SPONSORED LINKS

Car won't start?

Tiny
RORY2008
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
To Paul:
Thank you, I appreciate any information I can get. Thanks for the tip on the "Fuel Injection" (I didn't take it as condescending at all).
Rory
SPONSORED LINKS
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 3:57 PM (Merged)
Tiny
AKRISTEL
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 BUICK LESABRE
  • 6 CYL
  • 1,555,000 MILES
I have had two issues with my car today.

This morning the car was working fine. I dropped something off at my apartment, and when I went outside to restart the car, problems happened.

At first I would start the car, it would sputter and immediately die.
If I started the car (at this point it would start fine), and immediately fed it gas, the sputtering would continue for a minute, and then the car would die. I did this about 12 times, until the starter began having trouble.

I went and got 2 gallons gas for the car, and some STP hoping that was the problem.

Upon return the car won't even start. The engine turns and turns, but won't start.

My current plan is to wait several hours in the hopes that something in the ignition/starter system is just over-heated

Any ideas?

Thank you for any input.

P.S. It looks like I had already posted this quesiton, I'm just reposting because more problems have come up.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 3:57 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Get a helper disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine atleast 3/16 away from ground-have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, Do you hear the fuel pump come On when you turn key on? If not check fuel pump fuse and fuel pump relay if so, check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs, coil's resistances, cap and rotor, distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors and computer Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it and keep testing
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 3:57 PM (Merged)
Tiny
EEGBERT
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 BUICK LESABRE
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 168,000 MILES
Ran out of gas, put 2 gallons in tank. Now car won't start.
Is it possible that the fuel pump is damaged?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 4:24 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning.

Yes, that is the issue. Fuel is the oil for the fuel pump. When you run out of fuel, the pump runs dry and fails.

You need to replace the fuel pump.

Roy

REMOVAL PROCEDURE
1. Relieve the fuel system fuel pressure.
2. Drain the fuel tank.
3. Remove the fuel tank.
4. Remove the fuel sender assembly.

DISASSEMBLE PROCEDURE
1. Inspect the position of the fuel pump fuel strainer (3) for installation.
2. Support the fuel pump (4) with one hand and grasp the fuel pump fuel strainer with the other hand
3. Pull the fuel pump fuel strainer off of the fuel pump.
4. Inspect the fuel pump fuel strainer. If the fuel pump fuel strainer is contaminated, the fuel tank should be cleaned.
5. Discard the fuel pump fuel strainer after inspection.
6. Inspect the fuel pump inlet for dirt and debris. If dirt and debris are found, the fuel pump should be replaced.
7. Remove the fuel pump electrical connector, if fuel pump is being replaced.
8. Place the fuel sender assembly upside down on a bench.

NOTICE: Do Not run the fuel pump unless the fuel pump is submerged in fuel, in order to prevent damage to the fuel pump

9. Pull the fuel pump downward in order to remove the fuel pump from the fuel pump mounting bracket, then tilt the fuel pump outward and remove the fuel pump from the fuel feed pipe.
10. Transfer the fuel pump to the new fuel sender, if fuel sender is being replaced,

ASSEMBLE PROCEDURE
1. Install the rubber insulator on the fuel pump.
2. Position the fuel sender (1) assembly upside down.

IMPORTANT: Always install a new fuel pump fuel strainer when installing a fuel pump.

