Pontiac Sunfire Starting and Stalling Problems

spade_2002 · January 2011

Sounds to me that your wiring harness to your CPS (Crank Position Sensor) has a short in it. As if the 2 wires are shorting out to one another and the ECM (Cars Computer) looses signal from the CPS long enough to Kill the fire to the plugs. Then after cooling off will restart and run untill it touches again. Hope this Helps P.S. This will throw a CPS code on a scanner

aubuy · March 2011

I have changed out the fuel pump and checked the fuel relay switch and I can't get the fuel pump to kick on could there be something else that I am missing thanks

jphoenix151 · May 2011

I have a 2005 pontiac sunfire and I just had a problem with it that I can't figure out. I try to start the car and nothing not even a single sound no clicking anything then, I notice that it only started when I held the brake in. I know that it's not the battery as I just replace it.
If any one can give any Idea I would very much Appreciate it.

bigj8 · May 2011

2.2 Standard Coupe - 260,000 miles so far - bot it new in Oct 95 and besides the standard tires, battery, plugs, brakes and oil changes this is all I've done:

Alternator and serpentine belt at 96K
Fuel Pump at 226K

The horn and A/C stopped working but I never had fixed as my middle finger functions as a horn and it's cool as I live in the mountains.

Original clutch still functions perfectly. I've never flushed or replaced the coolant or the manual transmission fluid (manual says never do this).

Just bot a 97 Sunfire automatic sedan with a 2.2 engine at a yard sale for $200. Only has 85K on it, but has the infamous Head Gasket problem. Hope it pays off.

bigj8 · May 2011

Forgot to mention I consistently get 32 to 36 mpg and even scored 40 on a long road trip.

slackerman · May 2011

My '96 Sunfire convertible has just over 148,000 miles. 2.4L, manual transmission, and the AC still works. But I have changed the fluids. It's a great car, fun to drive, and people still tell me it looks sharp.

alvii89 · June 2011

My 2000 sunfire died while i was still driving, so I replaced the fuel pump and it still wont start we cannot figure out the problem any advice or suggestions would be well apprieciated.

slackerman · July 2011

Same thing happened to me at highway speed in my 1996 Sunfire @2000. Mechanic couldn't find anything except a weak battery. Replaced the battery and it hasn't happened since...

...Yes, I know the battery shouldn't have had any affect at highway speed, but the solution worked and that was ten years ago.

dac8365 · September 2011

Have your catalytic converter checked. When they plug up it chokes the engine, especially as the car gets hotter.

amyb102 · October 2011

Hi! I have a 2001 Pontiac Sunfire sedan. It has 127000miles. The car runs perfectly except for this wierd wiring issue that recently began. I will turn the key and none of the accessories (gages, radio, or lights) will come on, the car starts and immediately shuts off. My husband jiggles the wire and it will start, however I haven't got the magic touch like he does and really want my car to start normally. It doesn't happen all the time but there is a 50/50 chance it will. Sometimes the accessories will stop working while I am driving but the car keeps running. We know it's the wiring or the terminal but not a clue how to fix it? Any ideas? We do not have a lot of money and hoping this is something we can do without a mechanic or if it as a simple as getting a new wiring harness or ignition wiring or something..

Claires · October 2011

amyb102, one of our members wrote a great post a couple of years ago about checking for electrical problems -- he wound up with a pretty cheap fix. Not sure if his solutions will work for you, but here's the post:

Many Many Many Things

ClaireS, Host
Automotive News & Views | Coupes & Convertibles

good2go2 · October 2011

My Sunfire used to die warming up(closed loop) or driving at normal temp(open loop). Many parts were changed. Even searched edmunds. The fix was found after a fuel pump that did not correct it. the mechanic tilted the steering wheel and it died. He got it started after several attempts and it died again. he took the cover of the bottom of the column and found the SOLUTION. The factory did a recall on the ignition I believe and rezipptied with a very tight tie in the wireharness going up the column. THIS PULLS THE WIRES TO TIGHT. hot and cold make them pull out of the ignition. it is like shutting of the key. the engine stops gages sometimes stop. the car dies at highway speed. He cut the zip tie that pulls the wires tight to the column and let them hang by connection. He also disconnected the ignition switch at the harness to push the connections from the wires back in with the batery disconnected so it would not short out when reconnected. One year latter no problems

Cost to fix remove 3 little bolts, cut bulky wire zip tie. and push wires it switch.

Claires · October 2011

Thanks for posting this, good2go2!

