Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!

Pontiac Bonneville Starting/Stallling/Ignition Problems

245

Comments

  • torqedtorqed Member Posts: 1
    just had the same problem on my 1999,it was the theft deterent module behind the glove box . The part is around 250.00 from the dealer (dealer only part) it's about the size of a pack of cigarettes. pain in the $#%. hope that helps good luck.
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,132
    If I understand your statement:

    The car is cranking.

    You're not getting what sounds like any firing so you may have a spark problem or a fuel problem.

    Have you tried listening for the fuel pump when you first turn the key? It should run for 2-3 seconds and then stop after having built up pressure. This occurs every time you turn the key from off to on.

    Checking for spark may require removing a spark plug wire and placing it next to a metal ground and watching for the spark while someone cranks the motor.

    If your car is cranking then it's not the theft deterrent part of the system. It reads a resistor in the key, and the theft portion says it has the right resistance reading or doesn't. If it doesn't it allows 3 tries and then turns on the security light flashing and lasts for about 3 minutes before allowing another try.

    When you put the key it and turn to "on" the security light should come on for about 10 seconds if you just sit there without turning the key to crank. The light is solid and goes off. That indicates a good reading.

    IF THE READING is wrong the car will not crank. The dash lights are all on, but it's like a dead battery as far as the starter and ignition.

    You're getting cranking so it's not the theft deterrent. If it is not cranking be very careful because early years had a different theft deterrent setup than a few years later if I understand other posts in another forum. The theft deterrent readings were done by the main computer. Later cars had a separate theft deterrent module.

    The two little wires to the key can be cut where they connect into a connector near the base of the steering column and a set of resistors from a Radio Shack type store can be soldered in the line to replace the correct resistance the key should give and the car goes happily on fom there but just no theft deterrence. The little wires break partially or completely up at the top where the column flexes.

    The list of resistances is available as VATS system lists on the web. You resistance on the key chip should be close to one of those readings. You do not need to buy a replacement module.

    I repeat, you have cranking, therefore your problem is not the theft deterrence module.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • rwigrenrwigren Member Posts: 1
    I had the same problem as you its actually quite an easy fix. It has to do with the security of the car so it won't start up. Get a new battery for your remote and try starting it up that way that's how I got my started back up but my security light stays on now. Hope that can help you
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,132
    Is the "security" light flashing? If so, that means the key resistor is not getting read correctly and the VATS systemis locking out the starter. After 3 minutes you can try again with a different key if you have one or with a key where you've cleaned the resistor. The wires n the steering column break after tilting the wheel up and down millions of times. Or the contacts inside the key cylinder don't contact the key like they used to do.

    Or if your security light isn't indicating a wrong key chip reading, there are problems with batteries they age. Some of the folk here need to use a jumper to a good battery and see if they can start their car. There also can be corrosion on the battery cables at both ends and on both cables. There have bee problems with battery acid leaking around the contacts and the acid wicking down into the cable inside the plastic and deteriorating the cable.

    A starter can go back and just make no noise when you turn the key to crank. The check there is to use a voltmeter and see if you're getting current on the starter connection at the starter under the car when someone turns the key. A friend of mine actually used a jumper cable to go from a battery charger that has a surge capability to give jump starts and contacted the starter terminal to check his starter--nothing.

