean the starter motor is cranking the engine slowly? have you had the battery tested and the terminals inspected?

Just wondering because a low voltage battery condition doing cranking can actually cause the PCM to wig out and possibly throw erroneous trouble codes. It can even erase what it has learned in memory for things such as idle control and fuel trimming causing stalling concerns after start up.





Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.

(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Sep 6, 2012, 7:30 PM)


airpolice
Novice

Sep 8, 2012, 5:30 AM

Post #7 of 11 (6000 views)
Re: 2003 Pontiac Montana Starting problem Sign In

The Battery has not been checked but the engine starts perfectly once the stumbling clears up. I called my mechanic who changed out the MAP sensor for the code numbers but he did not have them. Might take the van over to Autozone and see if the codes are still stored. This issue does not occur when the local mechanic has the van. It seems it occurs after driving it around and then sitting overnight outside.


Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Discretesignals profile image

Sep 8, 2012, 5:32 AM

Post #8 of 11 (5998 views)
Re: 2003 Pontiac Montana Starting problem Sign In

Probably wouldn't hurt to have the battery tested while your at Autozone. If it is a top and side post battery, make sure they test at the side posts.





Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.

(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Sep 8, 2012, 5:34 AM)


airpolice
Novice

Sep 8, 2012, 5:44 AM

Post #9 of 11 (5994 views)
Re: 2003 Pontiac Montana Starting problem Sign In

Good idea!


airpolice
Novice

Sep 17, 2012, 1:17 PM

Post #10 of 11 (5942 views)
Re: 2003 Pontiac Montana Starting problem Sign In

I haven't been able to go to my local Autozone but, last week I finally cleaned my wifes side of the garage so she could park the van in it again. Guess what? The van has started like normal ever since we started parking in the garage. So just for grins, Friday night i parked the van outside over night. In the morning I went out to try and start it and same problem. Im thinking this could be a moisture related issue with either the coil pack or plug wires.


nickwarner
Veteran / Moderator
nickwarner profile image

Sep 17, 2012, 8:36 PM

Post #11 of 11 (5922 views)
Re: 2003 Pontiac Montana Starting problem Sign In

There are a lot of things it could be. Thats why we need the codes. If you suspect moisture issues, mix up a bottle of salt water. Turn the lights down dim and run the engine. Start spraying the ignition components. If the engine hiccups or you can physically see arcing you have found the issue. Salt water is a better conductor of electricity so make sure that's what you use.






 
 
 






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