3.1 won't start

[mschatz57]

Have a 96 grand am 3.1 L engine and it won't start. It cranks but no start.It's getting air and spark. fuel pump fuse is good.
theft sys. light is on and constant.
where is the fuel pump relay located?
The last 2 weeks it would catch and If i pumped the gas pedal the engine would race then settle down and run normally...
now nothin

[rixGAphx]

'Theft' light means nothing, that's for the 'theftlock' feature of the OEM stereo cassette.

'Security' relates to the @@#$%ing 'Passlock' system, and only comes into play when it's 'flashing' as you try to start.

Have you sprayed 'Winter Starting Fluid' thru the air intake?
That would cause the engine to start for a few turns, and that's the only way to be certain the spark is strong enough to 'fire'.

Do you have fuel pressure at the rail?
There's a Schreader valve just behind/below the powersteering pump.
You can measure the pressure there with a gage, or at least determine if any kinda sprays into a rag if you depress the needle with a screwdriver.
Just be careful of splashed gasoline, fire/explosion/death/etc.

Wouldn't a 'racing engine' would be expected, if you pumped on the gas??
Mebbe the Fuel Pressure Regulator is faulty and bleeding-off too much pressure?

Hope this helps,
-Rick

PS: You want to make sure your battery cables are clean and tight, though that's prolly not causing the present problem