1996 Pontiac doesn't like to start when engine is hot.

Will Herring · Aug 10, 2009

It's a 1996 Pontiac Bonneville, and when I've been out driving it for 30 minutes or more, and I let it sit awhile (say 20 minutes), it doesn't want to start. It will start, but the engine RPMs will be really low (like 200 to 300), and I'll have to shut it off and start it again. Even when it stays on, the RPMs start at around 600 until it finally kicks 'em up to around 1000. It happens the worst on hot and humid days. Any ideas?

Oh, and it always starts just fine for the first time of the day, no matter the weather.

johndeereman · Aug 10, 2009

try turning the key on and off 2 or 3 times before you roll it over you might have a weak fuel pump

TripleRange · Aug 11, 2009

Fuel pressure regulator, maybe.

Revredneck · Aug 11, 2009

The service guys call that condition "hot soak." Often it can be helped by cleaning the carbon buildup in the throttle bore and on the throttle butterfly. You may have to remove the entire throttle body to get it clean if it's really bad, but most of the time you can get to it from the front. Use a some spray carb and choke cleaner and a rag to wipe it out clean. When you start it up, it will smoke and spit till it burn out all the cleaner, but getting the crud out of the throttle body will definitely help. The carbon restricts airflow at idle, which causes it to not want to run. HTH.
Good Luck and God Bless

NEKS · Aug 11, 2009

Have a 1992 Jeep Cherokee that is the same way. Could drive it in the winter, but not summer. Where ever it left you stranded that day, you could always start it in the morning. Its going to the scrap yard.

Will Herring · Aug 11, 2009

Sounds like there's no "quick fix" for this one. I'll try the key-turning trick next time, though.

gab · Aug 11, 2009

Pull the hose off the fuel press. regulator, make sure it's dry inside, no gas.

Old Roy · Aug 11, 2009

The problem on the Cherokee may be a crank positioning sensor mounted on the top left hand side of bell housing.

cost to replace around $40.00 and a lot of colorful English if you do it yourself.

bradk · Aug 11, 2009

There were problems with the '96 ECM's(computer).

I remember replacing a few at the dealer back then for no/hard starts.Something about wrong diodes.

Did you get the codes scanned? If not,start there.Others are correct about the fuel press regulator.A very likely culprit.If the ECM is suspected,make sure you get one at a GM dealer as they have the correct updated part.Same for the regulator.

Will Herring · Aug 12, 2009

My check engine light comes on and off periodically, to which whomever checks it says "it's nothing" and kicks it off. At the moment, it isn't even on.

1996 Pontiac doesn't like to start when engine is hot.

Will Herring

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johndeereman

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TripleRange

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Revredneck

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NEKS

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Will Herring

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gab

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Old Roy

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bradk

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Will Herring

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