    If you've been getting oil dripping under the car from the oil pan seeping slightly over the years, that can get inside the starter and cause problems.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • robertgrimsleyrobertgrimsley Member Posts: 1
    have a 1995 Pontiac Grand Am GT with a 2.4 liter quad 4 engine. It is also a 5 speed with 154,000 miles.My car ran fine until i put a for sale sign on it in my front yard(go figure:). The other day i went to crank it to wash it off from sitting under the trees and there was nothing but a click. Well after about 6 clicks it started turning over BUT would not crank. I turned the key off and try again and there is a click again. Sometimes it might take 2 turns of the key and sometimes 6 or 7 times before the motor starts turning over. Not sure what the deal is so out of curiosity I had my wife come out and try get it turning over(after a couple of trys) and I sprayed starting fluid into the breather. It acted like it was going to crank then but to no avail. Could you offer any advice on this problem and thank you
  • henrylhenryl Member Posts: 15
    I have a 96 Bonnie SE sometimes while im driving the car just shuts off (this happens at freeway speeds) Sometimes I can put the car in neutral and it stars other time I have to coast to the side of the road and try to start itagain any solutions? Also the security light comes on then after 3-5 min I can try to start the car. :sick:
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,132
    If you're saying that it's not turning the motor over and you're just getting a click, I'd start by removing and cleaning and inspecting the battery cables at the battery. See if there's corrosion on them. If the positive has more than one cable layered onto a single post check between them carefully for corrosion from the battery acid atmosphere.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • gphilpottgphilpott Member Posts: 1
    I am having the same problem with my Boneville cutting off at highway speeds. Did you discover what was causing your problem?
  • goingfast48316goingfast48316 Member Posts: 3
    I had this same problem with my Bonniville. That little ground buss along the rocker area inside the car under carpet is a BIG problem!!!!!
  • goingfast48316goingfast48316 Member Posts: 3
    I had this same problem with my Bonniville. That little ground buss along the rocker area inside the car under carpet is a BIG problem!!!!!windows cut out no fuel pump etc..had to clean wires and put in a buss from a hardware and re-do.
  • goingfast48316goingfast48316 Member Posts: 3
    see # 45 of this forum very very accurate!! And helpful!!
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,132
    This is a picture of a ground buss before it was cleaned up.

    image

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • tulniotulnio Member Posts: 3
    Hello,

    1996 Bonneville...

    It all started out with an occasional missing. We then progressed, (or digressed) to an all out cylinder 3 misfire code in the car. Replaced the plugs, same issue. Talked to a buddy at Auto Zone and tested the ignition control module. It was bad, replaced it. Still won't start. Checked the spark on the plug wires at the plugs, all 6 are good. Got another buddy to clear the codes, and still don't have any codes, but the car won't start. Sometimes you can hear it try to fire off two or three times, then is just turns over. The wonderful scent of fuel is present but not too strong.

    It has been suggested that I try a crankshaft position sensor, (any insight on this?)
    Can this thing be tested without an O-scope?

    Is there anything else I should take a look at?

    I would REALLY appreciate any help with this thing.

    Thanks,
  • blindpirateblindpirate Member Posts: 1
    I too have this problem. When car shuts down, the windows do not work, nor does the drivers seat controls work. I replaced the fuel pump thinking the lack of fuel was the cause but was wrong. I found out today that 1995 through 2001 gm has problems with the ignition switch. Apparently a slight jar to the car while driving, not always picked up by the driver, causes the old switch to jiggle thereby losing the electrical connection to the fuel pump, windows, and driver seat controls. I am going to replace that this weekend and clean the buss as shown in thread #45. Cut and paste this link in your browser select your year and check your vin # to see which switch you need: http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/search/?Ntt=pontiac+bonneville+ignition+switch- &...

    I hope this helps you and will repost to let you know if it did or did not help me.
    Ciao
  • tulniotulnio Member Posts: 3
    Hello,

    Thanks for your reply. Apparently I am having a slightly different issue than you are. My seat control and windows work fine here. This thing just doesn't want to start. Everything seems fine electrically here, security light goes out like it is supposed to as well. (thought this might be the issue but it doesn't seem to be.)

    I really am running out of options. I would agree, with you except for the fact that everything else seems to be fine.

    Thanks,
    Tulnio
  • gmcatera1gmcatera1 Member Posts: 3
    My 95 would start then 1 sec later it would shut off . I found that the security system would not send the signal to the ECM to enable the fuel injection. Check Autozone.com for ECM diagram and http://www.bakerelectronix.com/ . You can replace the BCM/security system or order the part from bakerelectronix.for about $50 with shipping

