98 Grand Am GT Starting Problem

My son has a 98 Grand Am GT Coupe. He has a frequent intermittent problem where he can't start the engine. One time it will just start up no problem, then another time it won't. When it's a problem it will seem to stop, but immediately stall before it really catches. Only really runs for a second or less, not even enough time to give it some gas. After trying to start for a few minutes, sometimes every 30 seconds or so for five minutes he can usually, but not always, get it started. Seems to happen more mid day and I never seem to have a problem starting it early in the morning to move it out of the drive.

It almost sounds like a choke problem to me, however I know so little about cars I don't even know if newer cars have any sort of choke - my choke reference comes from working with lawn equipment and that I know cars used to have chokes.

He's has the fuel filter replaces, but that didn't do it. And it runs fine once he gets it started.

if you reply by email take the "nospam" out of the email address so it is just mail.com

Thanks

Larry

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Larry
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Document ID# 243623

1998 Pontiac Grand Am

Hard Start

Definition: Engine cranks OK, but does not start for a long time. Does eventually run, or may start but immediately dies.

Preliminary . Refer to the Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check . . Refer to Intermittent Conditions Before Starting. . Search for bulletins.

Sensor/System . Check Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor for being shifted in value. Connect a Scan Tool and compare Engine Coolant Temperature with Intake Air Temperature on a cold engine. The ECT and IAT should be within ± 3°C (5°F) of each other. Check the resistance of the ECT sensor if the temperature is out of range with the IAT sensor. Refer to the Temperature vs Resistance Table. If the ECT sensor resistance is not within the specification, refer to DTC P0117 Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Circuit Low Voltage or DTC P0113 Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor Circuit High Voltage Diagnosis.

. Check for 24 X Crankshaft position and Camshaft position sensors on scan tool. If both are not responding, check the sensor feed circuit (Both sensors use a common feed circuit).

. Check Mass Air Flow sensor for proper installation and conditions. A MAF sensor with a damaged honeycomb may cause a hard start. Refer to Information Sensors/Switches Description .

. Using a scan tool, check IAC operation. Refer to Idle Air Control (IAC) System Diagnosis

. Check the EGR system for proper sealing/connections and operation. Refer to Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) System Description .

Fuel System . Check the fuel pump relay circuit for proper operation. Refer to Fuel Pump Electrical Circuit Diagnosis .

. Check for low fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Pressure Test .

. Check for faulty fuel injectors. Refer to Fuel Injector Balance Test . Fuel Injector Coil Test - Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Between 10-35 Degrees C (50-95 Degrees F) or Fuel Injector Coil Test - Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Outside 10-35 Degrees C (50-95 Degrees F) test procedures.

. Check for fuel contamination. Refer to Fuel Tank Leak Check .

Ignition System

. Check for proper ignition voltage output using the following steps: o Clip the J 26792 spark tester to engine ground. o Connect one end of a spark plug wire to the spark tester; leave the other end of the spark plug wire to the coil being tested. o Connect one end of another spark plug wire to the other coil tower; connect the other end of the spark plug wire to ground. o Crank the engine while observing the spark tester; a crisp blue spark should be observed. o Repeat the above steps for each coil.

. If adequate spark is not present at the coil(s), check for the following conditions: o Coil(s)--Cracks, carbon tracking/arcing, or a resistance value outside the specified range. Coil Resistance 5000-7000 ohms (5K-7K ohms) o Spark Plug wires--Signs of arcing/cross firing, cracks, carbon tracking, plug boot damage, pinched, improper routing, or a resistance value outside the specified range. Spark Plug Wire Resistance 7000 ohms (7K ohms)

Important: Spraying the secondary ignition wires with a light mist of water may help locate an intermittent problem. Ignition components will arc to ground when a secondary component is faulty.

o Defective module. o Ignition System Wiring--Loose ignition module feed or ground connection, or damaged system wiring.

. Remove spark plugs and check for the following: o Fouled plugs o Cracks o Wear o Improper gap o Burned or damaged electrodes o Improper heat range or reach . If spark plugs are gas or oil fouled, the cause of the fouling must be determined before replacing the spark plugs.

Engine Mechanical

. Excessive oil in combustion chamber--Leaking valve seals. . Low cylinder compression. . For incorrect basic engine parts. Inspect the following: o Cylinder heads o Camshaft and valve train components o Pistons, etc.

Document ID# 243623

1998 Pontiac Grand Am

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Silver Surfer

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