My car was driving perfect until 3 weeks ago, it has since then wont start back up. Thought it was something to do with spark, then tried spark plug wires, new battery, checked alternator and fuses, coils all good. Then I was lead to maybe the gas that was in it. Dropped gas tank, put new fuel filter, checked fuel pump, gas lines, it did stay running one time since but was shaking roughly with a flashing check engine light. Will not run anymore since then. Have not been able to drive my vehicle for 3 weeks now and it is my only car.. Also before the car started having the above problems my brakes kept getting tons of air also losing a ton of brake fluid, ABS light stays on and all brake lines are good. It's dangerous. Also have bled the brakes. Not much help other than temporarily.
2000 Pontiac Sunfire: won't start
8 of the 96 complaints about the 2000 Pontiac Sunfire describe won't start.
- owner complaints
- 8
- of this car's complaints
- 8%
- recalls
- 0
Won't start by model year
What owners say
I own a 2000 pontiac sunfire - purchased new. I had no problems until 2003 when my car would deccelerate for no reason while driving at any speed, hesitate while driving at any speed, or, after stopping at an intersection, simply would not allow acceleration. This has happened while trying to go through busy intersections. Very scary. One day in 2003 the car would not start, so I had it towed to a mechanic to research this problem. He replaced my fuel pump but the car was out of warranty, so I paid for this repair along with the tow. It did not take long for the problem to occur again. What is going on? I take good care of this vehicle and, if the fuel pump was the problem, this should not be happening again so soon. Second issue - early in 2004 I noticed the low coolant light coming on and off with no consistency. I checked the coolant reservoir and it was low. I added the proper coolant mixture but it didn't take long for the light to come on and off again - with no consistency. Shortly thereafter the check engine light was coming on and off. I again took it to my mechanic who reset something relating to the check engine light. But the very next day the light was on again. Now, it is always on. Please explain what is going on. I owe one more year on this vehicle and can't afford to have any major problems. The biggest issue is the hesitation and stalling of the car at anytime. There is no warning - it just happens. This is a disaster waiting to occur. My children ride in and drive this car. I don't need this worry on top of everything else. One more thing, about 1 year ago the air conditioner started malfunctioning. Not sure if it is related to the other complaints. It only works if you have the fan on the 3rd or 4th mark. If you put it on the 1st or 2nd mark, it will work (but not to capacity) only while the vehicle is moving. If you stop, it stops.
Vehicle broke down, smoke was coming from the engine and the engine would not turn over. *mr the engine melted hoses and other parts due to the gasket blowing out while the vehicle was in motion. The dashboard failed to signal the problem. The consumer requested reimbursement. *sc
Car has had numerous problems since day one. Brakes chatter, overheating, service engine light, cd player and speakers did not work. Now it stalls with no warning at all. Stalls at 70 MPH going down highway. Has stalled while driving 3 or 4 times in the past two days. Checked out at service station on computer, and shows no problems. Have read many complaints here about the exact same problem. Bad fuel pump or something is causing car to stall. Then it takes from 10 to 15 minutes to start again. Some days it just won't start at all. Have had car checked many times, and no one can seem to find the problem. Anyone that can help here??? I think gmc owes many, many consumers an explanation and repair of this very serious and potentially dangerous problem!
I have had my vehicle in for brake repair several times in the past 3 1/2 yrs. At least 5-7 times. My car is now experiencing several electrical problems with a plug under the harness and with the computer system and wiring. My car will not start for several days and then it will start, only to breakdown again when it heats up. It has also cut off while I was driving 70 MPH on the expressway.it has been towed 3 times in three weeks for repair due to these problems. I've spent several hundred dollars trying to fix these problems and nothing seems to work. The plug under the harness was melting through my back floorboard, melting my carpet with the potential to catch on fire. I was informed by the service men that I'm experiencing computer and wiring problems. They advised me to contact my insurance company regarding totaling my car out because it has great potential to catch on fire. I contacted gm's customer assistance center regarding all of the problems I'm having and they are not willing to help due to my car being 3 1/2 yrs. Old. There have been several other small issues with this vehicle, but this car is very dangerous and I cannot afford to keep wasting money on repairs. I think a car should last more than 3 1/2 yrs! July 26th 2003 was the last tow date and it's still in the shop. Can you help?
Consumer states warning for coolant illuminated. Next day vehicle started leaking collant overnight. While the dealer vehicle would not start. Provide further information. Ts
The engine cranks but will not start, vehicle has also stalled twice while driving, consumer states vehicle has been in repair shop on six occasions and problem still has not been resolved.
When driven at highway speed for long time--turn off car-- will not start again.
Service bulletins that may apply
- This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake...
- This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil...
- This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist...
- Engine
- This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure...
- Engine and engine cooling: engine: oil/lubrication: pressure/temperature sensor
- This informational bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding...
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2000 Pontiac Sunfire won't start
Is won't start a common problem on the 2000 Pontiac Sunfire?
8 of 96 owner complaints about the 2000 Pontiac Sunfire (8%) mention won't start. The model year with the most reports is 1996.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2000 Pontiac Sunfire?
There are 0 recalls and 75 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2000 Pontiac Sunfire
Stalling 16Check engine light 7Fuel pump 7Headlights 7No deployment 5
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