Thread: Starting issues will 2004 Grand Prix GT

I recently bought a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix GT with 150K miles. I know that sounds like a lot...but I was just in an accident less than a month ago in which a negligent b***h T-boned my car. Even with the severity of the damage, the engine (which had 213K miles on it still started) these cars literally last forever.

I am already in love with the GP GT that I just bought. It is clean inside and out, but I am having a slight problemm right now. Sometimes (but not always) when I start the car it will turn over and start immediately, but immediately after it starts, it will shut off. If I restart it and give it a little gas, it will be fine. To me, this seems like a fuel problem (fuel filter most likely) but before I start tinkering around and replacing parts, I would like to know if anyone else has had this problem. There are no idle issues or accelerating issues though, and I know those are indicators are inherent with bad fuel filters. If anyone could give me some advice, I would appreciate it.

Also, on a side note, since my car is at 150K, are there things I should be keeping an eye on/replacing given its mileage? Any and all suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

Ah! I didnt even think of that. I'll get some cleaner for my TB and try that. Cleaning the throttle body would def. be cheaper than getting a new fuel filter.

Definitely will do. Hopefully it is just dirty components

Yup. Start with cleaning the TB and MAF and see if that works. Oh and btw, 04 is the only year out of the 04+ models that has an external fuel filter I believe. It's towards the rear driver side door. Just follow the fuel lines.

I haven't done anything different whenever I have disarmed the security system when I get to my car. I always use the FOB (I dont know if there is any other way to disarm it - can you just use the key itself?) but still the starting problems are random in nature. Just today when I got up for work, the car started and did not shut off. It is a completely random occurance.

Clean them out soon. It takes like 10 mins.

I appreciate the advice from everyone big time
Hopefully its just a dirty TB or something as simple as new spark plugs.

Originally Posted by Joey DaRatt

You need to clean the TB and MAF with approved cleaner. The Tb looks clean, but when you take it off, you will see just how dirty it really is.

Took the throttle body off yesterday and sprayed the inside with almost the entire can of cleaner. Starts are perfect now. Thanks a bunch!

I sure did. She was a dirty girl.

Did you also wipe down the inside of the plenum?

I did not..kinda ran out of time before I had to go to work. Another day, another project.

Not a big deal. I would just do it next time you clean the TB. Just remember not to spray directly in there. Spray it on the rag and then wipe it down.