Engine Not Cranking Over?

2002 PONTIAC GRAND AM
134,000 MILES • 3.4L • V6 • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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CALEBK
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Hello, I really need help with a no-crank issue on a 2002 Pontiac Grand am GT 3.4L. I have done many different procedures to cure the problem which has been an ongoing issue for years now. I have bypassed the security (because this is a well known issue for the car), changed out the ignition switch, replaced the battery, starter, fuel pump, and the fuel pump relay yet still am getting the no-start/no-crank on my vehicle. If I wait awhile the car will sometimes fire up but sometimes will make a scratching/grinding noise when starting (similar to that of a cat or something if it were in the engine [Even though how bad that sounds]). Also, whenever I am driving on the highway the car will jerk when accelerating repeatedly. I have been told my only options left to replace are the battery terminals to the starter, the flex plate, and the camshaft and crankshaft position sensors. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time and god bless.
Jul 26, 2015 at 10:05 AM
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HMAC300
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do a wiggle test on crank/cam sensor may be the harness and check this guide out it will help us find and fix the problem

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

Please run down this guide and report back.
Jul 26, 2015 at 4:24 PM
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SUNNY1
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my car is turning over but not starting
Apr 25, 2020 at 2:09 PM (Merged)
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LEGITIMATE007
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check to see if you are getting any fuel.
Apr 25, 2020 at 2:09 PM (Merged)
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LEGITIMATE007
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https://www.2carpros.com/car_repair_video/test_fuel_injection_pressure.htm

fuel pressure check
Apr 25, 2020 at 2:09 PM (Merged)
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LEGITIMATE007
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it wouldnt hurt to check for spark also then we can take it from there
Apr 25, 2020 at 2:09 PM (Merged)
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LEGITIMATE007
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go here for spark
Apr 25, 2020 at 2:09 PM (Merged)
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BRASKIJONES
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I was driving and took an exit, after I took the exit, my car would not accelerate. As I pulled over to the side of the road and put it in park, I turned the car off. When I tried to turn the car back on, it wouldn't start... It made a humming noise like (4 cyl)... Engine was not hot or smoking. Every time I tried to start it made a humming sound, like it was turning over but not firing.
Apr 25, 2020 at 2:09 PM (Merged)
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BLACKOP555
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where we going for spark legit?@? :D
Apr 25, 2020 at 2:09 PM (Merged)
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RIVERMIKERAT
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A whirring sound? That's the starter bendix not engaging the starter gear.
Apr 25, 2020 at 2:09 PM (Merged)
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LEGITIMATE007
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my bad
Apr 25, 2020 at 2:09 PM (Merged)
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BRASKIJONES
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Thanks for the quick response! If that is the case, how much am I looking at for a repair? Dad's not too happy.
Apr 25, 2020 at 2:09 PM (Merged)
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LEGITIMATE007
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go here for spark


https://www.2carpros.com/car_repair_video/test_engine_ignition_system.htm
Apr 25, 2020 at 2:09 PM (Merged)
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RIVERMIKERAT
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Depending on where you live, the warranty period for the part you choose, and what engine the car has, you're looking at around $100 to $150 for the starter and about an hour labor for replacement. If you tell me what engine the car has, I can send you the removal and replacement directions so all you have to pay for is the part itself.

One extra word here, when you buy the starter at a parts store, they will charge you a core charge. You get that money back when you bring back the old starter.
Apr 25, 2020 at 2:09 PM (Merged)
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BLACKOP555
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thanks legit, keep her up.
Apr 25, 2020 at 2:09 PM (Merged)
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ELSASSER26
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2002 Pontiac grand am ignition won't engage starter. When I bypass ignition and go to starter the starter will run but won't start.
Apr 25, 2020 at 2:09 PM (Merged)
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MERLIN2021
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Are you jumping the solinoid? If so do it with the key in the on position, does it start? crank? or just hear the bendix drive spin?
Apr 25, 2020 at 2:09 PM (Merged)
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DAYMONDH
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i turn the key and the starter won't ingage. i can ingage the starter by jumping the cylinoid but the car won't crank.what can i do to fix this?
Apr 25, 2020 at 2:09 PM (Merged)
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BLUELIGHTNIN6
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It might be the starter relay. Look inside the power distribution box and you will find several relays. They should all be the same so swap out the A/C and starter relays and see if it starts. In many cases these work in series, the engine control computer, starter, and fuel pump might be connected and if one is bad none of the systems will function. Check the fuseable links and main fuses as well.
Apr 25, 2020 at 2:09 PM (Merged)
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DAYMONDH
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i changed the starter relay but still nothing. i remember seeing the sucurity light blinking as i was going to my destination and when i shut the car off that when it happened. could that have anything to do with it?
Apr 25, 2020 at 2:09 PM (Merged)
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BLUELIGHTNIN6
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Ah, I see. Yes, that is exactly what it is. I believe the chip (PASS II) in your key has failed. You will have to get another key made at the dealership. I do believe this can be quiet expensive(around $150 for key with chip and programming it). Unless you have a spare key with the chip in it as well?
Apr 25, 2020 at 2:09 PM (Merged)
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DAYMONDH
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i tried my wifes key and still nothing but i do hear a click in the dash when i turn the key that seems to be comming from around the glove box. i just can't pinpoint it.
Apr 25, 2020 at 2:09 PM (Merged)
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BLUELIGHTNIN6
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The click is probably from a relay which is preventing the starter to engage.