ClaireS, Host
Automotive News & Views | Coupes & Convertibles

ts123 · October 2011

I have a 2002 Pontiac Sunfire that occasionally won't start. I turn the key and nothing happens. Doesn't turn over, no click, no sound at all. After numerous attempts, it eventually starts and then doesn't do it again for another month or so. I replaced the battery and thought the problem was solved. A few months afterwards, the problem started again. Any ideas?

tonyamhughes · November 2011

I have a 2003 sunfire and I am nearing an answer. I replaced the ignition control module. This will run great for 6 months. There are several things that seem to wear it out. This past summer was a record for the number of days over 110 and I think this has helped wear it out. The MAF sensor needed to be cleaned too. The o2 heater sensor went bad. When I start the car in the morning it is ok. I can drive around all day and start fine. But, around 5:20pm when coming home from work the tempature is higher and there is more traffic and more idling etc. If I stop on the way home. The car sputters and and stalls at start up. I had this happen six months ago so badly that the ICM had to be replaced. I am getting ready to do it again. I also just changed the catalytic converter and o2 heater sensor yesterday. There still might be more issues but right now the ICM is what is the bad culprit. oh.. and last time I replaced it six months ago it died in two weeks due to our heat down here in Texas.

tonyamhughes · November 2011

Clean the MAF Sensor with MAF Sensor cleaner and see if this helps!

txgal3 · November 2011

MY 2000 SUNFIRE PONIC WON'T TURN ON AT ALL. THIS PROBLEM HAS HAPPEND BEFORE BUT IT USUALLY TURNS ON THE NEXT DAY. EVERYTIME IM LOW ON GAS OR ILL GET TO A GAS STATION RIGHT AFTER IT WOULDNT TURN ON THIS TIME I CANT GET IT TO TURN ON. IT SOUNDS LIKE ITS GOING TO TURN ON BUT IT JUST DIES. COULD MY GAS PUMP BE BAD ?

txgal3 · November 2011

DID YOU EVER FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM?

msm107 · November 2011

when it rains my car will sputter and die I have traced the electrical and fixed the problems i could find, there was some bad splices but the problem still is there and it doesn't do it all the time when its raining only sometimes

tgordie · December 2011

i have a 1999 sunfire just replaced the starter charged the battery and out one gallon of gas in (hopefully thats enough to start it )now the car starts and then stalls does anyone have a clue thanks

txgal3 · February 2012

It's the battery I bought a new battery for my ponic at SAMs cluc n it was the solution. No more stalling.

jimd52 · March 2012

It sounds like the starter relay switch which is located on the drivers side rad support (if your car has one-some don't) It's about one inch square and two inches long with 4 leads. It costs about 37 bucks at the dealer- if they can find it. It's one of those GM after thoughts which isn't listed in the parts book. Use the part number instead. It has something to do with the anti theft curcuit as well, and is responsible for doing wierd things, like making the starter stick engaged, Just not turning over when you go to tart it, or the car suddenly cranking on it's own!

jimd52 · March 2012

Check to see if you have a starter relay switch bolted to the driver side rad support. it's a one in square relay with 4 lead terminal coming out the bottom. 10-1 that's your problem. It can cause a few wierd problems, the "dead starer", sticking starter, suddenly cranking on it's own, starting and stalling when you release the key- which is probaby the small black ground wire which runs from that relay to the starter housing. If that is broken or loose it will start but not run.

jimd52 · March 2012

Check if you have a small one inch square by 12 in long relay switch bolted to the drivers side rad support with a 4 lead terminal at the bottom. If you have this, it is most likely the problem. (Get a new one $37) If you don't have that relay, check your wires are tight on the starter selenoid which is right on top the starter. Check and clean battery posts.

moparmusclecar · April 2012

This car has been sitting without being started for a few months. We tried a few weeks ago to start it, but it only cranked over. Appeared not to be firing. Today using starting fluid and spraying it in the throttle body it started, but then it dies. We tried this several times. It will start then die. I see both wires have been spliced on the top on the baffle that goes to the throttle body (on the top of the baffle). I'm not sure if that is a sensor or what. I will wire it back together. I'm wondering if we have a fuel pump issue here, or the key issue where you need to turn it on for 10-15 minutes and try to restart it. The battery is weak, but I have a good snap on jumper box attached to it trying to start it. Any ideas what will keep this car running?

