2000 starting problems

[Richardlss]

Well We took the van to chicago recently and it did great, but as soon as we got back we started having troubles. My gf was halfway to the park and the car suddenly died with no warning. I made it out there and tried starting it. It was cranking and wanted to start but that was it, so i opened the fuse panel and checked the fuel pump fuse to make sure it wasnt blown, it was in good condition. so after about 10 minutes of scratching my head, i tried starting it again and it fired right up no problem. drove it to the park and back home with nothing wrong. soon as i get home it wont start, same symptoms, cranking but wont run. I keep thinking it was a fuel problem, so i pulled the fuel filter and it was plugged pretty good, new filter on and it fired right up, took it for a test drive and it died on me, let it sit 5 minutes or so and it started right up. drove home with no problems. I put a cheap fuel pressure gauge on it on the line going to the fuel rail and the gauge only goes to 15psi, and when cranking/running its pegged past 15psi. so now im assuming with this gauge its getting fuel, its cranking, what else could i check for besides spark? without pulling a plug and visually checking for spark how else could i make sure its getting spark? when its dead and i crank it and it wont start it will fire up alittle, tach will read out 500rpm or less, but putters and dies, its hard to explain, but it doesnt really start up but it looks and sounds like it was starting to run, but didnt really get all the way there if that makes since. thats all the symptoms i can think of, and im hoping someone here has had the same problem and can help me out or steer me in the right direction! I've got a few old cars carburated with not computers and they are pretty easy to troubleshoot, but these newer cars with computers if they dont run i expect the worst!Read more at http://www.pontiacforum.com/pontiac/newthread.php?do=newthread&f=12&kcplink=1

 

[melsg5]

15 PSI is very low. Check the fuel pressure regulator to see if it has a leak. Pull the vacuum hose and if you see gas replace it. The other possiblity is the flilter is clogged again because your gas tank is full of garbage or the pump is going.

 

[Zimgxp]

Get the correct gauge. The fuel pressure should be around 60psi.