2002 TransAm randomly won't start
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Joined: Jun 2014
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2002 TransAm randomly won't start I have a 2002 TransAm that for the last few months has an issue starting.
This happens randomly.
The dash lights up normally, but when you turn the key, it does not even try to crank.
The car is at the dealer now, its not VATS, the alarm, clutch switch, starter relay or ignition.
They believe that it is the fuel pump not making enough pressure. They are testing it now and will let me know tomorrow.
Does this sound right?
At the times it won't start I can roll the car down the driveway, pop the clutch and it starts.
It will run fine for days, then just not start one day.
This has only happened first thing in the morning.
Car is garage kept.
Any Ideas?
This happens randomly.
The dash lights up normally, but when you turn the key, it does not even try to crank.
The car is at the dealer now, its not VATS, the alarm, clutch switch, starter relay or ignition.
They believe that it is the fuel pump not making enough pressure. They are testing it now and will let me know tomorrow.
Does this sound right?
At the times it won't start I can roll the car down the driveway, pop the clutch and it starts.
It will run fine for days, then just not start one day.
This has only happened first thing in the morning.
Car is garage kept.
Any Ideas?
It does not try to crank as in when you turn the key no sound comes from the engine or it turns over but does not try to fire and run?
If it does not turn over it's something else. If it turns over (cranks) but won't start it could be the fuel pump check valve or the crank position sensor as most likely culprits.
If it does not turn over it's something else. If it turns over (cranks) but won't start it could be the fuel pump check valve or the crank position sensor as most likely culprits.
Have them test the battery.
Is your security light flashing? This sounds like the dreaded broken ignition cylinder wires (I know you said its not this but your symptoms all point to this) If your fuel pump was burnt out your engine would still turn over just never start.
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I wish the security light was flashing, then this would be so much easier.
I have all the symptoms, but no security light! (yes, the light does work)
I can verify the correct OHM reading at the connector under the dash and it stays constant as i jiggle the key, turn the cylinder back and forth, and jerk the key in and out. (obviously it drops when the key is out, but same reading when the key is back in)
I have all the symptoms, but no security light! (yes, the light does work)
I can verify the correct OHM reading at the connector under the dash and it stays constant as i jiggle the key, turn the cylinder back and forth, and jerk the key in and out. (obviously it drops when the key is out, but same reading when the key is back in)
Will the starter turn over if you jumper directly to it?
If so, you may have an open connection on the starter main power cable. This would be due to corrosion on the stater power cable terminal.
If so, you may have an open connection on the starter main power cable. This would be due to corrosion on the stater power cable terminal.
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Joined: Aug 2011
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From: Marengo, Ia
By doing that you've proved that the fuel pump has nothing to do with it. It could be the starter solenoid, if it's not working it's not going to try to turn over.
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Yessir, you have a problem in the starter circuit, not the fuel pump.
It could be as simple as a poor connection at the battery terminal. Or a poor ground. Could be a bad starter.
If you end up replacing the starter, get a replacement starter that has two long bolts, not one long and one short.
It could be as simple as a poor connection at the battery terminal. Or a poor ground. Could be a bad starter.
If you end up replacing the starter, get a replacement starter that has two long bolts, not one long and one short.
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Joined: Dec 2010
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Your problem is likely the starter relay. This is located in the front of the engine compartment on the driver's side in a box with a bunch of fuses. Buy a new starter relay for $15 and plug it in. It is very likely the problem. My car did the same thing -- no crank most of the time and only start once in a while.
I had this same problem in one of my Hondas and I checked all the relays and it ended up being a bad connection. I got my meter out and started from the ignition and worked my way to the starter. I thought it was my starter relay or my main relay nope one little bad connection in a harness plug.
