Thread: 2000 Grand Prix GT- not starting

first off dont trust the guys at the parts store because someone was on here trying to figure out what his problem was because the guy at the store said his battery was good when it wasn't. Long story short had hours into the car going crazy when he found out it was the battery.

Does the starter go click click click if so its because that your battery is dead but not completly dead.

First Test : Jump your car and see if you can get it to start. If so take the cables off and un hook the battery while its runing if it dies your alternator is shot.

If it don't die let it sit a day or two and try to start it.

If it don't start it's because the battery is drained again so go buy a battery and put it in if it goes out again it probly has something to do with the ignition switch (probly not tho i had the same key problem and mine is fine).

Thats what i personaly would do at worst you have 60-80 invested into an battery (thats nice to have before winter anyway)

Just thought of something check your fuses it might be a fuse.

hmm car won't start but the battery works in another car. My next guess is the Starter either the wires came loose or it went out. You can have them removed and tested it's only has 2 main bolts on it and a few wires that need to be unbolted from it. But that is located under the car. if that tests good...

then id try the ignition just because you have a problem with the key geting stuck so even if it don't fix anything your key won't get stuck anymore.


If that dont work my next guess is fuel pump. But for it to be that your starter has to at least crank...

Your key getting stuck in the ignition is a pretty common problem, it happened to me with my last GP. I know it is a real pain in the butt, but its not causing your other problems.

#1 Sounds like your alternator is bad, most auto parts places will test that for free. Like AutoZone, for example. One easy test that can be done at home is, while the car is running, disconnect the battery. If it stops running, it is almost for sure the alternator. But have someone knowledgeable do this, I don’t want you to get you shocked. The good thing is, anyone with just a little mechanic experience can change an alternator out. This shouldn’t cost more than $150, after your core is returned.

#2 Get a new battery if it is 5 years or more old. Please just do it, the winter is coming and it really stresses batteries. Also, this is another easy install. Most places will install it pro gratis, if you buy the battery from them.
Good luck

Originally Posted by grneyes908

Battery is less than two years old.

Oops, I didn't see that. Just go with suggestion #1

You would just have to re learn the key most likely.

sorry didn't look at teh date on this post! didn't mean to necro this.

Originally Posted by grneyes908

Not sure if this is where I am to post but I am having issues with my car.. and was wondering if anyone can give me some directions.

I own a 2000 Grand Prix GT and I just love this car. About 4 months ago I started to have issues with the key getting stuck in the ignition. I was finally able to get it wiggled out. Then my ABS light would come on at times but would go off when the car was restarted. The next problem to happen was that the battery would not hold a charge. I could drive it but once I shut it off It would not turn over, no nothing.

As I sit here my car has not been started for about 3 months. I figure the ignition needs to be replaced due to the key sticking and at times it seems like it does not shut off all the way ( and yes my key will still slide out). I have had my battery checked and they said its making good contact and its okay.

Any ideas on what to check? Now Mind you I am a women ( lol) , and I really don't want to take it to a shop and get charged $500 just to look at it.I am hoping to get directions on what to look for so I know what I am talking about when I go to get it fixed... Please help me

a tip on your stuck key issue- i zip tied the key release down inside my steering column and no more stuck key for me. as far as your starting/charging issues i think the other guys are on the right track. good luck.