CTS wont start when engine warm

Sammy Z · #1 (**permalink**) 02-16-08, 08:41 PM

My 03 CTS with the 3.2L engine ( 100k) wont start after it's warm and sits for 10 min. I get the tap tap tap or click click click but it wont start. If I sit there for 1 min and try again it will start. This happens once a week.
I replaced the battery and Cables are tight, replaced the crank position sensor, I use the mid grade gas. The alternator is fine, 14.4v while running and the battery has 12v when the car is off. I'd replace the starter but I read in these posts that it's difficult. Any help will be appreciated.

suprane1 · #2 (**permalink**) 02-16-08, 09:00 PM

Sounds like your starter soleniod is getting hot, or you have a bit a dead spot in your starter. Time to replace....

Sammy Z · #3 (**permalink**) 02-17-08, 10:52 AM

Does anyone know the Amps for the battery? The one I purchased is an Interstate with 550 CCA. Im wondering if that's high enough. I read in some of the posts that other used bigger batteries but I didn't want to modify it.

87vertgt · #4 (**permalink**) 02-17-08, 05:04 PM

Replace the starter.......or sometimes it can be the Ground wire from the starter...

FJD821 · #5 (**permalink**) 02-17-08, 08:54 PM

My 03 3.2 was doing the same thing last summer. Dealer replaced a temperature sensor and hasn't acted up since. Seems the sensor was telling the computer the engine was overheated even though it wasn't hot. Hope this helps.

starkcb · #6 (**permalink**) 02-29-08, 12:25 AM

Mine just did this the other day and it wouldn't start for an hour. Do you know exactly what type of temperature sensor it was? Or what the name of the part that they replaced? Please help! I just got finished with an important appointment and I am in the parking lot messing with my car. I was a little humbled that day.

Sammy Z · #7 (**permalink**) 03-01-08, 01:14 PM

I think I solved my problem, I went to Sears and got the Die Hard 795 CCA battery to fit in the tray. Ever since, no starting problem. I had to trim back the rubber a little to get the battery to fit, but it's not enen visable.

Sammy Z · #8 (**permalink**) 03-01-08, 01:25 PM

TO STARKCB, I forgot to ask if you engine is spinning and not starting or not even spinning? If it's spinning it may be the crank position sensor, if you get the click,click, click... That is the problem I had and it was the battery.

starkcb · #9 (**permalink**) 03-03-08, 12:26 AM

samd

You are exactly right it just click's. I guess I will be paying sears a visit tomorrow for a new battery. Is it as simple as just unhooking the battery from the old one to the new one? Or is there a special way so not to mess up the car information center or anything else?