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2004 Grand Prix GT Won't Start: Need Help

T

TN Old Man

New member
2 weeks ago, my grandson's 2004 Grand Prix GT wouldn't start. Clicked, but wouldn't crank. Battery OK. Cleaned battery posts and terminals.

He replaced the starter with a brand new starter. The car immediately started fine.

It started and ran fine for a week. Then, it suddenly reverted back to the original symptoms and won't crank. I don't think the new starter is at fault.

What could be wrong? Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks
 


on the starter is one small wire, put a test light to it while some one turns the key to crank, it should light up, thats the power signal for the solenoid. if it dont light up, the issue is between that wire and the key.

you can also try jumping the starter key to run, if it cranks over and runs the starter works. if it only cranks and wont fire up, then you got larger issues.
 


SaukRapids said:
Hydrolocked LIM leak? Can happen on a 4.3L, bet it can happen on these engines.
Click to expand...

2 months ago the water pump was replaced because of engine overheating, coolant loss and no heat from heater. Perhaps running car with a bad water pump damaged something?

One comment i read said that hydro locked engine physically broke his starter.

Is is it possible that my grandson's hydro locked engine broke the first starter? Then, the new starter cranked the engine enough to clear the coolant out of the cylinders? Then, after the last time it started, coolant seeped into cylinders causing it to hydro lock again?

Could new starter be broken from trying to crank hydro locked engine?

Grasping at straws.

Thanks
 
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what engine is in this car? if its a 3800 dont think it should be hydro locking. they got a metal intake for the na cars, and the sc engines never hydro lock. unless its got a blown head gasket.
 
Scottydoggs said:
what engine is in this car? if its a 3800 dont think it should be hydro locking. they got a metal intake for the na cars, and the sc engines never hydro lock. unless its got a blown head gasket.
Click to expand...

3.8L normally aspirated. When the water pump was replaced 2 months ago, the mechanic said we would know in a few days if the head gasket was blown. It ran fine for 6 weeks. However, it WAS run with a bad water pump for a while before it was replaced.

Thanks
 
Last edited:
pull the spark plugs, see if it then cranks over. if its hydro locked it will push the coolant out, then you know you need a head gasket for sure.
 
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