Hey guys,
I've read through some of the past threads and I couldn't find any similar to this issue.
1997 Pontiac Sunfire coupe 2.2
So when I try and start up my car it will run for 2-3 seconds and then die. I do not have a check engine light on. It will basically happen every single time I try and start my car after it sits for over an hour. I've been dealing with it for such a while that I've found out if I leave the ignition in the run position for a few minutes it will almost always start right up.
I've seen a few links off of Google that I have read up on stating that when the car dies there is a telltale (anti-theft?) light that will blink for ten minutes and then it will for solid and you could eventually reset the ignition passwords. My telltale light only blinks for a few seconds when it dies. I will check this light again once I'm off work.
Let me know if you guys have any thoughts.
Thanks,
Hashwagon
The next time that happens try and press the accelerator pedal down while starting. If it starts right away and will stay running with no issues, but when u let go of the pedal it dies, then its your idle air control valve. It sounds like it might be it by the "if I leave the key in the run position for a few mins it almost always starts right up". I would give that a shot and see what happens. Goodluck!
Here's my update.
I started my car while the gas was about half-throttle and just like before it ran for 2-3 seconds and died. I noticed the anti theft light blinked 3 times and then went solid.
Ahhh then you may have to relearn your anti theft. If that's the case, look in the FAQ section I the library section, and do yours according to your year. Goodluck!
Sorry, but where do I find the FAQ area?
So the FAQ reset for 96-99 says to attempt to start the car and then the theft system light will blink for 10 minutes then go solid. Everytime I attempt to start it only blinks 5 times then goes solid. So I think this could be something else. I'll continue to search here and on google and if anyone else has an opinion to share I would appreciate it.
um a few guess would be fuel pump, fuel pressure regulator, or ignition system
a weak or low pressure fuel system might be enough to turn the motor over but not sustain it thereby killing it after a few seconds.
a weak ignition system can cause the same effect.
turn key to run engine off and check the fuel pressure. to check spark get a spark tester and have someone crank the engine while you observe the spark.