lindseygj · July 2012

I have a 2003 Pontiac Sunfire. It has 130,000 Miles on it. When it starts it has been acting funny. It does not happen all of the time. Maybe 3-4 times a month. I will turn the key and it will sound like it's going to start and then it will back off and then it will start. This is the best way that I can explain it. I don't believe it is misfiring. Also, I have replaced the battery and the starter. I had the alternator and fuses checked as well. So far it has started every time but I really sounds like it isn't going to. I don't know if it is the wiring. I asked a bunch of mechanic friends if they had any idea but they don't seem to have a clue and everything they tell me sounds like bull. It was doing it before I changed my starter and then after I changed my starter it kept doing it but now it seems to be doing the same thing but sounds worse. It almost sounds like the battery starts everything but it dies before the engine can start but it keeps pushing and finally starts the car. I don't know what to do or any other way to describe it. Everything else is perfect about it.

Please help me if you can. I just want to know what is wrong so that I can fix it.">

moparmusclecar · July 2012

I suspected the fuel pump, and after replacing it, the car started right up. It was actually pretty easy to change out, too!

moparmusclecar · July 2012

Could it possibly be your fuel pump going bad? These cars are common for fuel pumps failing. I just had to put one in a 2001 Sunfire. We could start it after spraying starting fluid in the throttle body, but it would die shortly after.

rgtug · September 2012

sounds like the fuel pressure regulator.its located on the fuel rail and is easy to fix.pull the vacum line off if gas comes out its bad.

bengorden24 · October 2012

I have a 01 Pontiac sunfire the engine tries to turn over but no spark. I have replace the plugs, wires, and coil pack/ignition control module. Any help would be appreciated.

kabee · November 2012

CKECK YOUR CATALICT CONVERTER FOR IT IS NOW MUST LIKELY PLUGED DUE TO THE SPEED BUMP FINISHING IT OFF. THE PLATIUM INSIDE THESE CATS, ARE VERY VERY FRAGLE AND WILL BRAKE UP AND CLOG THE OUTPUT OF YOU CAT. CONVERTER THEREBY CHOCKING OF THE ENGINE !!!note IF THIS IS THE CASE IF TOU DRIVE OR RUN THE VEHICLE LONG ENOUGH THE CAT CONVERTER WILL GET RED HOT AND EITHER KILL THE ENGINE OR START A FIRE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!K.A.B.E.E.

greuwor · May 2013

I had a similar issue, and it turned out to be a loose wire in the steering column.

sunfire_04 · June 2013

I have a rough idle in my 04 sunfire at times you can be sitting idling find then she bounces and or stalls..we have replaced, multiple censors, coil pack, plugs, throttle body, air filter, we have fixed some codes but still have random misfires on cylinders 2,3 and 4 none on 1 and a code for her running rich? Very frustrated any ideas?

jenfrey · August 2013

I really hope you found an answer to this! I also have a 2002 Sunfire that just started not starting sporadically? I brought it to autozone... They said bad battery... Brought to Midas... They said alternator was bad. Replaced alternator... Fixed problem for 2 days. Yesterday... Car wouldn't start again? Midas looked at it, and said, " no idea it starts fine now, just drive it till it does it again."
I travel for my job, and a dead car at the sketchy airport is not an option!
Review: good battery, new alternator, good starter
Any info would truly be appreciated!

kikipots · July 2014

PLEASE HELP.... i have an 04 sunfire. I noticed recently that it would have trouble starting i put some fuel injector cleaner in it. Then it stalled out on me twice then it just wouldn't start. I replaced the fuel filter and i know its not my fuel pump so i went into electrical. i replaced my plugs and wires and even the coil pack and module and still wont start. I also did a compression test and the readings came out great so my engine isn't blown is there anyone that can help.

-Kiki.

ewrector1982 · April 2015

euphorbia said:
I have a 96 Sunfire 2.4 (4 speed automatic) with 140,000 miles on it. It has been an awesome car since new. Recently it has been stalling when I brake from high speed and make a right turn. I notice that the tach falls below 500 rpm at those times and I can hear a clicking sound coming from the engine compartment (sounds like it is coming from the firewall just right of center). Does anybody have any experience with what might be the cause? I have replaced the throttle position sensor with no change in condition.

