2002 rendezvous wont start (sometimes) Sorry to bring this back up but!....

[myRDVouWontstart]

I see many posts all over the internet regarding this (specifically) 2002 Buick Rendezvous Intermittent No start issue. (after re-fuel or a 30 min siting after hot and will not restart for 30-45 min then all appears normal and will start)
I myself own one of these "Gems!!" with this problem
I worked for and as A GM technician for 10 years with access to all latest diagnostic equipment plus may very experienced GM technicians to talk with.
However still cannot come up with a solution to this problem😕
Here is my experience.....
I will start by saying this!.. I know for SURE it is a fuel related problem (possibly electronically controlled fuel supply problem)

How I know this!?? Because It will start Every time when a (correct amount) of starting fluid is added into the air intake tube, why this occurs?? Im completely stumped????

Someone who final has an answer to this problem PLEASE SHARE!!!! so we can all stop pulling out our hair!😡

Here begins the exuberant amount of parts replaced on my vehicle... (not all at my cost THANK GOD!)

Just for fun, replaced New: Spark Plugs, Ignition wire set, fuel filter, now onto parts replaced New as attempts to diagnose: Ignition control modal (when I thought it was spark) catalytic convertor, fuel pressure regulator, crankshaft position sensor, fuel injectors, fuel rail assy, FUEL PUMP coolant temperature sensor, checked all data on scan tool all data ok including security data
yes I have even cleaned C302 and Im sure I have forgotten more
Yet all of this... and NOT the problem??
Starting to bang my head against the wall. I've hear of one more thing I haven't tried fuel line replacement? just not sure if its a correct story anyone else hear of this??

PLEASE help!!!
for those of you still with this problem in your 2002 rendezvous, go to your local parts store and pick up a can of starting fluid (I Do NOT recommend prolonged use but it will get you out of a bind) and remove the small pcv tube that goes into the air intake tube open throttle plates give a shot and attempt to start may take one or two try's to get fuel mixture just right but this will start her every time NO FAIL (until you damage convertor)
if you cant fix this issue I suggest you sell I am a technician so frustrated with this problem mine is on its way out the door-
Would still like to know the cause of this problem so suggest away.....

 

[Yaser]

Mine is 04 with the same not starting issue, I skipped all the replacement you have mentioned and made a switch bypass which I am using whenever she doesn't like to start normally. Cheap fix just wires, switch and fuses.

 

[myRDVouWontstart]

A bypass switch for what?? please explain? and how to install😕

 

[lrj975]

wellll these are 2 different problems.. obviously not the same

@Yaser has intermittent a no-start no-crank issue that was electrical since it is temp fixed with a re-wire direct battery to starter
Did you replace neutral safety switch, starter switch, ignition relay, starter relay, just hearing clicking doesn't mean those specific relays are good.
Are you using a factory key, do you have a second factory key to use, possible dodgy pass-keyIII issue.

@OP you are sure yours is fuel related with an intermittent crank but no start correct? did you check the evap system, replace purge valve? maybe the purge valve is stuck open or opens at wrong time upsetting air/fuel causing no start since you need a (correct amount) of starting fluid to go rich and start. Drop the gas tank again and inspect evap system and all lines end to end.

 

[Yaser]

wellll these are 2 different problems.. obviously not the same

@Yaser has intermittent a no-start no-crank issue that was electrical since it is temp fixed with a re-wire direct battery to starter
Did you replace neutral safety switch, starter switch, ignition relay, starter relay, just hearing clicking doesn't mean those specific relays are good.
Are you using a factory key, do you have a second factory key to use, possible dodgy pass-keyIII issue.

@OP you are sure yours is fuel related with an intermittent crank but no start correct? did you check the evap system, replace purge valve? maybe the purge valve is stuck open or opens at wrong time upsetting air/fuel causing no start since you need a (correct amount) of starting fluid to go rich and start. Drop the gas tank again and inspect evap system and all lines end to end.