    GMCatera
  • kyearberkyearber Member Posts: 13
    I have a 97 Bonneville SE that is now giving me problems. A couple of weeks ago I started haveing problems with the car dieing at both hwy speeds and idling. It finally dies and I found the crank sensor was bad. After replacing that I now have a new issue, when I try to crank the engine the starter will engage for about a quarter to a half turn of the engine then it will disengage and the starter spins freelly. If I release the key and try it again it will repeat the problem. I replaced the Solonoide yesterday and am still haveing the same problem, although it will sometimes spin the engine enough to get it started. Any ideas what could cuase this? :confuse:
  • vcrespovcrespo Member Posts: 13
    hey everyone need some help on my bonni, won't start.i have check for fuel pressure have 38 psi steady. check all ground good also check ground bus on both driver side and passenger side all good. :confuse: ">
  • kyearberkyearber Member Posts: 13
    Did your '95 bonnie just die suddenlly? It may be the Crankshaft senser, mine had the same problem a few weeks ago. Now I just have this starter issue to deal with.
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,132
    Have you checked for spark? Can you feel the injectors snapping to inject while the car is being cranked?

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • vcrespovcrespo Member Posts: 13
    thank's for you're reply my car have been down for six mouth and i need it inspected soon. let me start by saying i have cheage the hamanica balance sensor frist. the car did start(run) at frist for a while(two day) my wife went to work one morning and i did change the oil,plug and wire. the car didn't run since.i have fuel pressure about 39psi. also check for plug for fire on #3 it's good.also check for puls on the injector while my wife trun the engine did not feel anything or sound coming from the injector. also check pressure in the plug car was cold. 1-120 3- 110 4-120.2-110 4-120 and last 5-120. so i think i have pressure. i do have a obd2 but i can't use it on a 1995 only on 1996 and above.... can i bye a obd1 cable and use it with my obd2 scanner? any help will be appreciated.
    note, i can put gas in the throttle body and the car runs while i keep spring gas into it. it will stop running only when i stop sprying... :sick:
  • vcrespovcrespo Member Posts: 13
    thank's for the reply imidazo. yes i have check for spark on # 3 plug it have spark. and yes also check for puls on the injectors while my wife trun the engine over. felt nothing.i know i have pressure on my regulator (38)psi any help thank. :sick:
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,132
    If it will run while you spray fuel into the intake, then you have shown that the problem is the injection system. It is not operation.

    I don't know whether it's a sensor? camshaft sensor? PCM control for the injectors? that's at fault. I don't have a service manual for a 1995. If you send an email to my carspace email here I can tell you where you might get help.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • vcrespovcrespo Member Posts: 13
    thank's imidazol97.. for you're reply.please tell me what is a p.c.m. i may check for voltage.also i have check the camshaft sensor by useing a voltmeeter it's gaving me a reading. i check by placing the camshft sensor on a metle plate like the engine and check the ends for reading.it's that the way to check if the camshaft is bad? thank's for you're help..my e-mail address is vcrespo@triad.rr.com.also i have the haynes repair manual book,will check it when i get out of work today.
  • vcrespovcrespo Member Posts: 13
    how can i tell it the camshaft senssor went bad and is there anyway of testing it?
  • neustkgneustkg Member Posts: 35
    Thought I'd post this here as I think the Bonneville has this engine, too.

    I have a 2000 Grand Prix GT w/3800 V6. Has about 89,000 miles. It seems to always start when it is cold. After it warms up completely, if you turn it off (to go into a store, etc.), and try to start it again, it sometimes will not start (happened about 3 times in the last month). It turns over, but won't start (sounds like it is flooded). It will sometimes eventually start after numerous tries, but will always start when the engine cools completely.

    We took it into a decent local shop, but they told me it hasn't thrown any codes. They said it could be the crankshaft sensor, ignition module, or fuel pump. They don't want to just start replacing parts as each repair can be costly with the fuel pump being the most expensive. We were hoping that it would start failing more often, especially when they had it (it always started for them) as they can't really do much as long as it always starts for them. We thought the car problems were consistent (always starts when when cold, sometimes won't start when warm, but will eventually start when engine gets cold), but it threw us a curve the other day when the engine stalled while my wife was turning into our development. Luckily, she was able to coast it a half mile to our driveway. Again, after it cooled, it started.

