I just bought a 2000 Pontiac Sunfire, the first thing i noticed was it had idling problems but i said no big deal...THEN i go to give it a wash, I washed the engine with degreaser because it was really dirty. I have done this with Neon and even my bike without any problems, well was I in for a suprise...it so happens that now the damn car wont start and its made so wierd I think you need to take off the head to change the spark plugs. Well I decided to buy some engine starter fluid sprayed it into the intake and what do you know it started...for 5 seconds. I continued to spray the fluid into the car so it would run for 2 min so it could dry any water that may be around it. So im guessing its not getting any fuel or there is a computer problem. Would a OBD be able to tell me the problem?I found a plastic type part connected to wires in my intake and it was connected to wires going who knows where...could this be the oxygen sensor? I included some pic

Going into you intake is you IAT sensor (correct me if im wrong someone) and the part sticking up from your valve cover gasket is where the PCV valve is, which is supposed to let the gases back into the intake to be reburned. If you have codes then yes an OBD II scanner will help you out, but hopefully you didn't spray any degreaser or water into the PCV part on your valve cover because that may cause you a lot of problems.

I was told my prob could be either crank or cam position sensor, anyone know where they are located?

I went out and bought a OBD II scanner, plugged it in only to get no codes returned... which is weird since the check engine light came on since the engine couldnt start

Well here is an update, the engine runs when i pour gas into the intake..then cuts off when it runs out of fuel, i tested the injector wires and there is injector pulse when the engine is cranked...so i guess its not getting fuel. The fuel pump fuse is good and i switched the fuel pump relay with the ac relay and nothing. Im running out of ideas here...i dont get how the fuel pump would stop working after a simple engine wash.

Might be the theft system. Leave the key in the on position for 10 mins till the light goes out then try restarting it. The reason I am suggesting theft system is that it cuts the spark plugs. Might have had a hard start the first time after the wash and thats why it activated the theft.

Vinay Mal wrote:Might be the theft system. Leave the key in the on position for 10 mins till the light goes out then try restarting it. The reason I am suggesting theft system is that it cuts the spark plugs. Might have had a hard start the first time after the wash and thats why it activated the theft.

Sorry I meant it cuts the fuel injectors.

2000 Sunfires have theft systems? This one doesnt even have auto windows or doors but it does have some sorta anti theft light on the radio