2001 Firebird won't start! HELP!!!
#1
2001 Firebird won't start! HELP!!!
I have a 2001 firebird, it was running a little rough but always started and never died. It did put out a misfire code. Then today out of nowhere it died while I was driving and I had to leave it in a parking lot. Now I'm carless until I figure out what'* wrong. It cranks, and if I turn the key back and forth a few times then try it will "start" for like 2 seconds then die, even if I'm giving it gas. I've switched around the relays to no avail. I also had someone turn the key while I listened to the fuel pump kick on. I disconnected the MAF and still same thing. What could it be?? I need to get my car back ASAP!
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
#2
Senior Member
Welcome to the forums!
Have you done a tune up to the 3.8, like new spark plugs etc, how many miles on car now?
Now that it is stalling etc can you read the codes again & tell us what the code number is please.
Have you done a tune up to the 3.8, like new spark plugs etc, how many miles on car now?
Now that it is stalling etc can you read the codes again & tell us what the code number is please.
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1997 Buick Pk Ave (Soft Ride) Suspension!
1997 Buick Pk Ave (Soft Ride) Suspension!
#3
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Sounds like a fuel pump to me, but you need to check some things first. See if the plugs are getting spark, and throw a fuel pressure tester on there to see what fuel pressure you are getting. Start with the basics by understanding if you are missing spark or fuel.
#4
Senior Member
Agree with 2kg4u......have a can of carb cleaner handy....when it won't start, spray it into the intake...if it starts and runs as long as you spray, it'* a fuel delivery problem......injectors are not firing or the fuel pressure is low....
#5
I looked up the service history on the car and it says in 2011 it had all new spark plugs replaced, and I don't know how/when I can get my hands on a fuel pressure gauge. I did tow the car home so I have more room to work on it. Could it be a bad/clogged fuel filter? I think the pump is working fine. And where exactly do I spray starter fluid? I'm not sure where the intake is and how to do it, if someone could explain haha. Thanks so much!
#6
Senior Member
Changing the fuel filter sure wouldn't hurt, but a fuel pressure gauge connected into fuel rail will tell the story quickly.
TechII was describing using carburetor spray to see if it will keep running....
Where the air goes into the throttle body, you spray into the throttle body.
Yours may be covered in all sorts of plastic covers etc..
Got a photo you could post of your engine bay?
TechII was describing using carburetor spray to see if it will keep running....
Where the air goes into the throttle body, you spray into the throttle body.
Yours may be covered in all sorts of plastic covers etc..
Got a photo you could post of your engine bay?
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1997 Buick Pk Ave (Soft Ride) Suspension!
1997 Buick Pk Ave (Soft Ride) Suspension!
Last edited by Soft Ride; 01-21-2016 at 07:29 PM.
#7
Senior Member
I prefer carb cleaner over starter fluid.....safer.....
Loosen the hose clamp around the bellows going into the intake and remove the hose...open the throttle plate and spray carb cleaner into the throttle body/intake.....just position hose back onto throttle body.....now try to start vehicle......if it starts and runs for a few seconds until the carb cleaner is used up, you have a fuel delivery problem....
You can go to a place like AutoZone, and rent a fuel pressure tester, basically for free.....they charge you for a new one....you bring it back, and they credit it to you....it screws onto the fuel rail at the schraeder valve....look at the fuel rail and you will find a black cap, unscrew it, and screw on the gage....should be 40-50 psi.....
Loosen the hose clamp around the bellows going into the intake and remove the hose...open the throttle plate and spray carb cleaner into the throttle body/intake.....just position hose back onto throttle body.....now try to start vehicle......if it starts and runs for a few seconds until the carb cleaner is used up, you have a fuel delivery problem....
You can go to a place like AutoZone, and rent a fuel pressure tester, basically for free.....they charge you for a new one....you bring it back, and they credit it to you....it screws onto the fuel rail at the schraeder valve....look at the fuel rail and you will find a black cap, unscrew it, and screw on the gage....should be 40-50 psi.....
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#9
Retired
I think this is the first time I've seen a RWD 3800 on here.
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2002 *-10 5.7 V8
2023 Jeep Rubicon Diesel
Retired Administrator
2002 *-10 5.7 V8
2023 Jeep Rubicon Diesel