    I have heard that a bad battery or one that will soon fail (or one that is defective) can possibly cause this (the battery in the car is 4 years old), so I might take it to a shop and have them check it and maybe replace it anyway as this would be the cheapest fix that I can do myself.

    Has anyone had this problem w/the 3800 V6? Any advice? I'm hoping that if the battery doesn't do it, the car will start failing so the shop can fix the problem.
  • azuazu Member Posts: 84
    Sounds like a ground problem. Check all battery connections and grounds under the hood. Also check the ground buss next to the drivers' side door under the carpet. Mine is a 95 and had similar problems. Good luck!
  • neustkgneustkg Member Posts: 35
    By ground buss, are you talking about a fuse?
  • vcrespovcrespo Member Posts: 13
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    hello have a big problem with my bonni. it will trun over but will not run. i have change the cam senssor, the crackshaft senssor but a new hamanic balancer, new wire and plugs and it will not run. the only way it rum is if i put starter fuild then it die... i have notice that when i discounnet the battery for a long time the redio won't lock up like it should. maybe a short in the car. please help me. this is my wife only car. :sick: :sick:
  • azuazu Member Posts: 84
    I'm not 100% sure that the post '99 Bonnies have them but it is a ground that are for the fuel pump. door locks, defroster etc. It is next to the drivers door under the trim.
  • nikhitnikhit Member Posts: 2
    Hey, I have a 3800 V6 in my 97 Pontiac GTP and sounds like it has exactly the same problem. I just got the car (used) and it began stalling on me intermittently. :mad:

    Initially it would start after a couple of tries but then once I had to have it towed as it wouldnt start for over an hour. The mechanics are stumped - no codes so far. The fuel pump was extra loud, and after a lot of attempts at diagnosing (1 week), a GM 'specialist' said it was the fuel pump. Got that replaced and guess what - it wasnt.

    I have been reading up on this problem for the last two weeks and it could be so many things - right from Cam, crank sensors, the MAF sensor, clogged fuel filter, etc. Compression tests were done - no problems. The sensors as i said did not throw any codes. I've asked him to put some injector cleaner and see if that helps. I tested my battery - it was fine. I tried to jump start it once but that didn't help. (Also, all the lights and the radio come on, battery seems normal)

    Again, the problem is that the mechanics cant seem to reproduce the problem. They managed to do it once and detected low fuel pressure (and i replaced the pump, but the problem still occurs). Something is not letting fuel reach the engine. It seems like a minor problem, but diagnosing it is killing me. :sick:

    I'll make sure to update this post - hopefully it might be of some help to you.
  • azuazu Member Posts: 84
    I went through same thing and mechanics were stumped. 95% chance it is a bad ground. Make sure all battery connections are tight and corrosion free. Clean all underhood grounds. On my 95 there were three locations, just look on the fenders and firewall areas. If that doesn't do it there are two grounds in the cabin in the front right where your left foot would go on drivers' side and right foot on passengers side. It is under the carpet. If that doesn't work clean the ground buss, there is one by each front door under the trim next to the seat. Do the drivers' side first as this is usually the culprit. Just carefully take off the tape and you will see the ground buss, a plastic blue part with wires going in. Pull the small long metal piece out and clean well. Then take each wire out and clean connection and if you have some dielectric grease put that on it. If that doesn't do it then do the passenger side front ground buss. If that still doesn't work then probably cam shaft and/or crank shaft sensors are bad. Another possibility that the magnet on the harmonic balancer is bad as well. Good luck.
  • nikhitnikhit Member Posts: 2
    wow, ok. :sick: I'll give that a shot as well. I have a feeling it could be the fuel pressure regulator or just a clogged fuel filter.

