I bought a 1997 sunfire gt with the 2.4 twin cam engine for 200 bucks from a friend who got hit by a deer. It ran fine when he parked it about 4 months ago, but when I try to start it now it just turns over and starts up for about 1.5 seconds then immediately suts down everytime. Its getting fuel and spark. There are no blown fuses and there IS gas in it. If you bypass the injectors and pour fuel directly in the TB itll stay running till the fuel burns off. I am suspecting that the engine starts but then get a signal that shuts down the injectors. I couldnt do a proper code scan because the engine wouldnt stay running, but I got a code 200 which corresponds to an 'injector manfunction'. What can cause this? Im trying to get it running so I can sell it for the engine and tranny. From what I can tell this motor is very similar to the 3.4 Grand prix engine, but I dont know if that would make a differance. Its not a 3800 but Im hoping that someone can point me int he right direction.

When my son'* '99 GP did that, it turned out to be a wonky MAF. Not bad enough to set a code, but enough to keep the car from starting.

Why'* this in "Other 3800 powered cars"?

Um, did these cars come with VATS? IIRC, the keys themselves were the "chip" that we know. My sisters car did the same thing you are describing...and was using a cut key. She went to the factory key, and it started right up.

A vats issue will give you a bit of gas on prime and it'll run for a second and stall... just like mentioned.

Theres no VATS, its got the PASSlock system. The gas pedal makes no differance at all. Like I said before, if you pour gas directly into the TB then itll stay running. (maybe a bad idea though lol)