Start problems after refuel in 03 CTS

[tritogeneia]

I recently purchased an 03 CTS with just under 65K miles and I'm a newbie to the forum - this is my first post. I'm hoping a fellow CTS owner might recognize the situation I'm about to describe and give me some insight on what to expect when I take my car to the shop tomorrow.

It seems that my car doesn't like to start immediately after refueling. When I turn the key, the starter will make it's usual noise but continue to do so as if it's stuck. The engine will not turn over. I usually have to turn the key twice or three times more before the car will actually start, after which it will idle roughly for a moment or two before smoothing out and acting like the CTS I know and love.

This happens ONLY after refueling. In fact, today I refueled and had the starting problem. After finally getting it going again, I went to the grocery store for a quick five minute visit. When I got back in the car, it started immediately and purred like a kitten.

For what it's worth, the battery was replaced when I bought it (three weeks ago). It also had an oil change and all the fluids topped off. The only other info I can give you is that the check engine light turned on yesterday. I'm assuming that it's related to the start issue, but who knows.

Any ideas on what's going on? I suppose, like most people, I'm concerned about how much it's going to cost to repair something like this.

Thanks in advance for your advice and wisdom. I'm really loving the great info available from forum members.

[NAM1025]

Only thing I can say is go to a local shop or dealer and have them scan the car. Even some autopart stores scan the cars, and usually they'll do it for free.

[Kingoftypos]

Here's a question for you. When you refuel, are you topping it off each time? And each time it does this little hiccup? How about if you were to let the fuel run down to half or less. Then only put only $5.00 worth, yeah I know it may only be two gallons but this is a test. After you put that two gallons worth in, does it do that little hiccup still? If it doesn't, drive off and go back to fill her up a day later. See if she does it again.

KOT

PS I'll bet it's a cam or crank shaft sensor, this is after reading alot of threads on here. It's a very common issue with the 03. Which is the first year for the CTS.

[ghettomike]

I would bet on the crank position sensor but
It usually doesn't matter if you recently fueled
Up. It only happened to my 03 once and I changed the
Sensor right away.
To read the check engine light put your key in the on
Position, push and hold f1 and f6 and use the tuning
Knob to select the code catagory. Push to open catagory
And it will show the code.
Post the code up here and someone will tell you the
Definition.
I wouldn't clear it just yet untill you kmow what it is.

[Sammy Z]

I also think it's the CPS(see above) not hard to replace and costs about $70. You can also try fueling the car with the engine running, it's not recomended but when it's -10 out, I leave the engine running.

[tritogeneia]

Thanks for all your replies - I really appreciate the help and advice.

When I checked the code, as suggested, I discovered a long list. I guess the previous owner never cleared a code once he resolved whatever problems arose during the entire time he had the car. Because I wasn't sure which was the most recent, I decided to just let me mechanic sort it out this morning.

As for my usual procedure when refueling, I only pump the gas until the pump stops itself - I never top it off. Unfortunately I never thought to try putting in just $5 worth of fuel to see if the same problem occurred. That would have been a great test. Had I not already filled the tank yesterday and scheduled my appointment at the shop for this morning, I would have tried that.

The service manager at the shop agreed with your assessments; he said that from the sound of it, it probably is the crank position sensor. I'll report back once they've got the official diagnosis.

Thanks again, everyone!

[Bluehaze07]

HEY...WAIT!!!! I had the same issue with my 05 CTS. I fueled up and it would not start on the first try. I had the engine light come on also. I got my vehicle's Engine diagnosed and the issue was the purge SOL (Purge Control Solenoid). It cost about 70 to change and 90 for labor. I haven't had the problem since then. Hopefully this helps you.

[Kingoftypos]

Is the purge control solenoid that little device that ticks just above the engine? See this posting.

KOT

[tritogeneia]

Here's an update:

Basically, I still know nothing. I took my car to my long-time mechanic on Friday, as planned. Unfortunately, as an import vehicle specialist, he didn't have the appropriate diagnostic tools to make sense of the code(s), so he was forced to refer me to another shop that specializes in GM vehicles. I have an appointment for 8am Monday morning. Hopefully I'll get things resolved then.

Bluehaze07 - thanks for the info. I hope it's something as simple as the purge control solenoid. A small cost like that would be such a relief!

In the meantime, I'm still enjoying my new (used) baby. My last car was a Pathfinder. I always thought it was a blast to drive and was so sad when it was totaled in an accident last month. My CTS, however, is even more fun, and I'm surprised at how many compliments I get on it, even though it's a 2003 model.