Thanks for your recommendation. I don't mind replacing something and then get the issue resolved but no one knows if that will fix the problem. BTW, the car worked fine yesterday but today it doesn't work again 🙂 If the issue is relays how come works once and then stops working? I mean does it fix itself suddenly and then fails again? I have two factory keys and both are doing the same thing. I am still not sure what it is but I may try replacing the relays soon. Cheers

 

[myRDVouWontstart]

I see!

Yes!! Yasser has a different problem than me mine cranks all the time just no fire!

Thanks Yasser for your suggestion. however we have different problems. I agree your relays may be the problem, contacts in relays may not always make sufficient contact especially if contacts burnt, and yes They may work one day and not the next, Electrical diagnosis can be a frustrating thing!! good luck!

@lrj975:
My vous always cranks fine just no start. What leads me to believe its a fuel issue is that when starting fluid added it starts every time! (yes correct amount.. Too much or too little results in start up burns the fuel sprayed in then stalls)
I have monitored all EVAP Data on scan tool, as well as perform function test EVAP components vent Valve and purge solenoids operate normally!?no problems found however I have not replaced or disconnected said components during a no start condition, it would be a good idea to inspect and check these, I will do this and report, however I do not suspect this to be the problem.
Is there no one out there who has had this same issue and had it FIXED??🙁

 

[typhoonk]

do you have fuel pressure?

is fuel actually getting to the engine?

does the fuel pump have the correct +12 and ground?



now for some random google fixes:

1. Some of the 2002 and 2003 Rendezvous, Aztec's, Oldsmobile Silhouette's, Pontiac Montana's, and Chevy Venture's had a problem where the elbow tubes on the evaporator cases were omitted causing water to wick back in vehicle when the A/C was on where enough water reached to the back and got into the connector on left rear side of vehicle and caused no start and check engine light on DTC indicating fuel pressure sensor reading higher than normal due to water in connector.


2. fuel pump or fuel pump relay

3. Idle Air Control valve, bad or just clogged - no air to start engine (maybe try pushing the gas pedal a bit when trying to start).



Good Luck

 

[hmwebb]

I am having the same exact problem with my 03 rendezvous 90k miles. When driving from cold weather to hot and if i turn it off for a short period she will crank but wont fire. I had several of my mechanic friends look it over but are confused (all diagnostics/ideas were stumped).

Just yesterday i was driving on the highway in the heat (100 degrees) and my RPM was stuck at 2, i pushed the gas but got no response. The car started slowing down so i tried to accelerate again...the RPM dropped to .5 then went back up to 1 and then dropped to 0...causing my car to shut down and my steering to lock. The only indicator light that came on was the battery light.

She would crank but not fire (typical). I checked all the wirings to the battery and they were good (battery still worked). so i did what i normally do and wait 30-40 minutes...no luck. 1.5 hours later I had to call a tow truck and my car is currently 2 hours away from my house at some mechanic shop!

I have no clue what is wrong and was hoping someone had some insight seeing as this thread sounds like the same exact problem!

 

[myRDVouWontstart]

hmwebb: to me it sounds like your having a different issue that has some similar characteristics. it sound to me like you have a bad fuel pump that is causing some of the same symptoms. you can try banging on the bottom of the tank when it doesn't fire this works only sometime and by the sound of your last failure it sounds like the pump went completely. if you can put a fuel pressure gauge on it........


typhoonk: Fuel pressure = YES!
Fuel to engine = YES
Your #1 No water in connecter = CHECKED and not related to AC on or off, no engine light or scoured data and fuel pressure normal= NOT IT

Your #2
fuel pump relay + replaced

your #3 Press Gas pedal and remove air tube and add as much air as you like and still no fire!? = Not it

but when you add fuel she fires right up!?😕

Thank you all for your suggestions but this problem is like banging your head against the wall😡 if a group of 10-25 yr GM certified technicians cant figure it out Im beginning to think this will never get resolved

I have sold my VOUS I am no longer wanting to mess with it
I would still however like to be kept updated if any more information is out there?????😕😕
Thanks all!!

