My 2001 PT won't start!

[envision_man]

Please help! I just bought a 2001 PT Cruise from a reputable dealer in town. I drove the car a few times (I work at home) and 2 days later, the car wouldn't start. It cranks over and over, but there is no ignition (or no fuel). I tried everything for 15 minutes and gave up. The next morning, I went out and it started right up (instantly). I drove to a restaraunt and parked, and 1 hour later it wouldn't start again. I called the dealer and they towed it to the shop. They said it was the fuel pump, and 4 days later I had my car back. It ran (and started) fine for 3 days, and this morning it won't start again! Arrrgghh! Now I have to send it back again. Any advice?

[CREWZIN]

Just a thought. When you say it turns over and over, does it do it fast? Just maybe, the battery has enough to turn over but not enough juice to produce a hot spark. Did you try a jump from another car? A lot of us found that after 3 years the battery needed replacement. With today's electronically controlled cars, there's a number of devices that could be the problem but might as well start with something easy. Good Luck.

[Hooligan]

The battery idea sounds like a great place to start. We have to assume there is some sort of warrenty on the vehicle.

[stirfry]

I alway check spark first, cables, fuses, Batt, spark plug wires, alternator. that is cheapest place to start.

[quicksilverdon]

You posted on another forum, right?
I'd look at plugs & wires - they become intermittent - get Champion Platinum plugs and either Crane or Magnecore wires. You'll need to replace them sooner or later anyway, by getting better than stock they'll last longer.