Trouble Starting

[bricknaj]

In the last three days my 01 Grand Am started to turn over but not start up for a couple of seconds. Usually it fires right up but lately it has taken 2 or 3 tries to start. I was wondering if anyone would have any suggestions.

I'm also setting up for a tune up this weekend as I'm reaching 100,000 and I would like any suggestions reguarding that as well. Such as recommended spark plugs and any out of the ordinary things to look for. I have heard that after replacing the spark plugs the plastic cover that fits over them can be a challenge to seat correctly.

Thanks

[rixGAphx]

It sounds like the pressure in your fuel rail is leaking down.
Turning the key to 'on' starts the fuel pump, but it takes a couple seconds to re-pressurize the rail so the injectors can actually squirt.

Next time, leave the key at 'on' for 3 seconds, then proceed to 'start' and crank the engine.
It *should* fire just as it always used to.

That will confirm fuel-pressure leakdown.

How does the pressure leakdown?
* The fuel pump provides the pressure (in the tank).
Yours has 100k miles on it, so the rubber seals on the edges of its internal vanes are worn.
When it stops, the gasoline can leak backward past those worn vanes.
* The Fuel Pressure Regulator (FPR) at the end of the fuel rail allows over-pressure to return to the tank.
When the pump is 'off', the FPR should seal tightly and hold pressure. If your FPR is failing (weak internal spring, or bad seal) then it can allow bleed-down back to the tank.
* Each injector has a tiny electrically-controlled needle that seats in a tiny orifice.
If a microscopic grain of sand is jammed in this orifice, it will prevent the needle from fully seating.
Gas is then leaked directly into that injectors intake port.
* Finally, one of the fittings along the fuel line, from the filter to the fuel rail, may be loose, or there could even be a tiny hole in line. You might catch a faint whiff of gasoline odor if this were the case.

Your new plugs, plus checking the sensors, should do wonders.

Hope this helps,
-Rick