    Its so hard diagnosing a car, i don't know how doctors do it with people, hehe :P
  • vcrespovcrespo Member Posts: 13
    Hello Everyone just want to take a few minute to say thank's to all who took part in helping me get my car back on the road.. would like to explain all deteal on what took part trying to get this bonni running. first i have spent alot of money changing all the part in the engine like new plug and wires 2- new cam shaft sensor 3- new crankshaft position sensor,4, new vacuum line.5-new oil seal.6 new water pump and seal.7- all new relays on the fire wall.8- a new homanic balance. finialy i went on e-bay and bought a obd1 and 2 scanner from actron for about $146.00 dollars plus 16.00 dollars for shipping, by the way, it got here fast. went to check on the computer for my bonni but couldn't get a reading, but the scanner on my 1988 ford ranger and i could read from the computer. so guess what guys? i went to the junk yard and bought a computer for about $69.00 plus tax. well change the computer and install the battery wait for 15 minute so that the new computer can do it's seft programming. after 15 minute i hook up the obd 1 and 2 scanner and was able to read from the the computer. I then started the engine up and it's running. took it for a drive and it runs like a baby. again thank you all for you're help in getting my bonni running. hope this will help other in the future.... ;):)

    let's keep this form running. i still have a little problem with a fuse. i have a remote control for the car when i bought it. i have notice that the remote control only operate the truck and not the doors. well i check the fuse box that's next to the passenger side where the computer is. i found a bad fuse and change it but the fuse keep blowing up. i know there is a short somewhere. i think this is the remote control for the doors. can anyone help me on trobleshooting this short? again thank you.
  • kyearberkyearber Member Posts: 13
    Well I changed the starter out and now it cranks fine but still will not start. It tried to start twice over about an hour of triying while jumping it off and checking everything I could think of. It is getting fire at the plugs, and fuel at the fuel rail but I cannot feel the injectors working. I have checked for electrical pulses at the injectors and am getting about 0.18 - 0.24 volts (using and older volt meter) When I pull a plug out right after trying to start it the plug is dry so I feel the injectors are not firing. Can someone tell me what cuold cuase this and what do I check?
    Thanks :confuse:
  • vcrespovcrespo Member Posts: 13
    hey kyearber try using a obd 1and2 scanner and check if you can any reading from you're computer. it may be bad.. check that first. that's the only way i could think of before you start spending money on guessing what is wrong....... good luck.
  • kyearberkyearber Member Posts: 13
    Hey vcrespo , after I changed the starter I plugged up my scanner and got the codes 0171 (System too Lean (Bank 1)) and 0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1) ) and cleared them. Now I tried to scan it after trying to start it for about 30 mins but it will not pull anything else up. Should I get any codes if the engine does not start? Could the two problems the codes indicated be cuasing the engine not to start?
  • vcrespovcrespo Member Posts: 13
    hey kyearber,,, answer is no , you clear the code out so there for the computer is clear. . try spraying starter fuild in the intake and see if it run( it should for a while.also checck you battery cable and make sure is nice a tight, check for ground wire also check to see if there tight as well. hope this well help
  • kyearberkyearber Member Posts: 13
    Hmm, I will check those out. Today at lunch, the car died on me at work last week and is still there, I jumped in and hit the key. Well it tried to start for a split second but then would not hit a lick after that. I'll let you know what I find.
    Thanks
  • gmcatera1gmcatera1 Member Posts: 3
    Check out my posting on #69 it may be the trouble.
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,132
    > I found that the security system would not send the signal to the ECM to enable the fuel injection

    The theft deterrent module also sends the signal to the PCM that allows the starter to engage. You are saying that the signal would engage the starter but would not allow the injectors to fire?

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • tulniotulnio Member Posts: 3
    Ok Everyone,

    I got mine fixed, took me awhile, but it is done. Here is what happened.......

    1) Plugs and wires (2 of the wires were BAD)
    2) Coil pack circuit card (tested bad on machine)
    3) One of the coils was bad
    4) (This is a good one) Vehicle on a slight incline, low on fuel.

    All four of the above contributed to my issue. I witnessed the testing of the elements and the testing of the new items, (unless the dude was a magician).

    Hope this helps someone figure out what is wrong with theirs.