3. Install the fuel pump between the fuel feed pipe and the fuel pump mounting bracket.
4. Install the fuel pump electrical connector.
5. Position the new fuel pump fuel strainer (3) on the fuel pump and push on the outer edge of the fuel pump fuel strainer until the fuel pump fuel strainer is fully seated.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
1. Install the fuel sender assembly. Refer to Fuel Sender Assembly Service
2. Install the fuel tank. Refer to Fuel Tank
3. Lower the vehicle.
4. Add fuel and install the fuel tank filler pipe cap.
5. Install the negative battery cable.
6. Inspect for leaks.
- Turn the ignition switch to the On position for 2 seconds.
- Turn the ignition switch to the Off for 10 seconds.
- Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
- Check for fuel leaks.
Images (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Thumb
Thumb
SPONSORED LINKS
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 4:24 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASHLEYELROD7279
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • BUICK LESABRE
I have a 1997 buick lesabre that has 88,000 miles and a 3.8 engine that I just purchased last week. Three days ago I was driving around when the car sputtered.I got the car home just fine but when I went back to start it, it would not start. It turns over fine and we ahve checked the pressure of the fuel pump and the fuel injectors and they are all fine, I am also getting plenty of spark. Please tell me what I can try next.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 4:24 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
The third thing you need to start is compression, remove all plugs get a gauge screw the gauge into each cylinder one by one, record the readings. The other thing to check. Is the check engine light on? See if you can get the codes read. Try wiggling the connector at the crankshaft position sensor.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 4:24 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TCCC143
  • MEMBER
  • 21 POSTS
If you have fuel pressure and spark the only thing left would be the ECM. But also what reports to the ECm would be the cam and crankshaft senors. Even the ignition control module may be out or firing wrong. But if you have spark and fuel pressure then it is definatley electrical (sensors cam or crank, ignition module) or the computer(ecm). Something is telling the motor to fire out of sync or not to except the firing order at all.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 4:24 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DENNYP
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,824 POSTS
I agree with merlin, If you have proper fuel pressure and spark, check the compression. Also, look at the top of the intake manifold just behind the throttle body.I have had several 3.8s that have had a hole burnt through the manifold. It is caused from the EGR pipe overheating the manifold and causing an internal coolant leak. Be sure to check your coolant level also. :)
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 4:24 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Thanks Den!
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 4:24 PM (Merged)
Tiny
AREHART8900
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
For alittle more info to help figure this out, if you set for alittle bit the car will start but it shakes and will die if you try to throttle up, so after it dies turn the key off and the next time you try it it might run just fine.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 4:24 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DENNYP
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,824 POSTS
You might want to double check your fuel pressure to make sure it is within specs.
SPONSORED LINKS
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 4:24 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WRAKEN
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I had this problem on another car. Can't remember exactly what the mechanic said it was, but the problem was electrical.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 4:24 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DENNYP
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,824 POSTS
In order for an engine to run, it must have air, fuel, compression, and spark. If it has an electrical problem, that usually takes away the fuel or spark. Be sure you check the basics.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 4:24 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SEDRICK QUINN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1997 BUICK LESABRE
  • 127 MILES
My car battery just came on. I try to start car it starts for about five second then shuts off.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 4:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning,

Does the security light come on and stay on when it starts and stalls?

It sounds like a security issue.

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

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 4:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SEDRICK QUINN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I was having problems with the security system but now it does not comes on, it starts right up the battery recently came on car starts up for a few seconds then slowly stops
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 4:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Ok, you need 3 things for the car to run. spark, compression and fuel pressure.

Has anyone checked for spark?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

Can you hear the fuel pump run with the key on?

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

How did the car run prior to this issue?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 4:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
NO_CAR-NOTE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 BUICK LESABRE
Engine Mechanical problem
1997 Buick Lesabre V8 Automatic

I hope this is the right place. We changed the MAP censor in the car as well as the number two coil pack. Now the car acts like she does not want to start and we have to turn the key more than once to get the car to start. Any ideas as to why this is?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 4:25 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Why did you change the MAP sensor? Please give all detail as to what problems and what solutions have been tried.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, August 4th, 2020 AT 4:25 PM (Merged)

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Engine Not Running Content

How to fix an engine that wont start
VIDEO
How to fix an engine that wont start
Instructional repair video
Engine Not Starting
GUIDE
Engine Not Starting
Over the past 20 years at 2CarPros we have identified the top problems that are easily fixed. This guide can save you a trip to the repair garage or calling a tow truck and...
VIEW MORE

Sponsored links