2005 Grand Am SE Starting Problem

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dh0765

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Hi, I have a 2005 Grand AM SE, 3.4l V6, with approx 85,000 miles on it. Over the past several months, I have been having a starting problem that I just can't figure out. Just to note, I have already been through the pass lock issue and it is resolved. The car will start, but usually only after cranking 2-3 times first. After starting, car runs just fine. Car has new fuel filter and air filter. Last year replaced the fuel pressure regulator because it was leaking. No check engine lights and no codes on the PCM. Any ideas on what the problem could be?
 
bad ignition switch
 
First, thank you for your quick reply. You sound pretty confident in your answer. Are you referring to the actual ignition switch (Ignition lock cylinder) in the dash? Is this something that can be swapped out by a handy person, or would it require a dealer to do it to reprogram after installation? I read somewhere that the replacement would require the anti theft computer to be reprogrammed. Thanks for your help.
 
Well, I bought a new switch and replaced it over the weekend, and am having the same issue. Still have to crank 2-3 time to get the car to start. Anyone have additional ideas?
 
Sorry the switch didnt resolve the issue, have you done a fuel pressure test?
 
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Is the fuel pump priming when you turn the key on. It should run a few seconds. If not check the fuel pump relay.
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Hello,

I am have the same car with the same exact problem. OP did you ever solve your problem? My father in law recommended I replace both the ignition cylinder and the switch. I could see possibly replacing the switch, but I'm not sure I see the cylinder replacement being necessary. Also, I've noticed if I give the car gas while it's having troubles starting, it seems to help. Any thoughts?
 
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what maintenance have you done to your car, when is the last time you replaced any filters? How many miles are on the car, are you due for spark plugs?
 
Car has 172k miles on it. Fuel filter and spark plugs were changed about 10k miles ago. It has K&N air filter which was cleaned at that time as well. No check engine light or anything either.
 
And you are sure the oil from the K&N filter hasnt messed up your MAF sensor? Have you done a fuel pressure test?
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I can't say for certain about the MAF sensor, but my guess would be that it hasn't affected it any. I didn't recharge the filter back when I cleaned it. I have no way of doing a fuel pressure test. The car seems to run and idle fine once it's started.
 
I replaced the ignition switch tonight but it didn't solve the problem. Any ideas?
 
I have replaced the air filter, fuel filter, ignition switch, and still have the same starting problem. When key is turned to the on position, I hear the fuel pump fine. I am going to install new spark plugs, and am thinking about the ignition coil packs. Could that be the problem? How about the crank position sensor or the ignition control module?
______________________________
 
I am still having the intermittent starting problems as well. I have changed the plugs, plug wires, ignition switch, ignition control module, and starter. None of which solved the problem. I am now leaning towards the passlock security sensor on the ignition cylinder or the Crank position sensor. I tend to believe its not the passlock sensor because the security light doesn't come on when having the problem like others have had on older model grand ams. I definitely dont think it's a coil pack because I get no misfire code and the car runs fine once started.
 
starting problem

dh0765 said:
I have replaced the air filter, fuel filter, ignition switch, and still have the same starting problem. When key is turned to the on position, I hear the fuel pump fine. I am going to install new spark plugs, and am thinking about the ignition coil packs. Could that be the problem? How about the crank position sensor or the ignition control module?
Click to expand...

Have you ever had the computer scanned for codes? Have you done a fuel pressure test?
 
starting

scoogie_scott said:
I am still having the intermittent starting problems as well. I have changed the plugs, plug wires, ignition switch, ignition control module, and starter. None of which solved the problem. I am now leaning towards the passlock security sensor on the ignition cylinder or the Crank position sensor. I tend to believe its not the passlock sensor because the security light doesn't come on when having the problem like others have had on older model grand ams. I definitely dont think it's a coil pack because I get no misfire code and the car runs fine once started.
Click to expand...

You really should have started your own thread rather than having people having to figure out what you did versus the OP. Did you test the other components I previously mentioned in post #15?
 
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