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96 Pontiac Transport mystery
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shred4Him
New User
Jan 30, 2006, 7:43 AM
Post #1 of 6
(2316 views)
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96 Pontiac Transport mystery
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This is a little long, but I need to go over all of the details.
One day my car just stopped running while I was driving to work. I was able to start it up again, but about 50 feet later it died again, and refused to start. I assumed it was my alternator. I took it and my battery off and had them tested. Alternator fine, battery bad.
So I replaced the battery and the car started momentarily, ran very rough, and then died. Again, it refused to start at all. Since the starter was turning over I took it off and had it tested. It was good.
So, I have a car that won't start and it has a good battery, good alternator, and good starter. I checked the wiring from the alternator to the battery...good. Starter to the battery...good. I have no idea what the heck is going on. Anybody have any ideas?
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jan 30, 2006, 9:15 AM
Post #2 of 6
(2314 views)
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Re: 96 Pontiac Transport mystery
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Some questions to help us help you:
* What Engine do you have if there were choices? How many miles?
* Can you tell if you are lacking spark or fuel? If both test ok and this engine uses a rubber timing belt you could be in big trouble! If so how old is it?
* Any other history leading up to this?
Here to help if we can, T
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shred4Him
New User
Jan 30, 2006, 9:30 AM
Post #3 of 6
(2313 views)
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Re: 96 Pontiac Transport mystery
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3.4 v6
122,000
It won't even attmpt to turn over, so I don't know if there are any spark or fuel issues. There is nothing when the key is turned. I still have radio, lights and all of that stuff.
I did have a check engine light flash a couple of days before, but it had no effect on how the car performed. Doesn't mean it isn't related, but it came and went a couple of times.
I don't really think there are any timing belt issues. I could be wrong, but I have had a timing belt go on me before and I was still able to at least get something from the starter even though the car wouldn't start. I am stumped.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jan 30, 2006, 10:17 AM
Post #4 of 6
(2312 views)
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Re: 96 Pontiac Transport mystery
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Try not to disconnect battery unless you already did there would be stored codes that could really help here.
I'm reading into this that the engine won't crank over at all. Does it even make noise or a single click? That would lead to either connections (test by leaving interior lights on and if they go out when you try to start it- it's a giva away that - that is the trouble) .
Timing chain would normally be ok still. (real chains). Normally they jump a tooth and still run and two or more quit.
Any chance this engine is seized? Starter would still click hard even if so.
I wouldn't think a failed starter or starter solonoid would get you a check engine light but a bad connection might. Keep checking stuff. See if you can check for 12V getting to starter. Still trying to get this going for you, T
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shred4Him
New User
Jan 30, 2006, 10:32 AM
Post #5 of 6
(2311 views)
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Re: 96 Pontiac Transport mystery
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I appreciate the help. I had to disconnect the battery to put a new one in. The lights do dim when I try and start it, if I remember. I do notice that the voltage meter bottoms out when I try and start it.
There might be a very small inital click when I turn the key, but it really makes no noise at all.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jan 30, 2006, 12:01 PM
Post #6 of 6
(2307 views)
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Re: 96 Pontiac Transport mystery
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Next time you need to disconnect a battery - use a "memory saver" -- unplug the hood light and don't open a door till you are hooked up again. The silly things use a 9V battery that you just put in a cigar lighter or power port that is NOT controlled by the ignition position. Saves all your radio, clock, and in some cars a ton of items that remember settings for things like driver ONE or driver TWO. Better yet - some radios will not be useable if they sense they have been disconnected and they need to be reset by a code that if you don't have you don't have a radio.
Back to your car: Have you tried jumping it with a running car? If so and cables really react when hooked up - STOP. Best to use an older car for the jump. Don't ask why.
One more: Can you turn this engine by hand or by the bolt on the harmonic balancer? Disable any chance of the vehilcle starting if you try this. It should turn for you with some effort - go clockwise on the bolt. I don't know of any that are reverse threaded but if it loosens without turninng the engine tighten it back up. If it will turn you should not be seized up and just go slow with a socket and I call them "breaker" bars. A regular ratchet isn't really big or long enough. As always - be careful with any testing you try. - T
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