EviLette Posted June 6, 2012 Report Share Posted June 6, 2012 So.. I am still driving my 92 GP SE (3.1) and recently acquired through "community property" means (aka my b/f acquired) a 99 GTP. Both cars are having issues. We'll start with the 92, hopefully you guys might have some input as to what might be going on. About a week ago, I went to leave to drop kid off at day care on the way to work, and my GP SE (92) wouldn't start. Everything on the gauges was fine, but the starter wouldn't even click. It almost acted like it was my alarm system's starter kill function engaged, except that the alarm was disabled (and this symptom has not reproduced itself since then.) For some strange reason, we hooked Precious up to Jer's Chevy pickup and attempted to jump the car, and she fired right up. This made no sense due to the fact that the charge on the battery was fine, the alternator has been charging, and the battery wasn't dead. The car had sat for the weekend, and then been driven all over hell and creation on Memorial day. This happened the day after. We (Jer and I) took the car to his mechanic friend, who originally said it was the alternator. I argued the fact, and stated the information above. Because the starter wasn't kicking over at all, we decided that it must have gone bad (note: the starter in my car has been clicking on each key turn, and then eventually starting within 3-5 attempts) for several years now without ever getting any better or worse, except that at some times the issue didn't occur at all. Six hours later, new starter, broken oil pressure sensor, and the car wouldn't click. We had the starter tested before we left the store. Jer's mechanic took a look at the car, had me shift through the gears to make sure it was fully into park or neutral, and then attempt to start and still nothing. Eventually he unplugged and plugged back in the neutral safety switch (I didn't observe this so I can't tell you where it is without hunting it down in the manual!) and the car CLICKED but wouldn't start for quite a few clicks. When the starter actually fully turns the engine over, the car starts without problems, except to sound slightly low on charge (maybe due to all the failed attempts?) Again, it has been suggested that it's the neutral safety switch, but if this is the case, would the starter even click? I would imagine it wouldn't even click at all - the starter is getting signal and attempting to turn the engine over, it's just not happening. When the starter clicks, does it advance something in the engine? I had a sideways thought (having never torn down one of these 3.1s) that maybe there are teeth broken on the flywheel? Does this sound like a possibility? Any ideas? Suggestions? I'd appreciate input. Oh, yeah, also. My passenger side window will roll down absolutely fine from either door switch (power windows) but refuses to go up at all until it feels good and damn ready. Pinched wire or is Precious having a go at me? ------ Now, the 99 GTP is a recent acquisition. 153k sedan (for me and baby) with all the goodies, cost was 1500. Hunter green exterior with tan leather interior. This GTP's previous owner decided to do some additions to the car. It has a pillar cluster on it to monitor boost, fuel/air ratio and oil pressure. The gauges light up, but are not attached in any other working fashion. The car has been having some hiccups and strange glitches. The glitch I noted has only happened to me, and could've been in relation to something getting wet when I detailed the car. The whole thing was FILTHY!!! After shutting the car off, it wouldn't start - it would crank and barely catch, though once it caught and fired, a quick tap on the accelerator and the engine leveled back out and would run fine, more or less. The idle doesn't seem quite constant. The DIC on the dash (boost, fuel miles, oil life, etc.) randomly shuts off and comes back on seconds later. Separate issue: There also seems to be an electrical issue in that the A/C and lights will randomly decrease in power. The alternator reads fine during these times and is not fluxuating during this time. Separate issue: The sunroof will vent just fine, but when attempting to slide it back, it only opens on one side. It looks like something is bent or broken. It has a loud clicking when it attempts to open. It does close down and seal properly. Also, with window locks NOT engaged, the passenger side window will roll down but not up. Yes, this is similar to the issue my 92 is having. I am telling you, HIS GTP is supposed to be mine. I already named it and everything. Thanks in advance for any suggestions. I did a thorough detail on the inside of the new GTP, and just slapped a coat of wax on the outside. It's hammered with hail, so I don't know if it's worth it to me to 3-stage compound the car, but if I do, I'll definitely get you fine folks some photos. Oh, and baby pictures. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tornado_735 Posted June 7, 2012 Report Share Posted June 7, 2012 When you changed the starter on Precious, did you also change the starter solenoid? If so, check and clean every ground under the hood. If you reused the old solenoid, I would say that's the culprit. That, or the ignition switch/cylinder. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EviLette Posted June 7, 2012 Author Report Share Posted June 7, 2012 When you changed the starter on Precious, did you also change the starter solenoid? If so, check and clean every ground under the hood. If you reused the old solenoid, I would say that's the culprit. That, or the ignition switch/cylinder. The ignition cylinder was replaced recently. I thought the starter solenoid was part of the starter itself. Grounds, crap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tornado_735 Posted June 7, 2012 Report Share Posted June 7, 2012 The ignition cylinder was replaced recently. I thought the starter solenoid was part of the starter itself. Grounds, crap. Usually the solenoid is sold separately, and is a separate part from the starter. It could be that the starter came with a new solenoid though...I'd check that for sure to see. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
92EuroScott Posted June 7, 2012 Report Share Posted June 7, 2012 For the issue of the A/C and lights decreasing in power, I assume you mean on the GTP. I would guess the ignition switch. The second gens have a problem with corrosion building up on the contacts and things won't get power correctly all the time. A typical sign of this on the Grand Prixs are the fan for your ac changing speed on its own. I just replaced mine in my Regal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AL Posted June 7, 2012 Report Share Posted June 7, 2012 For precious, it sounds like a bad connection from the battery Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jman093 Posted June 7, 2012 Report Share Posted June 7, 2012 For precious, it sounds like a bad connection from the battery x2. Try cleaning up the terminals and terminal bolts. They can cause trouble even if it doesn't look like there's any build up. Side post batteries are the work of some higher evil. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EviLette Posted June 7, 2012 Author Report Share Posted June 7, 2012 For the issue of the A/C and lights decreasing in power, I assume you mean on the GTP. I would guess the ignition switch. The second gens have a problem with corrosion building up on the contacts and things won't get power correctly all the time. A typical sign of this on the Grand Prixs are the fan for your ac changing speed on its own. I just replaced mine in my Regal. This was suggested by someone locally as well. I'll have to pass it on! Thanks! I will definitely have to check the battery connections on Precious to see if it makes any difference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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