Try disconnecting the ground wire on your battery and leave it off for at least 10 minutes. Then reconnect it and try to start. This should reset the computers.

Go ahead and try that and post your results. I will follow up and see which relays are in the area you described.
Apr 25, 2020 at 2:09 PM (Merged)
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DAYMONDH
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i had the battery out of the car for 2 hours.still not working.
Apr 25, 2020 at 2:09 PM (Merged)
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BLUELIGHTNIN6
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Okay. I believe it is your theft-deterrent module that is clicking. You may need to reset the theft-deterrent system by owner's manual instructions, or the module itself may be faulty and need replaced. Can you try reseting the system now, or do you have a manual?
Apr 25, 2020 at 2:09 PM (Merged)
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DAYMONDH
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i don't have a manual
Apr 25, 2020 at 2:09 PM (Merged)
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BLUELIGHTNIN6
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You should be able to call your dealer and ask how to reset the system. I am unsure of how to do that on your specific vehicle, sorry. Although, the clicking is definitely from a relay and the anti-theft deterrent module is usually located behind the glove box in most newer vehicles.
Apr 25, 2020 at 2:09 PM (Merged)
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DAYMONDH
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i will find a manual and get back with you later its 3:am so it's bedtime for me.
Apr 25, 2020 at 2:09 PM (Merged)
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DAYMONDH
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i called the dealership and they told me how to reset the scurity system and it worked.just in case you run across this problem again this is what you do.you turn the key on and leave it on for 15 minutes then cut it off then turn it on for another 15 minutes then turn it off then turn it on for another 15 minutes then turn it off then crank your vehicle.thank you for helping me pinpoint the problem.if it wasn't for you guys i would have probabley spent hundreds of dollars to get it fixed.
Apr 25, 2020 at 2:09 PM (Merged)
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BLUELIGHTNIN6
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[quote:86a3e11a57="DaymondH"]i called the dealership and they told me how to reset the scurity system and it worked.just in case you run across this problem again this is what you do.you turn the key on and leave it on for 15 minutes then cut it off then turn it on for another 15 minutes then turn it off then turn it on for another 15 minutes then turn it off then crank your vehicle.thank you for helping me pinpoint the problem.if it wasn't for you guys i would have probabley spent hundreds of dollars to get it fixed.[/quote:86a3e11a57]

Great! I'm glad that your vehicle is up and running again and sorry I kept you up so late last night trying to fix it, haha.

Thanks for the donation and thanks for using 2carpros.com!
Apr 25, 2020 at 2:09 PM (Merged)
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STEVE53
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pontiac grand am, 2002 80000 mi 3.8 liter will not turn over checked fuses battery charge full can short starter & it will crank but not start, getting fire to plugs , :?: could it be the starter even though i can short the solonoid and make it crank
Jul 28, 2020 at 12:35 PM (Merged)
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RASMATAZ
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You have 2-problems here-1. Bad igntion switch/NSS/Starter relay 2. Also might not be getting fuel your getting spark it should be able to fire up if its getting fuel.

1st start with the starting circuit, once you knock this out-check out the fuel pressure then report back your findings.
Jul 28, 2020 at 12:35 PM (Merged)
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IMBACK
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i have a 2002 pontiac grand am gt with a little over 100,000 miles on it. i recentily replaced the front calipers and brakes and changed the oil and it started great but when i was resetting the oil life mointior the car would not crank .. the moinitior reset but now the car will not crank any ideas ??????
i've had to reset the secrurity before but it is not that cause this time it is flashing like normal HELP???
Jul 28, 2020 at 12:35 PM (Merged)
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MMPRINCE4000
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I would reset the security system anyway, see if that solves the problem.
Jul 28, 2020 at 12:35 PM (Merged)
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ALLEN LEITCH
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i was on the road an car just died an know i turn the key the motor will not crank you can hear the starter an the belt turning but not the motor would this be the timing chain
Jul 28, 2020 at 12:35 PM (Merged)
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JDL
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Hello, if your saying, the starter cranks good, but, the vehicle won't start? Do the basic tests, have a helper crank it while you check for spark at the plugs and injector pulse. Go from there.
Jul 28, 2020 at 12:35 PM (Merged)
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MARCUSBURR1
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Engine Mechanical problem
2002 Pontiac Grand Am 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic
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If my ca will turn over but not start what could be the cause of that?
Jul 28, 2020 at 12:35 PM (Merged)
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MMPRINCE4000
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Use an inductive timing light to see if the plugs are firing when cranking, if they are, you will need to check fuel pressure with a mechanical gauge.
Jul 28, 2020 at 12:35 PM (Merged)
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RUSS SIMS
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2002 Grand Am that just had the battery replaced will not start. It will not even try to crank. Lights, dash, all the electrical components are working.
Jul 31, 2020 at 9:58 AM (Merged)
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BMRFIXIT
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[quote:34676e06e0="Russ Sims"]2002 Grand Am that just had the battery replaced will not start. It will not even try to crank. Lights, dash, all the electrical components are working.[/quote:34676e06e0]
chech the ALARM
check N/S switch
check the starter

good luck
Jul 31, 2020 at 9:58 AM (Merged)