Need help from car forum- why isn't my car starting right away?

[High On PCP]

So, my car has started fine for a while. I'm not the best at explaining car issues, so try to bare with me here.

Yesterday when I go to drive, stick my keys in and try to start. Nothing, at first. The keys would turn to the 'first stage'(er, for a lack of a better term) where you could roll the windows up/down, adjust the radio, etc. But when I tried turning it past to actually start up, nothing happened.

I backed the keys off to that 'first stage' again, and heard some kind of noise- like an electrical hum. The hum lasted maybe 2-4 seconds total, and after the hum died, I was able to start my car fine.



And that's how it's been since that- try to start car and nothing, back the keys down to the 'first stage' which is accompanied by an electrical hum(that's what I think it is anyway), when the hum stops after a few seconds the car starts just fine.

Car is a 94 Pontiac Grand Prix, if that helps anything.

But yes, I would appreciate some insight.

[FatBastard]

Car is a 94 Pontiac Grand Prix, if that helps anything.



That's your problem right there.




I've got nothing.

[High On PCP]

That's your problem right there.

Even though I KNEW that joke was coming, I still chuckled.

[Stu Pidasole]

So, my car has started fine for a while. I'm not the best at explaining car issues, so try to bare with me here.

Yesterday when I go to drive, stick my keys in and try to start. Nothing, at first. The keys would turn to the 'first stage'(er, for a lack of a better term) where you could roll the windows up/down, adjust the radio, etc. But when I tried turning it past to actually start up, nothing happened.

I backed the keys off to that 'first stage' again, and heard some kind of noise- like an electrical hum. The hum lasted maybe 2-4 seconds total, and after the hum died, I was able to start my car fine.



And that's how it's been since that- try to start car and nothing, back the keys down to the 'first stage' which is accompanied by an electrical hum(that's what I think it is anyway), when the hum stops after a few seconds the car starts just fine.

Car is a 94 Pontiac Grand Prix, if that helps anything.

But yes, I would appreciate some insight.

Sounds like your electric fuel pump may be what you're hearing, and could be going bad.

[Y2K_MASTER]

afaik that hum is the fuel pump, so I'm guessing that the fuel pump isn't turning on when you flip the key over the first time. Possibly an ignition switch problem?

[Spank666]

Yep, humming is the fuel pump, which is a perfectly normal sound. If you leave the switch in the on position (not the start position) the first time around, can you hear that same hum?

[High On PCP]

^- Yes I can. That's actually what I've been doing now, instead of trying to start it right off the bat. I switch it in the on-position, hear the hum for a few seconds, then start it.

Other than that, there appears to be no other problems with how it runs or anything.

[car_boy_16]

It could be your ignition cylinder going dead on you. Your fuel pump, from what I gather, seems to be in good working condition. I would suspect the ignition.

[Spank666]

I agree with car boy. Fuel pump sounds fine, somethings up with the ignition.

[High On PCP]

Hey thanks guys, I appreciate it.

[SyDias]

Even though I KNEW that joke was coming, I still chuckled.

That wasn't a joke.

[High On PCP]

That wasn't a joke.

Oh yea I forgot everyone here is driving 08 luxury cars and Italian super cars.

[RTShadow]

You can't diagnose the fuel pump being bad if the car won't even turn over, that's an entirely different problem altogether.

Turn the lights on in your car and have someone watch... if the lights go dim or off altogether it's probably your battery. If your lights stay lit and there is no draw on the electrical, it's probably your starter relay, neutral switch, or the starter itself.

[powerhour]

Your ignition system is the place to look. Check your distiributer cap (unless you have an electrical plug and wire system which is possible on the more powerfull Grand Prix). It could just be that the cap is dirty or somehow got water in it. Simply lift it off, wipe it out, and replace. That might just do the trick.

[Iaretehpwn]

It could be your ignition cylinder going dead on you. Your fuel pump, from what I gather, seems to be in good working condition. I would suspect the ignition.

Yes. My dad had the same problem with his truck and he had to get a new ignition.

[TalkingPenguin]

Oh yea I forgot everyone here is driving 08 luxury cars and Italian super cars.

I have a limited edition power wheels. It cant go up hills.

[davido]

So are you saying when you turn it on to start the car it doesn't engage the starter or it turns over but won't start until the 2nd time when you can hear the fuel pump prime? My 05 Nissan does the latter. On the second time I hear the fuel pump relay click under the passenger side dash then it starts. I think the problem is in the relay. If it is doing the 1st thing then I would get some contact cleaner and spray the ignition switch and see if it cleans the contacts. Some cars had a safety device and you had to have your foot on the break to start or clutch pedal depressed and or could be a problem in the shifter not making contact when in park.