 

[typhoonk]

mine started doing it and the wife got stuck in a parking lot.


I found there was a large resistance from the fuel relay to the fuel pump.

I had to run a new wire from the fuel relay to the fuel pump wire, that goes through the floor behind the drivers seat at that c305 connector.

Seems good to go now. Been five days so far no issues.

 

[John Garbner]

mine started doing it and the wife got stuck in a parking lot.


I found there was a large resistance from the fuel relay to the fuel pump.

I had to run a new wire from the fuel relay to the fuel pump wire, that goes through the floor behind the drivers seat at that c305 connector.

Seems good to go now. Been five days so far no issues.

I notice it's been a while since you've posted your reply, I'd like to know if this cured your issue?
I love the rendezvous but I sure wish it were more reliable.

 

[typhoonk]

I notice it's been a while since you've posted your reply, I'd like to know if this cured your issue?
I love the rendezvous but I sure wish it were more reliable.

worked until this morning.

I'm starting to think my fuel pump is bad. Cranks like a champ, but will only stay running with the pedal down now. Might clean up the throttle body and tubing too.

Going out to check my fuel pump relay and wiring again....... here we go again.

 

[typhoonk]

worked until this morning.

I'm starting to think my fuel pump is bad. Cranks like a champ, but will only stay running with the pedal down now. Might clean up the throttle body and tubing too.

Going out to check my fuel pump relay and wiring again....... here we go again.

Relays are good, pump is good and wiring is good.


My Idle Air Control was stuck due to oily buildup. Cleaned it out a bit and it starts great. Still may have to remove the throttle body and clean the whole thing out, but thats another day another battle.

 

[XxBRAINDEADxX]

It's been years but has anyone found a fix to this issue? I've got the same as everyone with the fuel problem start with starting fluid or when it's the first start of the day but once i shut it off then I'm stuck. And have no clue what else to do but sell if I can get and easy fix. Any help is welcome.

 

[XxBRAINDEADxX]

It's been years but has anyone found a fix to this issue? I've got the same as everyone with the fuel problem start with starting fluid or when it's the first start of the day but once i shut it off then I'm stuck. And have no clue what else to do but sell if I can get and easy fix. Any help is welcome.

Update I cleaned the Air Control Valve and it seems to start fine now but now it shifts hard from 1st to 2nd gear but it's not a real bad shift just a little delay and loss of power for a second. But hey at least it starting now lol. I will update as I go. Should I buy a new air control valve?

 

[XxBRAINDEADxX]

Update I cleaned the Air Control Valve and it seems to start fine now but now it shifts hard from 1st to 2nd gear but it's not a real bad shift just a little delay and loss of power for a second. But hey at least it starting now lol. I will update as I go. Should I buy a new air control valve?

Well it's back at it again so I changed the fuel regulator and was good for a couple days now same old Buick smh not sure what else to do.

 

[Buickgod]

do you have fuel pressure?

is fuel actually getting to the engine?

does the fuel pump have the correct +12 and ground?



now for some random google fixes:

1. Some of the 2002 and 2003 Rendezvous, Aztec's, Oldsmobile Silhouette's, Pontiac Montana's, and Chevy Venture's had a problem where the elbow tubes on the evaporator cases were omitted causing water to wick back in vehicle when the A/C was on where enough water reached to the back and got into the connector on left rear side of vehicle and caused no start and check engine light on DTC indicating fuel pressure sensor reading higher than normal due to water in connector.


2. fuel pump or fuel pump relay

3. Idle Air Control valve, bad or just clogged - no air to start engine (maybe try pushing the gas pedal a bit when trying to start).



Good Luck

Check your gas tank. I had same issue. I noticed a whole in tank which was causing the pump to suck air. Fix the hole fix the vehicle