    Tulnio
  • gmcatera1gmcatera1 Member Posts: 3
    The starter would turn the engine over but this signal would not enable the fuel injectors . I tested the circuit on my car and found the signal from the security system was 5 second to late to keep the car running.
  • vcrespovcrespo Member Posts: 13
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    hello everyone, i have a 1995 bonniville 3800 with remote control. it didn't work at first until i replace the relay under the driver seat now the remote only open the driver side door. is there any other relay i should know about. the book only show the relay that's under the driver seat. can the relay be bad? i have change the remote control battery. the trunk open and one door.
    also the security lite don't come on when i lock the door. only when i trune the car on...... please help...
  • starlite2starlite2 Member Posts: 1
    Check under the carpet to see if it's wet!! If it is then it is probably grounding out and throwing a relay.Mine did the same thing and it was wet.I left the doors open for a few days and dried the carpet and has ran fine since........
  • izcruzizcruz Member Posts: 1
    Hello,

    I have a 1990 Pontiac Bonneville that is giving all the symptoms mentioned. It runs great but after it gets hot, it stops or will not restart. I give it a few hours and cranks right up like nothing ever happened. No codes on the computer or nothing. It took me awhile to figure out the fact that it could be heat related. But I replaced the fuel pump and filter. Still same problem.

    Well I found this article that might explain the reason for this issue. It relates to the VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor).

    Check it out and see if it helps you:

    http://www.wellsmfgcorp.com/pdf/Counterpoint4_2.pdf

    I will look into it also and see if it fixes my problem.

    IZCRUZ :shades:
  • rckrchrdsnrckrchrdsn Member Posts: 1
    I have a 1997 Bonneville and your description, including your wife's episode, matches my symptoms. However I find that for about 1 to 2 hours after a FULL warm up, I can start the car, except on a cold day then it is shorter. Then it takes an hour or two to start again.

    When starting the car after it is cold, I have noted that as it warms up, just before the thermostat is going to open, the car runs rough for about 10 to 15 seconds. Most of the time, if you are at speed on the freeway you might not notice it. If you are in a bank teller line, it can stall out. That's what happened to your wife. Her foot was probably not on the gas or she was just starting up. I have had the same failure on three occasions. Every time just as the car was getting to the open thermostat range.

    I don't think it is the thermostat. I find the ground association to such precise timing to be unlikely, though I have cleaned my ground and no such luck. I have looked at the sensors on the car. I have had a heat issue with a crank shaft sensor and the sudden and total shutdown of the ignition system is unmistakable. Plus a CSS is timed to the heat up of the oil, not the coolant. Oh, no roughness either, just sudden failure, plain and simple. But the coollant sensor has no control over ignition or gas.

    Once I get through the short rough seconds during the warm up, my car will run all day no issue. Again, a ground just would not run that way. It is nice to know that one of us has tried the fuel pump tradeout to no avail.

    By the way, I have less trouble in warm weather (when the overall temperature of the car stays higher for a longer time) as opposed to cold weather.
  • neustkgneustkg Member Posts: 35
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,132
    There are several things people have found causing this. Some depends on the year and the mileage.

    An ignition switch can have a bad contact for the spark system that makes and breaks while the contact for the other indicators like lights works fine. There is a way to test for the switch not making contact during a nostart period.

    This switch is at the base of the steering column and is a fairly easy replacement.

    People have found a poor contact at the ICS which is under the coils. Check the contacts on the connector plugging in there at the bottom end.

    Crankshaft position sensor.

    Cam position sensor.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • johnjewkesjohnjewkes Member Posts: 6
    Apparently it has some error caused by years of Police Duty (Detectives car). It will intermittently stall out sometimes when this happens, it restarts immediately, other times it may not restart for hours. The Repair folks swore it was a Transmission error, and $1500 later it still does it. Another clue: Opening the doors, instead of triggering the inside lights, it makes clicking noises, the Security light comes on and off inconsistently keeping time with the clicking noise. Twisting the dashboard light control to 'dome' it quits clicking and the lights come on, the security goes out and it will start. I need this car as I am back in school for vocational rehab at Oregon State Unicersity, so no real income, family of six and no more $ for goose chases and towing to repair. If I hit the dash right after a stall it will sometimes restart and run the rest of the day. :sick:
Sign In or Register to comment.