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The Common Stall Start Problem 3800 N/A Series II

94GrandPrixSE

94GrandPrixSE

New member
03 Grand prix GT 94k, No CEL and runs smooth when running. 99% of the time when the motor is warm I crank it the rpm shoots to 2k then almost immediately stalls. I restart and the car runs fine. I do not think its the fuel pressure regulator but not sure and just did a tune up - new plugs and wires same problem. Any help is appreciated
 


94GrandPrixSE said:
03 Grand prix GT 94k, No CEL and runs smooth when running. 99% of the time when the motor is warm I crank it the rpm shoots to 2k then almost immediately stalls. I restart and the car runs fine. I do not think its the fuel pressure regulator but not sure and just did a tune up - new plugs and wires same problem. Any help is appreciated
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It's funny, cause I have the same exact issue which you can see in this particular thread... http://www.grandprixforums.net/starting-issues-69104.html

I think I'm going to pick up the Regulator anyway. I bought the car with 135K miles on it so it wouldn't hurt to replace it. If it cures the issue I'll let you know.
 
Yeah ill probably pick one up too, ive been looking thru lots of threads and nobody has had a sure fix as far as I found. Im also going to clean the hell out of TB, MAF, and IAC when I get home. Ill let you know if I have any luck.
 
94GrandPrixSE said:
Yeah ill probably pick one up too, ive been looking thru lots of threads and nobody has had a sure fix as far as I found. Im also going to clean the hell out of TB, MAF, and IAC when I get home. Ill let you know if I have any luck.
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I tried that first already. I removed and cleaned the TB and MAF. They were cleaned spotless. I reinstalled and the car started fine for two days afterwards, then it went back to the same old thing. If I start it when it's cold, it starts and runs perfectly. It's only after driving a half hour or so, turn it off to run into the store or gas, come out and then it gives me the "rev, stumble, and die" routine. Only does it when the car is at operating temps. I know it can't be an isolated incident. It would be great to get this figured out to be able to help others with the same issue. I'll keep trying.
 
The IAC is the Idle Air Control valve it regulates the amount of air your car allows in threw the throttle body at idle, if it gets dirty or clogged you get surging RPMS and stalling
 


Ive had this issue for over 10k miles I guess i'd think if it was a clogged cat id see more of a sign and I have full power. I never had a chance to mess with it yesterday but ill get around to it today. Did you try replacing your fuel pressure regulator? I found a way to test those by disconnecting the vacuum hose off the regulator and see if gas comes out. Video - Testing for a leaking, ruptured, fuel pressure regulator diaphragm - YouTube

Pic of FPR - http://ww2.justanswer.com/uploads/supermechanic/2011-03-20_155402_fule_pressure.gif
 
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94GrandPrixSE said:
Ive had this issue for over 10k miles I guess i'd think if it was a clogged cat id see more of a sign and I have full power. I never had a chance to mess with it yesterday but ill get around to it today. Did you try replacing your fuel pressure regulator? I found a way to test those by disconnecting the vacuum hose off the regulator and see if gas comes out. Video - Testing for a leaking, ruptured, fuel pressure regulator diaphragm - YouTube

Pic of FPR - http://ww2.justanswer.com/uploads/supermechanic/2011-03-20_155402_fule_pressure.gif
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No, I haven't had a chance as well. I know that my Cat is not an issue since it was replaced with an OEM unit just before purchasing the car. I also have great power and economy, getting 25 to 27mpg city, and 29 to 31 highway. I won't have a chance to check it until Saturday. I'll let you know what happens. Thanks for the link to that test on the regulator. Good stuff!
 


Cleaned the TB, quite a bit of carbon for 94k but I got it spotless cleaned all the sensors except TPS didn't see a reason too. Just took it out for a spin and i have a ****ing hissing sound nothing major so ill probably rip it apart next time I get a chance. If you have any idea what that might be let me know and so far no stalling on start but I highly doubt that it will fix it, time will tell.
 
The sound I was hearing was my vacuum line from the fuel pressure regulator to the TB was cracked so I just taped the TB side with electric tape so I could run down to the store. I go home to gas below the regulator (keep in mind ive tested the FPR before). Made another trip down to the store got the regulator and installed it, it has yet to stall on me. With this colder weather its hard saying if it was under the same condition before time will tell ill make an update letting you know if it fixed it or not.
 
94GrandPrixSE said:
The sound I was hearing was my vacuum line from the fuel pressure regulator to the TB was cracked so I just taped the TB side with electric tape so I could run down to the store. I go home to gas below the regulator (keep in mind ive tested the FPR before). Made another trip down to the store got the regulator and installed it, it has yet to stall on me. With this colder weather its hard saying if it was under the same condition before time will tell ill make an update letting you know if it fixed it or not.
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Thats very interesting and promising at the same time. Hopefully that solved the "re-start" issue for you. Did you go with an aftermarket regulator or the OEM brand? I have heard bad things about the aftermarket ones which is why I've been waiting to order an OEM one instead.
 
I get all my parts at Napa, they had one for $50 made in china and another for $80 made in USA. I got the one for $80 Echlin brand by NAPA. I also heard the aftermarket are no good so went with American made with only 94k I don't feel like having to do it again.
 
94GrandPrixSE said:
I get all my parts at Napa, they had one for $50 made in china and another for $80 made in USA. I got the one for $80 Echlin brand by NAPA. I also heard the aftermarket are no good so went with American made with only 94k I don't feel like having to do it again.
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Good to know. Thanks for the info. I think I'll be passing a NAPA on Sunday's motorcycle ride upstate. Heck, it's small enough. I'll just stick it in my pocket!
 


i have a 2001 GP GT special edition. I have 265,000 kms on it and it runs great. My start issue is similar, It starts revs up and then stalls. This only happens in the morning. After a couple starts and some gas its usually runs fine for the rest of the day. Im going to change my plugs and wires before the winter either way as well as my fuel filter. after reading this thread i amd going to clean up my sensors. Thanks guys i will keep you posted
 
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