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Car stalls after start-up
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computers19
Novice
Dec 28, 2009, 7:33 PM
Post #1 of 7
(6562 views)
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Car stalls after start-up
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Pontiac
1991 Grand Prix LE
3.1 V6 Engine
Hi, my name is Shane and recently I ran out of gas a quarter mile from the gas station. I tried starting it after I put 3 gallons of gas into it, and it ran a few hundred feet and still died. I tried jump starting it and I wound up getting it towed for $90. I had problems with it stalling before if the engine was not up to normal operating temperature, but it least I got it from point A to B. Now it won't stay running for more than a second after start-up. I just replaced the battery with a new one and noticed my air cleaner was cracked in two, plastic and cold weather don't go well together. A new assembly/box is hard to replace and somehow over $250. I am also planning to replace the fuel filter for the 3rd time in 2 years. I am wondering if anyone has a similar problem or knows what could be causing the starting problem. Also can I replace the air filer box later.
Thanks
Shane
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Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran
/ Moderator
Dec 28, 2009, 7:56 PM
Post #2 of 7
(6552 views)
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Re: Car stalls after start-up
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Shane; Basics: Never let the fuel get below 1/4 tank. The fuel pump is in the tank and needs the fuel to keep it cool. Also, it will pick up contaminants from the bottom of the tank. Water is heavier than gas and will stay at the bottom. When the tank gets too low, guess what you suck up? The fuel filter should be changed every 15K miles at minimum. In our climate, it is not unusual to replace twice a year.
Jump started? Does this mean the battery was dead, or that you ran it down trying to start it? The computer relies on a CTS (coolant temp sensor) to tell it engine temperature for fuel delivery. If the coolant is low or the sensor defective, it can cause an over-fueling condition. Check the coolant level. If the engine is flooded, hold the throttle to the floor (don't pump it). Crank the engine. If it tries to start, back off the throttle as the engine comes to life so that you don't over-rev it. (By holding the throttle to the floor, it shuts off the flow of fuel...WOT (wide open throttle) and gives it more air). I'm sure that you could find a used air box at most any wrecking yard much cheaper? This may be a MAF (mass air flow) system. If the tube going to the throttle body is damaged between the MAF and the throttle body, it MUST be replaced, first. If the damage is between the air box and the MAF, shouldn't be an issue.
Loren
SW Washington
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computers19
Novice
Dec 28, 2009, 8:16 PM
Post #3 of 7
(6547 views)
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Re: Car stalls after start-up
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Thanks Loren for your quick reply,
I know running on empty is bad for the car and the engine, but I cannot rely on the gauge because the warning light comes on after 50 miles of filling the tank all the way (15 gallons) so I go by how many miles I have driven since then. I miscalculated, my fault, bc I didn't fill it up entirely last time and I forgot. It died on me on Christmas Day here fyi. So I guess my fault.
Jump Starting, I ran it down trying to start it, and probably from the four way flashers on for two hours.
I am going to try getting off the throttle after start-up to see if that works, if not I'll change the fuel filter. And if that doesn't fix it i'll spray starter fluid before I rip off the gas tank to get to the fuel pump, last thing I want to do in this cold weather. As for the air cleaner I'll just tape the box back together (tube/hose going to the the throttle body is fine) and replace that later.
Thanks Again
Shane
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Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran
/ Moderator
Dec 29, 2009, 2:51 PM
Post #4 of 7
(6532 views)
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Re: Car stalls after start-up
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Shane; Get back to us with an update before you dive into the fuel pump.
Loren
SW Washington
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computers19
Novice
Jan 4, 2010, 11:53 PM
Post #5 of 7
(6512 views)
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Re: Car stalls after start-up
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Ok, so I changed the fuel filter, put gas in the tank (10 gallons now), and I got the same problems as before. I also noticed that if I use starting fluid it runs until it burns up the fluid. So there must be some problem with the fuel delivery system. I also have a new problem, the car backfires when I try to start it, and I can hear the pump running. I also added fuel injection cleaner to my tank and a condensation cleaner, sleet I think. I think I might have put the filter on backwards because now it backfires and it didn't before. The line on the filter or flow points towards the line that goes to the engine and the filter itself faces the line that comes from the tank. I am going to see if I can warm up the engine by holding down the gas pedal to see if that has any effect. If anyone has any other ideas, besides giving up and towing it to a shop, please let me know.
Thanks again,
Shane
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steve01832
Veteran
Jan 5, 2010, 3:17 AM
Post #6 of 7
(6506 views)
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Re: Car stalls after start-up
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Fuel pressure: Key on engine off should be 40.5-47 psi. Engine running should be around 42 psi. You will need to hook up a fuel pressure guage to check this, but this will confirm a fuel pump problem.
Steve
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Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran
/ Moderator
Jan 5, 2010, 5:41 PM
Post #7 of 7
(6492 views)
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Re: Car stalls after start-up
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Shane; It may be time to check for injector pulse. If it runs on 'false fuel', then it is definitely a fuel delivery problem. As Steve mentioned, fuel pump pressure is the first step. If it is okay, then check for injector pulse. There are quite a few possibilities that come to mind if you have no injector pulse. You will need what is known as a "Noid Light" to check. I'm also assuming that you've checked power to the pump, ECM fuses, ect.... Let us know what the fuel pressure readings are, and if you have fuel pressure, does the noid light illuminate when cranking?
Loren
SW Washington
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