Pontiac Grand Prix Car is hard to start Inspection at your home or office.

Our certified mobile mechanics come to you 7 days a week between 7 AM and 9 PM.

Estimate price near me

Service Location

Customer Ratings

(426)

How A Diagnostic Works

Instantly book a certified mobile mechanic to come to you

Mechanic diagnoses the problem and quotes necessary repairs

Your vehicle is ready to go

Fair, upfront & transparent pricing for all services

Our certified mobile mechanics can come to you now.

Customer Ratings

(426)

Car is hard to start Inspection Service

How much does a Car is hard to start Inspection cost?

On average, the cost for a Pontiac Grand Prix Car is hard to start Inspection is $95 with $0 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1986 Pontiac Grand PrixV6-4.3LService typeCar is hard to start InspectionEstimate$114.99Shop/Dealer Price$124.99 - $132.49
2005 Pontiac Grand PrixV8-5.3LService typeCar is hard to start InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
1974 Pontiac Grand PrixV8-7.5LService typeCar is hard to start InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
1999 Pontiac Grand PrixV6-3.1LService typeCar is hard to start InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$104.99 - $112.48
2007 Pontiac Grand PrixV6-3.8LService typeCar is hard to start InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.02 - $112.55
1995 Pontiac Grand PrixV6-3.1LService typeCar is hard to start InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
2007 Pontiac Grand PrixV6-3.8L TurboService typeCar is hard to start InspectionEstimate$99.99Shop/Dealer Price$109.87 - $117.28
1998 Pontiac Grand PrixV6-3.8LService typeCar is hard to start InspectionEstimate$99.99Shop/Dealer Price$110.24 - $117.94
Show example Pontiac Grand Prix Car is hard to start Inspection prices

A car that is hard to start can be a major inconvenience. While this is usually not a life threatening malfunction, it can make getting around much more difficult. There are a number of issues that will make a car hard to start. Everything from the electrical system to the fuel system to the actual starter itself can be the problem.

Finding the root cause of a hard starting engine can take some investigation. Ignoring a hard starting issue can further damage the vehicle, which will often result in a more expensive repair.

How this system works:

In order to get an engine running, it must be turned at speed so that it starts to suck fuel and air into the cylinders, and then compress and ignite this fuel/air mixture.

The starter motor is an electric motor that turns the engine to get it started. The starter motor has a small pinion gear wheel that engages with a larger gear ring at the rim of the engine flywheel.

The starter motor draws the electric current it needs to run from the battery. The starter needs a heavy current and to avoid sparking a solenoid is used. The ignition switch operates the starter motor. When the ignition is turned on, current is fed to the solenoid and into the starter motor. Once the car engine starts and the key is released, the starter motor turns off.

Common reasons for this to happen:

  • Bad Starter: Over time starter motors can wear out and start to malfunction. If this is the problem the starter will have to be replaced. If the car turns over, the problem is not the starter. If nothing happens when the key is turned the problem could be the starter, or if the car turns over very slowly and the dash lights dim while it is cranking, the starter could be the culprit.

  • Bad Relay Wiring: The wiring between the battery and starter can become loose or broken which will prevent the starter motor from functioning. The wiring will need to be replaced or repaired.

  • Low or Dead Battery: The starter motor needs voltage from the battery to operate. If the battery is low or failing it may not produce enough current for the starter motor to function. Charging or replacing the batter should resolve this problem.

It is also possible that the battery terminals have become corroded or loose. Cleaning and tightening the terminals and cables is recommended.

  • Failing Solenoid: A failing solenoid is a common issue with the starter system and if the solenoid is going bad, the car will be difficult to start. The starter will need to be inspected to determine if the problem is the starter motor itself or the solenoid. A failing solenoid will need to be replaced.

  • Failing Ignition Switch: Over time an ignition switch can start to fail and one of the most common symptoms is that the car is hard to start. If the ignition switch is hot to the touch this indicates an issue with the ignition switch wiring. A failing ignition switch will eventually stop working completely and will need to be replaced.

  • Defective Fuel Pump: If the engine is not getting enough fuel, it will be hard, if not impossible to start. The fuel pump is responsible for pulling gas from the tank to the injectors and if it is not delivering enough fuel the car will be difficult to start and eventually will not start at all.

