Will not restart after shutting off the engine?

TERRENCE EWELL DUGAN

MEMBER
1990 CHEVROLET LUMINA
3.1L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
67,000 MILES

Car starts in the morning and idles good but when you shut it off, it will not restart. Car only has 67,000 miles on it.

New fuel filter and plugs and wires.

Sunday, May 21st, 2023 AT 1:59 PM

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,645 POSTS

Hi,

I suspect you have a faulty crankshaft position sensor. When they begin to fail, they are adversely affected by heat. Once they cool off, they can work again.

Do me a favor. Take a look through this link and let me know if you feel it mirrors what you are experiencing:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-crankshaft-sensor

Also, if possible, check for diagnostic trouble codes. This vehicle has an OBD1 system. All you need is a short jumper wire or even a paper clip to get codes.

Follow the directions in this link:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/buick-cadillac-chevy-gmc-oldsmobile-pontiac-gm-1983-1995-obd1-code-definitions-and-retrieval-method

One other suggestion. See if there is spark to the spark plugs when it won't start. If there isn't, that is another indicator of a failing sensor.

Here is a link that explains how to test for spark:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-for-ignition-spark

Let me know what you find or if you have questions.

Take care,

Joe

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Sunday, May 21st, 2023 AT 9:00 PM

TERRENCE EWELL DUGAN

MEMBER
5 POSTS

Thanks for the help but now according to the mechanic I ended up taking it to, it seems the car is going into anti-theft mode, and he doesn't know how to fix or bypass the system. We are using the original keys from when the car was purchased. I know that this vehicle sat for over 15 years and the battery had to be replaced several times.

Any ideas?

Thanks

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Wednesday, May 24th, 2023 AT 8:38 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,645 POSTS

Hi,

I don't remember these as having anti-theft. By chance, does an anti-theft light turn on and say on or flash when trying to start the engine? I know they had a keyless entry, but the antitheft is throwing me.

Also, is there a way to scan the computer as I described above? I'm interested in seeing if there are codes stored.

Let me know.

Joe

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Wednesday, May 24th, 2023 AT 7:02 PM

TERRENCE EWELL DUGAN

MEMBER
5 POSTS

I spoke with the mechanic and he said that he is getting a VAT error and has never had to bypass or reset one on a car of this era.

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Thursday, May 25th, 2023 AT 9:02 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,645 POSTS

Hi,

VAT stands for Vehicle Anti-Theft System, so I'm confused also. Did he by chance provide you with the diagnostic code he found?

As far as resetting the VAT on a GM, here are the steps. You can have him try this if he hasn't already.

A. Insert the original ignition key into the ignition cylinder and turn it to the "On" position. Leave it in this position for 10 minutes or until the "Security" light turns off.

B. Turn the ignition key to the "Off" position for at least 5 seconds.

C. Repeat steps a and b two more times (a total of three 10-minute cycles).

D. After the third cycle, turn the ignition key to the "Off" position and then start the vehicle. The VAT system should be reset.

Let me know. Also, if possible, get the code that was found.

Take care,

Joie