Euphorbia

I have not tried this personally, but I have read it on other car forums that these cars are known for their automatic transmissions to have their clutch hang up at high speed for any extended period of time. The solution that I read was something like the Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid and fluid and filter change to correct the problem. I haven't tried it yet cause I am working on figure out the knocking sound coming from my engine first. It revs up with the engine, but then it will rattle so I don't think that it's a rod. anybody have any ideas?

ewrector1982 · April 2015

1fastsnfr said:
i have a 96 2.2 5spd sunfire, and its giving me alot of trouble. it will run fine until the engine is warm, then it will spit and miss, then die. while its missing, the tach will go all wonky, and the speedo will jump around. when it dies, it won't start for like an hour or so! i've already changed the igniti0on module, coil packs, fuel pressure reg., and fuel pump. in fact, after i put yhe fuel pump in, it acted crazy, and now it won't strat at all! is this an electrical problem, or something i can fix easy? PLEASE HELP! i love this little car, and id hate to have to get rid of it because i can't fix it!

I know that u said that u already had changed it, but it sounds just like your ignition control module has gone bad again. these cars are notorious for this. just an idea.

ewrector1982 · April 2015

wiresman said:
:sick: Dude my daughter has a 2001 that is doing the same thing, she thought the trans was going out. I drove it and it runs fine, excellent power, no idle problems, but if you cruise with it at any speed then it starts missing and sometimes violently it usually drops 1000 RPM, does it in 4th or 3rd but not when I put it in neutral and hold rpms the same, or when I let off throttle completely. It only misses bad while steady cruising, I can wiggle the accelerator up and down a bit while cruising and it wont miss at all. The big prob for me is that no CEL or MIL is coming on. It has only 54,000 miles on it ! oh yeah its a 2001 Sunfire 4 Dr, 4spd auto with 2.2 OHV engine, no wonder I got it cheap. She is scared to drive it and doesnt have money to have shop fix it. So if you fixed your problem please clue me in, thanks. I usually NEVER have shop repair any vehicle of mine but I fear I may be becoming time and technically challenged . I am figuring a vacuum leak (although I can't hear one with hose, and starting fluid didnt change idle either), or sensor feedback resulting in a lean condition, but no MIL and only 53,000 miles? I appreciate all and any replies in advance ! Thank You ! OBD II....doesnt know jack! :lemon:

I'm not sure if you ever figured out what your problem was or not, but I have been told that the clutch will hang up in the auto transmissions and cause that problem. Someone told me to change the TCC Solenoid and fluid and filter and it should fix the problem. I haven't done it yet because I a working on the knocking sound coming from under the valves and trying to figure that out. Thought I would holler at you just in case you were still wondering and haven't tried that yet. Let me know if you ever did figure it out please. Thanx.

carguy2016 · September 2015

I have a 1996 sunfire. The book says 95 and 96 are compatible. Doesn't matter if it's 2.2 or a 2.4. I had a steady red theft system light. My theft system light will not turn off. I could start it with starting fluid so I knew I had spark. I month prior my alternator and battery went out...your pcm controls it. I replaced it, month later I had a bad missfire. Replaced all the sensors, all the fuel injectors. The ignition module, the fuel rail knock sensor, cam sensor, everything besides the pcm. I finally pulled the pcm which is in the passenger side wheel well... it was cracked wideopen from corrosion. I pulled a pcm out of a 96 cavalier 2.2 ( I have. 2.4) put it in ( I swapped the knock sensor module, cover on the pcm) tried to start it and it fired up and shut off. I waited the 10 min as the theft light blinked and it went solid. I started it up and it now runs....

carguy2016 · September 2015

Forgot to say that my car just died in a blizzard...water got in the pcm. Tried every fix from every foroum....car would not run...putting a new pcm and swapping the knock sensor module and letting it sit for 10 min fixed everything!!!! Email me at [Email removed] for questions

squirrel1982 · August 2016

union_jack said:

Hi All, I've recently bought a 1998 Sunfire SE with 95k on the clock. She was fine until about a week ago, now whenever I start the engine it fails to start sometimes, it fires but almost seems like it's stalling straight away. There's also a very odd niuse coming from the steering column area, almost like a kind of buzzing but not quite. After one, two or maybe three tries is fires up and if I apply gas starught away she fires up and should be fine. This happens 9/10 times I start her up! Also the horn doesn't work :sick: Any advice would be greatly appreciated! S x

You could be having a problem with ur PASSLOCK System.Mine is a 2000 Sunrise 2.2L & my horn hadn't worked since we bought it. One day, I decided to take the steering column/wheel apart, as far as where the airbag is, & the horn had disconnected itself so you might want to try that. Mine is doing the same thing that yours is as far as not wanting to start or stay running. I just found out that I had a broken throttle body bolt which could have caused a vacuum leak and it is running very rich so I'm hoping that this will fix my problem. I will post when I have an answer. Good luck....

Pontiac Sunfire Starting and Stalling Problems

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