Crank no start

Tiny
DON SJOBLOM
  • MEMBER
  • 1993 BUICK PARK AVENUE
  • 3.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 140,000 MILES
Car turns over but will not start.
Tuesday, May 29th, 2018 AT 11:22 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning.

You need spark and fuel to start. You need to determine which is missing to narrow down the area of failure. I attached some guides for you on how to check for spark.

You also need fuel pressure to start as well. The pump needs to to be checked for proper pressure delivery to the injectors.

Roy

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system
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Wednesday, May 30th, 2018 AT 4:39 AM
Tiny
HARRY P
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,292 POSTS
Engines need several things in order to start. They need (1) fuel, (2) air, (3) compression, (4) sparks, and (5) 1-4 have to be on time, in the correct strength/amount. Unfortunately, when you get over 150,000 miles on any vehicle, any of those could be the problem. The most common causes are with (1) and (4).

Next thing would be to listen for the sound of the fuel pump coming on. When you turn the key on, without turning the engine over, the pump should come on for two to three seconds. It makes a humming sound. If you can, get a helper to turn the key on while you listen for it. If you do not hear it come on, try tapping on the bottom of the tank with a hammer or other blunt object immediately after the helper turns the key on. If you then hear the pump come on, then you need a new fuel pump. Simple as that. You freed up the brushes in the electric motor inside the pump. This is a very temporary fix (might give you an hour or two of running time).

If you still do not hear the pump come on, then you need to check the fuses. The fuse box to look at is the one that is under the hood, along the left side. In particular, look at the fuses for "fuel pump", "ECM/TCM," "PWR Train," and "ENG Ign." Or anything that sounds important, really.

Just because the pump receives power and comes on, does not mean that it is pumping enough. We will circle back to checking the pressure output later on, if necessary.

If the pump is coming on, the next easy thing to check is for sparks. You can do this with a tester that is available at AutoZone or any other auto parts store. Here is a link for one on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-20610-Inline-Spark-Tester/dp/B0002STSC6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1501325755&sr=8-3&keywords=spark+tester

Basically, you pull the plug wire off of the ignition coil (also pictured below) and plug in this tester between the coil and the plug wire. Then get someone to turn the key while you observe it. If it flashes, then you have spark. Check all of the cylinders.

Let us know and we will go from there. There are more advanced tests that you can do for free or very cheap. We will go through them if needed.
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Wednesday, May 30th, 2018 AT 4:43 AM
Tiny
DON SJOBLOM
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you for your guidance and knowledge. I will do my best to get it fixed. I really like this car. When it is running right, it is a great car. No squeaks or noises at all.
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Wednesday, May 30th, 2018 AT 5:09 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,665 POSTS
Nice did you see if you have spark? Fuel pressure fuel pumps are big in these cars. Here is a guide to show you what you are in for when doing the job:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-electric-fuel-pump

Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.

Cheers, Ken
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Saturday, June 2nd, 2018 AT 1:29 PM

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