'95 GT won't start

[Toffels]

My 1995 GT won't start. It ran fine back in November but with winter weather it has sat in the garage since then. I replaced the battery with a brand new one today when I had issues starting it and I'm still having the same issue.

Symptoms are:
When I turn the key to the starting/ignition position the car sounds like it turns over but as soon as I let the key rotate back to the normal running position the car dies.

I was sure it was a battery issue after sitting all those months but now I'm not sure what it could be. I'm hoping it's not the alternator. I'm hoping someone has some insight and can hopefully help me at least get it started so I can avoid having to have it towed if it needs some major work. Thanks in advance.

 

[GTamas]

Is it just the starter turning the engine, or does it fire up?
If it is just the starter.... Can you hear the fuel pump priming when you turn the key to ignition?

 

[Toffels]

Sometimes it seems like it's just the starter turning the engine, but other times it'll fire up for maybe a second, sputter and die. I'd day 1 in 4 times it sputters and dies and the rest it sounds like the starter is just turning the engine. My hearing isn't great so I can't tell if the fuel pump is priming but for what it's worth after trying a few times I do smell gas in the garage.

 

[Toffels]

I tried it again this morning and this time I gave it some gas while starting it. As long as there was pressure on the gas pedal it would stay running, as as soon as I let off the gas it died.

 

[Terrorist 5.0]

Just spitballing here but have you tried tapping on your IAC a little? Could be dirty and stuck closed, preventing a cold start unless you have some other source of air (throttle). I only mention this since you said it’s been sitting for a while.

Worth a shot.

 

[Toffels]

I just tapped the IAC (had to look up where it was ) and that did help. I can reliably start it now. Most times it'll start without me giving it any extra gas, and on the odd time it doesn't giving it a bit of gas when starting does the trick.

If I give it too much gas (1.5-2k rpm) and then let off the gas it kills the car; if I rev it like that and slowly let off the gas pedal it'll keep running.

The idle is very rough and the exhaust is spitting out some dirty smoke (not jet black but definitely dirty enough to be noticeable when I walk behind the car).

 

[Terrorist 5.0]

I just tapped the IAC (had to look up where it was ) and that did help. I can reliably start it now. Most times it'll start without me giving it any extra gas, and on the odd time it doesn't giving it a bit of gas when starting does the trick.

If I give it too much gas (1.5-2k rpm) and then let off the gas it kills the car; if I rev it like that and slowly let off the gas pedal it'll keep running.

The idle is very rough and the exhaust is spitting out some dirty smoke (not jet black but definitely dirty enough to be noticeable when I walk behind the car).

Well for starters I would replace the IAC. Sounds like it’s really sticky and on its way out. Then I would go out for a drive and see if you notice anything else. If you do, let us know what you find.

Should point you in the right direction.

 

[ttocs]

do you hear the fuel pump prime? Maybe check the inertia switch in the trunk. It should not have been triggered but it is easy and free to check.

 

[GTamas]

The idle is very rough and the exhaust is spitting out some dirty smoke

Could also be one of the cylinders not getting spark (bad plug or wire maybe), or one of the injectors bleeding or giving too much fuel.

 

[Toffels]

Thank you to everyone! This has been very helpful. I'm glad I was able to get it consistently starting yesterday; I'm going to try it again when I get home from work tonight and tonight or tomorrow take it for a drive in the neighborhood (that way if it dies I'm not out on main roads, just neighborhood ones where people shouldn't be whipping around me). I'm hoping getting it warmed up will help. Replacing the IAC is in the agenda. Thank you again to everyone!