1992 Pontiac Grand Prix No-Start

This weekly Q&A session answers your questions about cars and trucks. This week explores a 1992 Pontiac Grand Prix with an intermittent starting problem.

Question:

Hi Vince, my 1992 Pontiac Grand Prix has an intermittent no-start problem. It does have 278,000 miles with a rebuilt engine. It has a 3.1-liter V-6 engine and automatic transmission. It usually runs fine but lately it doesn't start at times. When it happens there is nothing coming from the coil packs. I probed the electronic module and it is getting 12 volts. The next day I'll try it and it'll start and run like it never had a problem. Any ideas?

Thanks, Craig

Answer:

Craig, you will need to do a little testing to determine where the problem lies. You will need a 12-volt test light, an ohmmeter and a voltmeter; digital or analog meter will do just fine. You will also need a wiring diagram which you can get from your local Public Library or online from AllData. Of course you will need to do this when the engine will not start. If you do this test when it starts and runs fine you will not find the problem.

Step 1. Disconnect the two-pin connector from the DIS ignition module. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position and connect the test light between the two terminals.

• Light off: Go to step 2.
• Light on: Go to step 3.

Step 2. Connect the test light from terminal "B" to ground.

• Light on: Repair the open in the ground circuit.
• Light off: Repair the open in the ignition feed circuit.

Step 3. Disconnect the 3-pin Crank Angle Sensor (CAS) connector from the DIS ignition module. Put your ohmmeter in the 2K ohms range and probe harness terminals "A" and "C". You should have a reading between 900 to 1200 ohms.

• Okay. Go to step 4.
• Not Okay: Less than 900 ohms: CAS leads are shorted together or the CAS is bad.
• Not Okay: More than 1200 ohms: Open CAS wiring, bad connection or the CAS is bad.

Step 4. Set your voltmeter to the 2-volt AC position. Crank the engine and watch the voltage reading. It should be more than .1 volt AC (100mv AC).

• If it is replace the DIS ignition module.
• If it is not you have a bad connection or the CAS is bad.

That's all for this week. Feel free to browse the archives for past topics. And, as always, if you are stuck and need an immediate answer you can always call Vince on the phone.

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