TrustMyMechanic.com

Year: 2003
Make: Chevy
Model: Impala
Engine: V6 3.4L
Description of Problem:

Well, I took a short trip down the road to see a buddy. After much needed laughs and chuckles, I went to depart. Sadly, I was not able to. The car started fine, put it into reverse, and then the engine seemed to cut out. Upon trying to start the car again it would try to turn over, but ultimately failed in doing so! After a few more attempts (in disbelief) I was unsuccessful in starting the car! After several minutes of trying to get a hold of people, I attempted to start my car again. For a brief moment, I thought it had started. But as quick as it started, it cut off. I immediately tried it again, and it wouldn't turn over and eventually made grinding noises...but it seems this only happens when turning the key for an extensive period of time. <-- -Probably shouldn't do.

Any Help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Rob (That Computer Guy)

u need to check for possble for troble codes and even of the light aint on when running ......then u need to check for spark w/ a inline spark tester then check for fuel pesser see what the psi is w/key on and w/running

(You Said) and it wouldn't turn over and eventually made grinding noises...but it seems this only happens when turning the key for an extensive period of time. <-- -Probably shouldn't do.

You're right you sholdn't do that. Doing so runs down the battery and could damage the starter.

It’s not uncommon for a car to jump time at start up. When was the last time the timing belt was changed? If the car is equipped with an aftermarket alarm, remote door lock, or starter disabling system they should be disabled to see if the car starts. I agree with 4322558.

Yeah I agree with both answers, but you still gotta do a fuel pressure leak down test. Hard starts after a car has been sittin a while could be because of a leaking fuel injector or a bad fuel pressure regulator.

Pull the vacuum hose on the regulator if you see fuel inside the vacuum hose then you know you got a bad fuel pressure regulator and you gotta change it.

You also could be losin fuel pressure in the lines. That could be from a bad check valve in the fuel pump. For that matter your whole fuel system could be gettin low fuel pressure. When was the last time you changed the fuel filter?

Spray some carburator cleaner in the intake. Don't use starting fluid. If the car starts or makes an attempt to turn over then you know you got a fuel related problem.

Also hook up a fuel pressure gauge. With the key on and engine off the fuel pressure should come up quick and hold steady. You should try that test and let us know what psi it comes up to.

If it comes up and starts to drop off let us know that as well. That's not a good sign. That means you got a leakdown. Let us know what psi it drops to. You still gotta make sure spark is gettin to all the plugs and you got good compression in all the cylinders. For that you should do a compression test and tell us the results.

Security light flashing or on when you are cranking it?