20 Most Recent 2001 Pontiac Sunfire - Page 9 Questions & Answers

If I am not misstaken the clutch adjustment can only be done at the clutch pedal itself, in or out to set what is called freeplay.

The car thinks your shifter is still in gear. turn the key back on and then shift it in and out of park a few times, making sure the little button for your thumb pops out all the way when you put it in park. that should release the key. Good luckDoug from www.steeringcolumnservices.com

Most likely it needs to be reprogrammed. Here is that procedure:1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF. 2. Attempt to start the engine, then release the key to ON (vehicle will not start).3. Observe the SECURITY telltale; it should be flashing. If it is not flashing, then you need a scan tool to repair this. If it is flashing...proceed.4. After approximately 10 minutes the telltale will turn ON for 5 seconds and then OFF.5. Once to turns OFF, Turn the ignition cylinder to OFF, and wait 7-10 seconds.Then: Repeat steps 1 through 5, 2 more times for a total of 3 cycles/30 minutes 6. After the 3rd time you turn off the ignition, wait 7-10 seconds and then start the engine.Good luckDoug from www.steeringcolumnservices.com

my first thought is the themostat but I would also check to make sure the cooling fan is coming on when engine gets warm if not could be relays for cooling fan

The thermostat maybe faulty (stuck in the closed position) and is not allowing the coolant to go to the radiator.

maybe the relays. or a bad ground. i'm leaning moe towards the relays

On the starter.

Replace the timeing belt,

Sure sounds like your timing, or it can do this if you didn't properly adjust the valves when putting the head back on.

Suspect it's your ignition timing

Put the battery on a 2 amp charge for 8 hrs.After its charged check the batteries voltage it should be 12-12.5 volts if it does it replace battery.