  • Fouled Plugs: Spark plugs create the spark which allows the vehicle to burn fuel. Fouled plugs are one of the most common reasons for a hard starting engine. As electrodes wear down, the voltage required to jump the gap to ignite the fuel increases. This can lead to prolonged cranking before the engine will start.

  • Clogged Fuel Filter: A fuel filter that is clogged can make a vehicle very difficult to start. The fuel filter screens out contaminants and can become clogged over time. This will prevent the injectors from getting enough fuel, making the car hard to start.

  • Contaminated Fuel: Fuel that has too much alcohol or water in it will result in a car that is difficult and often impossible to start. Even if it does start, contaminated fuel can do serious damage to the engine. If contaminated fuel is suspected, have the vehicle inspected immediately.

What to expect:

A top-rated mobile mechanic will come to your home or office to determine the source and cause of the hard to start issue, ​and will then provide a detailed inspection report that includes the scope and cost of the necessary repairs.

How it's done:

The starter, battery, connecting wiring and other important components will be inspected by the mechanic. This may include the vehicle's fuel pump, fuel filter, spark plugs, ignition and more. It may be necessary for the mechanic to crank up the car to verify the problem and issue an accurate diagnosis.

How important is this service?

If a car is hard to start, it's indicative of a major condition preventing normal operation and if left unattended it may lead to the car not starting at all. The vehicle should be inspected and repaired as soon as possible.

Fast and easy service at your home or office

Backed by 12-month, 12.000-mile guarantee


Meet some of our expert Pontiac mechanics

Real customer reviews from Pontiac owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(426)

Rating Summary
398
17
2
0
9
398
17
2
0
9

Fadi

20 years of experience
85 reviews
Fadi
20 years of experience
Pontiac Grand Prix V6-3.8L - Car is hard to start - San Diego, California
After explaining the issue the car was having, he took it for a test drive and performed Diagnostics and gave me a good report and explained what was happening to the car.

Anthony

36 years of experience
82 reviews
Anthony
36 years of experience
Pontiac Grand Prix V6-3.8L - Oil Change - Houston, Texas
VERY PROMPT, VERY PROFESSIONAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Peter

25 years of experience
523 reviews
Peter
25 years of experience
Pontiac Grand Prix V6-3.8L - Window is not going up or down - Canoga Park, California
Peter was extremely knowledgeable and had the problem fixed within the hour and had a said he's quickly. He was very professional followed through with exactly what the car needs on its next few checkups so we can set appointments to get everything fixed. This was my husband's car and he's always scared to leave it in a shop and since I found your company it's been heaven. Thank you for having such a great company and reliable and professional not to mention knowledgeable employees. Thank you and we look forward to using you in the near future as we plan for the next steps on what our cars need.

Lucas

21 years of experience
887 reviews
Lucas
21 years of experience
Pontiac Grand Prix V6-3.8L - Car Inspection - Pasadena, California
Friendly, seems genuinely interested in helping his customers.

Excellent Rating

(426)

Rating Summary
398
17
2
0
9
398
17
2
0
9
Number of Pontiac Grand Prix services completed
4686+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Pontiac MECHANICS
800+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Brake Light Switch
If the brake lights either stay on when they shouldn't or do not turn on at all, you may have to replace the brake light switch.
Games to Play in the Car
Keeping kids busy and entertained on a long drive is a must. Fun games for kids in the car include I Spy, license plate spotting, and Beetle Mania.
Volvo Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Car Program
Shopping Shopping for a used Volvo vehicle often leads many drivers to consider certified pre-owned options. Volvo is one of many manufacturers that have a certified pre-owned (CPO) program. Each car manufacturer structures their CPO program differently; read on to...

What does the Brake light on the dash mean in a 2012 Honda Civic?

The Brake light on the dash of your car is designed to provide you with important information about the brake system and its condition. Here’s what you should know: The Brake light should come on briefly during engine startup. It...

Red fluid leaking from car

The transmission cooler and cooler lines are in the front of your car, and may have developed a leak. There are no common problems known, but red fluid could be your transmission fluid. You should not drive the car until...

Clutch bite point high with juddering on a 2003 Polo 1.4 TDI

Your clutch is just wearing out. When they start to bite high like that, and start to shutter, your pressure plate and disc are just starting to wear. So my advice is to go and get a clutch job done....

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (855) 347-2779 · hi@yourmechanic.com