Having a perplexing issue with my 2003 Pontiac Sunfire and looking for some expert opinions as two repair shops haven’t been able to pinpoint the problem. About 70% of the time, my Sunfire starts without issue and runs perfectly. However, the other 30% of the time, when I turn the key, the engine starts for just a second or two and then immediately shuts off. Repeating the process usually results in the same failure, and it often takes multiple attempts, sometimes up to five, before the car finally starts. The inconsistency is driving me crazy.
During these no-start events, I’ve noticed something peculiar with the instrument cluster. It appears completely dead – no warning lights illuminate, and the gauges don’t move at all before attempting to start. This dead cluster seems to be a clear indicator that the car is not going to start on that key cycle. Interestingly, colder temperatures appear to exacerbate the issue, making the no-start condition more frequent. Also, leaving the car untouched for longer periods between attempts seems to increase the chances of a successful start.
I initially took my 03 Pontiac Sunfire to a mechanic who, on the first visit, replaced the fuel filter, which didn’t resolve the problem. On a subsequent visit, they suggested a fuel pump replacement. Feeling skeptical, especially since there were no OBD2 codes, I sought a second opinion. The second mechanic kept the car for several days and personally witnessed the no-start issue. Despite this, they couldn’t find any diagnostic trouble codes to help identify the root cause. They did confirm that the fuel pump was functioning correctly, maintaining good pressure and flow even during the no-start situations. This ruled out the fuel pump as the culprit, contradicting the first mechanic’s diagnosis.
Given these symptoms and the lack of OBD2 codes, I’m starting to suspect a problem with the ignition module. Could a faulty ignition module cause these intermittent no-start issues and the dead cluster appearance? Any thoughts or suggestions from experienced mechanics would be greatly appreciated. I’m at a loss and really need some guidance to get my 03 Pontiac Sunfire reliably starting again.
