Intermittent Start

**kesterpontiac** · 07-26-2008, 02:06 PM

I'm experiencing an intermittent start with my '99 TA -- it may start on the first try, or I need to crank it 9-10 times, or I could crank it 100 times and it won't start... if the ICM is bad/going bad could this cause the problem? Since it cranks, I've ruled out the VATS.

Any help on diagnosing the problem would be appreciated.

**Orcus79** · 07-26-2008, 02:40 PM

first check would be fuel pressure, the pump or the relay for it could be gone. The Fuel filter could also be clogged.

**kesterpontiac** · 07-26-2008, 03:16 PM

I checked the fuel pressure. It's 55psi and it holds for 10 minutes. I changed the fuel filter and fuel pump relay. The pump always primes for 2 seconds when I turn the key on and it either starts right up or cranks and won't start at all.

**Orcus79** · 07-26-2008, 03:18 PM

hmm ok. Next check would be for spark, it could also be failure of the crank trigger. THe ignition systems used on the LS blocks are kinda new to me so my over all knowledge on the details is pretty limited.

**BJDahlke** · 07-28-2008, 04:41 PM

Try cycling the key twice. Does it always start then? If it does you probably have a hole in the hose that looks like a bendable straw on the fuel pump.

**jamessr** · 07-29-2008, 09:10 AM

pretty much what everyone said. turn your key you should be able to hear the pump prime up right off. Also check it at the rails, engine secured ofcourse. If not that could be it. After that I'd check the fuel pump relay being the easiest option.

**tiny47** · 07-29-2008, 10:38 AM

I have the same problem on my 2001 ws6. Ive tried all this with nothing fixing the problem. Maybe the BCM??? I dont want to spend the money for a guess myself. The other day it idled low and just died on the road. I turned the ignition off and it started right back up like nothing happened with the correct idle...