2001 SL2 will crank, but not start
 

I picked up a used car that I knew wouldn't start. The previous owner said it wouldn't start so he tried a new battery, then he towed it to a shop and they told him it needed a new computer (PCM). Thats when he sold it.

Now I have the car and all power accessories work. I already replaced the PCM since there were no fault codes, everything else seemed to be working, and "the shop" said it needed changed. (hummphf)

Anyway, since then I've gone through almost everything:
-good fuel pressure to the rail approx 45psi
-checked plugs, they looked good, just worn, so I re-gapped re-installed
-good spark at all 4 wires, even after 10sec
-just pulled each injector plug one at a time and tried starting, each time it sounded a little rough as compared to when all 4 are plugged in thats when it will spin up/ light up/ purr, but only for 1-2 seconds and immediately dies.
-I pulled the 1 and 4 wire off the coil pack, spun over the engine, and had good spark between the posts. I'm thinking that told me the crankshaft position sensor is good. (Is that all inclusive for the CPS?) (I did not check AC mV at the CPS sensor)

wow, I'm just about burned out :confused:
(and I'm new to forums, sorry if I posted wrong)

Do you maintain the 45psi on the fuel rail after it starts?

...yes, even after it turns over, it maintains 45

What do you think about the crankshaft position sensor?

another question, IF there is a vacuum issue, could that make it die right away?

READ

https://www.saturnforum.com/forum/general-tech-help-13/etcs-its-connnector-6417/

...oh, okay "engine coolant temp sensor" I'll check it out!!! (tomorrow)
Thanks SO much! :)

I had a similar problem with a Grand Am where there were no codes and I could not find a single thing wrong as you have. It turned out to be a security problem. The owners manual had the solution. Turn the key to "on" wait several seconds as the system reset and voila it started after 2 week of changing out good parts.

skooter, thanks for your post.
yeah I heard about that. I tried turning the key to "run" and leaving it set for 15 minutes. I came back, the security light was out, I got excited, turned the key, it did not start.
I watched a clip on youtube for a diff car. the guy had to turn the key to run, fasten his seatbelt, then started the car. I supose the seatbelt was just a time delay that the system needed.
Either way that has not worked for mine.
I will be picking up a coolant temp sensor after work.

except it's not turn the key on and wait a few seconds and Voila ... not evan Vivian.

What you are supposed to do is to crank the engine momentarily (do not start) then let the key go to the run position for 10-12 minutes. Then turn the key off for approx five seconds and repeat. Do one more time after the second time for a total of three times. At the end of the third one turn the key off for 30 seconds, the passlock should be relearned and start the car after the shut off time.

Holy Smokes, is that for real?? First I've even heard of a process like this...

WOW! Whahoo!!! That was it! that did the trick! :D
Thanks So So much, I never knew about such a thing, and the previous owner told me specifically that there was NO security in this thing.

(now, where are my side-cuts? I wanna cut that security system out of my car!!! lol )

Man, that is awesome that you got it fixed. I've never heard of such a thing. My son is looking at some used Saturns online because he thinks he's going to settle his lawsuit within a couple of weeks. As much as I don't like Chevy, I do like the Saturns. They're great cars and pretty easy to work on too.

Yeah, I think I might start looking for another one! :cool:

SW2 ----

Put a sticky on that one, I guarantee someone else will walk that same path in the future

High fives all around!!!

I think a cold six would also be in order!

Hell yes...never even HEARD of a technique/process involving a Saturn security like that!!
That's GOLDEN information...