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Engine not cranking over?

Tiny
ALBAKER07
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 BUICK LESABRE
Background: I drove 30 miles round trip today -- no trouble starting the car at either end. I parked the car and five minutes later my wife tried to start it but it would not turn over.

The battery is fine -- 12 v and checked out fine under load at AutoZone. Connections were clean and were cleaned anyhow. 12 v is seen at the fuse box under the rear seat and under the hood.

With the ignition switch off, the keyless entry works fine. There does not appear to be any change from normal operations when the key is turned to on, i.E, the radio works, wipers wipe, and driving lights turn on automatically (made in Canada).

What seems very strange is that when the key is turned to start the instrument panel dies as does the wipers (if I have them turned on), BUT THE HEADLIGHTS KEEP SHINING UNDIMINISHED. When the switch is released back to the on position, the instrument panel come back to life after a second. The voltage at the battery when the ignition switch is turned to start drops only to 11 v. Now why is that? And where is the problem?

Thank you in advance,
Al
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Saturday, September 15th, 2007 AT 8:39 PM

58 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
The voltage at the battery when the ignition switch is turned to start drops only to 11 v. Is this during cranking mode or key is just in the On position?

This guide will hep us

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Saturday, September 15th, 2007 AT 8:48 PM
Tiny
ALBAKER07
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Both. But.

I went outside to double check before replying and had my son man the ignition switch. The first three or four times we still had no crank with a very slight voltage drop from OFF to ON and to START. However, much to my surprise, the next time the car promptly started as did the time after that! I can upgrade my car from dead to totally unreliable but I'll admit I am clueless as to what is going on. My mechanic usually wants to see cars when they are symptomatic from an intermittent problem and not when they're working as they should, but that leaves me wondering when and where it will do this again -- hence the hope that someone knows whats wrong so I (or he) can fix it.
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Saturday, September 15th, 2007 AT 9:36 PM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
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Yup I know what you mean. Catch them while on the act. Its hard for me to give you a sure fire answer-not being there.

Just double check all connections involving the battery and starter-could possibly be the ignition switch not hitting on the sweet spot.
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Saturday, September 15th, 2007 AT 9:41 PM
Tiny
ALBAKER07
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Will do, and thank you for your time and advice!
Al
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Saturday, September 15th, 2007 AT 9:50 PM
Tiny
KLV
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2004 BUICK LESABRE
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 76,000 MILES
The car has been running fine. I just went out to start it to go to lunch & it won't turn over.
It acts like it wants to but it just won't.
Any ideas?
Please respond asap, thanks.
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Thursday, August 6th, 2020 AT 9:25 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MASTERTECHTIM
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,750 POSTS
Verify cars security system is not failing. Turn key to the crank position then leave the key on. The security or theft light should come on and then go out. If it flashes steady then you have a problem. Let us know how you make out because if it is a theft problem we can walk you through a temporary repair.
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Thursday, August 6th, 2020 AT 9:25 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KLV
  • MEMBER
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Thank you for responding.
The security light came on & then went out.
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Thursday, August 6th, 2020 AT 9:25 AM (Merged)
Tiny
THOMAS SHEA
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
  • 2003 BUICK LESABRE
  • 3.8L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 155,000 MILES
My car needed a new ICM due to misfiring on two cylinders and already tried to replace just the pack.

After installing the new ICM, the car wouldn't even crank. Nothing, so I switched back to the old one and nothing. I took the starter in to be checked and it is working fine. Tried to jump start it and nothing. I checked the fuses for the starter, and no go. I made sure the all the cables and post are clean. I am at a lost, any help would be loved.

Also old owner installed a 550 CCA battery and I think the minimum for this car is like 690 CCA. But the battery was starting it fine before.
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Thursday, August 6th, 2020 AT 9:26 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Good morning,

Does the theft light or security light go out after the key is on for about 10 seconds?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-reset-a-security-system

I attached a diagram for you to view. Check for two powers at the starter relay with the key on.

Roy
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Thursday, August 6th, 2020 AT 9:26 AM (Merged)
Tiny
THOMAS SHEA
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Hi Roy,

So the security light on the dash cluster stays on when trying to start the car.
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Thursday, August 6th, 2020 AT 9:26 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Okay, try the reset in the guide I sent you.

Roy
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Thursday, August 6th, 2020 AT 9:26 AM (Merged)
Tiny
THOMAS SHEA
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
I don't have the key fob as the car is used. Is the security reset something any repair shop can do or just the dealer? Could the battery be the isssue?
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Thursday, August 6th, 2020 AT 9:26 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Yes, any shop can do it.

Yes to the battery.

Can you tell me the battery voltage?

Roy
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Thursday, August 6th, 2020 AT 9:26 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KROBB757
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2003 BUICK LESABRE
2003 Buick Lesabre

I was out of town for a week and the car sat. When I tried to start it, it would not crank over. I even tried to jump the battery but it did not work. What could be the problem?
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Thursday, August 6th, 2020 AT 9:26 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
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No crank at all/nothing/nada:

Could be the starter, starter relay, park and neutral switch, clutch switch and ignition switch assuming the battery and connections are good.
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Thursday, August 6th, 2020 AT 9:26 AM (Merged)
Tiny
THOMAS SHEA
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Unfortunately, I am not for sure on the voltage, I know it is the wrong battery for the car, but I am not for sure on the voltage.
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Thursday, August 6th, 2020 AT 9:26 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Can you get a voltmeter to check? You will also need it to check for the no start as well.

Roy
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Thursday, August 6th, 2020 AT 9:26 AM (Merged)
Tiny
THOMAS SHEA
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
Hey Roy,

I got the voltmeter, but I also put in a new battery. It started fine with the new battery, but after driving it around for about 15 minutes it wouldn't restart? Alternator not charging?
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Thursday, August 6th, 2020 AT 9:26 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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Okay, do you have spark at the plugs when it will not start?

Check the voltage at the battery. When it is running, it should be 14 to 14.5 volts.

The voltage now should be 12.4 to 12.6.

Roy
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Thursday, August 6th, 2020 AT 9:26 AM (Merged)
Tiny
FORK JOAQUIN
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
  • 2002 BUICK LESABRE
  • 3.5L
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 116,000 MILES
My car will not start. I changed the alternator I checked the fuses except the big block ones. Everything works in the car and I mean everything. When I turn the key is hear a click in the fuse box on front of the car and back. I engine will not turn, I do not hear it turn. It did that before changed the battery and it started now it is doing it again. I just got back from checking on it. So down the list 1. Everything in the car works how it is supposed to. 2. Clicks in both fuse boxes 3. My lights all work fine. 4. My engine will not turn. I do not hear it turn nothing. Could it be my starter locking up? Battery is new but could have drained. The sound when I turn the click and it dings normal. I do not know what else to do. Any thoughts?
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Thursday, August 6th, 2020 AT 9:26 AM (Merged)

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