So I'm having a weird issue with my Monte-every once in a while (once-twice week), my car has trouble turning over. It will take 3-4 tries to get it to start. Most times it turns right over and purrs like a kitten, and even when I have trouble getting it started, once it starts it runs just fine. I put mobile 1 synthetic oil in every 5000 miles, not really having any other issues with the car.

Only thing I can think of, I accidentally put green antifreeze in instead of dex-cool last fall, I did a flush after I did that and then filled it entirely with the green stuff. Not sure how that'd be related but it's the only thing I can think of that has been mixed up with the car.

About 115,000 on the car, fyi. Anybody experience this or have any ideas where to start?

 

Hi B, u don't think the coolant has anything to do with your problem. I would check fuel filter and fuel pressure. When was the last time you cleaned/replaced your IAC. It may be sticking after cooling down to whatever the outside temp. If your engine cranks fine and you Know you're getting spark, then it has to be a fuel delivery or air supply problem.

 

better question: what's an IAC? I think there's your answer...

I can check fuel filter as well. the weird part is that there's no pattern to when it won't start, can be 2 minutes or 8 hours after I turned it off, cold, warm, low fuel, full tank...can't figure out a pattern.

 

That is odd. Idle Air Control valve. It's mounted in the Throttle Body. It controls air flow when your foot is off the gas peddle.

 

When the car does not start, do you hear the starter engaging or making any sounds?

As I understand, the definition of "turning over" is the ability for the flywheel or crank to turn, making a complete revolution. If it's not turning, something is seized inside the engine or the starter is not working.

I've had starters that when they begin to fail get a little weird.

The other issue is, if the starter is not even operating, you could have a wiring problem leading all the way to the ignition switch.

Just some thoughts. Hope you find the answer soon.

 

Maybe I should clarify in case I'm using the wrong terminology: it sounds like the starter engages, it just doesn't "catch" and turn on. Doesn't seem electrical. The thought just occurred to me that I had consistent symptoms like this in a lawn mower, and it was a dirty carb-but that happened 100% of the time, not every once in a while.

 

Hmmm, unfortunately I'm still not sure. Does the starter sound like it's operating normally?? If so and it's not the starter, then the question is, what gives an intermittent starting issue, but once started runs 100% fine? At that point, I would begin to suspect fuel issues. I say that because I am assuming spark is working 100% and you're getting air without a problem. At that point, you are left with maybe an issue with the fuel line draining while the car sits.
Or, a problem with the Fuel Pressure Regulator. Actually, it might be a very WISE thing to check the FPR. With the car off, disconnect the vacuum line that connects to it and see if it's wet with fuel. If so, replace the FPR immediately (this failure is what eventually leads to the UIM exploding on some 3800's).

 

If it sounds like the starter is spinning but not engaging the engine crank the the solenoid on the starter is going bad. Iv found this to be a common problem in gm starters in the 90's and it may have rolled over into the 2000's. If engine is cranking then disregard.

 

Condition of battery?