Thread: 97 fires but wont run.

Im new to this forum, but ive been reading it for a couple years. I parked my 97 GT a couple weeks ago because it needed front breaks. I bought brakes today and when i went to start my car and pull it into my garage for the break job, the battery was low, so i put the charger on it for 10 minutes or so, and it will not run. It fires with the key but then dies immediately. it has 149k miles on it, and ive recently replaced the crank positioning sensor. when the key is in the on position, should there be full fuel pressure at the regulator? when i take the cap off and push the valve in with a screwdriver it just barely spits some fuel out then nothing. Is this my fuel pump for sure or is there something else it could be? I really dont want to spend 270 for a new pump if that isnt the prob. Any advice i would really appreciate.. Thanks

Am I correct in thinking i should have full pressure with the key on?

That would be great if it isnt the fuel pump. How do i do a security relearn?

it is not the fuel pump. try another key. when you put your key in and start the car. after it dies look to see if the security light on the cluster is flashing. if so the car is in security mode.

The security system acts normal. Does anybody know for sure if i should have full pressure at the regulator, just turning the key to the on position? This should happen reguardless of a security issue. Is that right?

Well i was fianlly able to get it started, but it sounds like its not hitting on a 6 cylinders, and running very rich. any ideas?

This sounds like what my problem recently was. I had a bad Mass Air Flow sensor. They're about $100 - $120 and their very easy to replace. I've heard you can try and clean them but i had no success with it.

I took out the MAF and cleaned it. It made a diffrence. Now the car runs, the exhaust is normal no rich condition, but its still running like its missing on 1 cylinder.
guess ill try plugs and wires, but i dont know how just parking the car could make all this happen, unless there is a sensor making it run this way.

Try unplugging the cord from the MAF and start it up and see if it sounds like it's still missing.

When i unplug it i cant even get it started.

That's odd. Mine turned right over when I unplugged it :X

Yeah im sure it should start with the MAF unplugged. When unplugged it goes back to my origional problem, fires but wont start.

This is a perfect example of why a person should fix problems as they happen. My service engine light has been on for awhile now and i would just get erratic idle some times. Now its turned into a bigger problem. I plan to buy a code reader tomorrow, but im sure im going to find multiple sensors bad. i should have fixed these as they happend. Its a really nice car with alot of miles on it, but i know this 3800 has alot of life left in it. Makes me want to pull my hair out now though....

Save soem money and have it diagenosed by someone you trust. I bought a scanner a while back but it still could be a roller coaster cause they show all types of codes. Let a shop look at it. It will save you time and money. They don't have to do the work. peace

Finally.... Borrowed a scanner from a buddy. Gave me a p1200 code. injector circuit.

Started looking for bad connection on injector. Found 4 wires chewed through by mouse on main wiring harness coming from top of radiator. Patched wires problem solved. That is CRAZY.. no service engine light either. cleaning the MAF fixed that.
fixed brakes, Back on the road again.. Ye Ha.

Thanks everyone that replied.

Wow that's crazy! Well atleast you got it fixed.