1995 Buick Park Avenue Engine stalls

Tiny
BIGTIM320
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 BUICK PARK AVENUE
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 125,000 MILES
Hello, I have a 1995 Buick Park Avenue that intermittently stalls while driving. It loses power for a few seconds and then shuts off. It will not start back up immediately, however it does crank. It usually starts back up after 5-10 minutes, and may run fine for another hour, or even for a few days to a week. My initial thoughts were that it was a fuel delivery problem, but here is where it gets interesting. When this happens, and only when this happens, the following electrical components do not work, even with the key in the on position:

Power driver side mirror adjustment
Power Windows
Power Door locks
Power Seat

The above components attempt to work, sometimes making a faint buzzing noise when pressing the button. The power locks move slightly when the button is pressed, but it acts like it does not have enough voltage to lock the doors.

The following items operate correctly during the time that the car will not start back up:

Dome light
Head lights
Flashers
Radio, Power antenna
Heat/AC

So, what I have been doing lately after the engine stalls and it will not start back up is to simply press the power window button every 30 seconds or so. When the window comes down, then I know the car will start up, and it does.

I've talked with a few mechanics who tell me that if I bring the car to them and it is running, they can not really troubleshoot it effectively. I understand that. Again, it may be one week between episodes. Could be 1 hour. It is definietly not consistent.

Please keep in mind that all electrical components work perfectly when the engine is running.

Any ideas of what would be the most likely cause?

Thanks in advance,
Tim
Sunday, January 10th, 2010 AT 10:18 AM

6 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,645 POSTS
Tim:
I need you to check for something when this happens. You are either loosing spark or fuel to the engine. I need you to check when it happens to see which one it is.

Here are the how to's

https://www.2carpros.com/how_to/how_to_check_fuel_pressure.htm

https://www.2carpros.com/how_to/how_to_test_an_ignition_system.htm

Let me know what you find. Also, the gauge you need can be rented or lent by a parts store.

Joe
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Monday, January 25th, 2010 AT 10:24 AM
Tiny
TOPPDOGG46
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Hello, hello. I just registered for this forum and I may not be asking my question in the proper way. If so, I apologize. I thought nobody in the world would have the same problem as I have with my old Buick. My jaw dropped when a Google reply found bigtim320 had the exact same problem as described below, right down to the components that work or not work.

My question is: Did his problem get resolved and, if so, how? As of now I have not tried any testing or checked any components. Tim's work-around with the power window switch didn't work for me. My mechanic is on vacation so I couldn't turn this fiasco over to him.

Can you enlighten me?
Thanks for your time.
LarryT
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Wednesday, March 24th, 2010 AT 6:31 PM
Tiny
BIGTIM320
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Hello everyone, and LarryT, this is BigTim320. Well this nightmare of a problem has been resolved.

My mechanic said that all of the information I gave him (also posted here) led him straight to the wiring diagrams. Woudn't you know it, he had the problem fixed in 20 minutes. I have been driving the car for 6 weeks now, and it has been flawless, so I know for a fact that it is fixed. (I didn't want to post the fix until I was absolutely sure)

The wiring from the left door panel electric windows/door locks/etc. Come together at a control block that is located about where your left foot rests on the floor board. He located it and found the contacts were corroded and in bad shape. He cleaned the control block and the contacts (also replace a few ends, and he was done in 20 minutes.

The GM dealer and nearby auto garages didn't even want to take this one on because of the many possibilities that it could have been. That sure turned out to be a blessing.

It pays to know a good honest mechanic who troubleshoots the old fashioned way.

Anyway, I sure hope this helps you out LarryT and anyone else who has the misfortune of this crazy scenario.

Take care everyone!
BigTim320
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Tuesday, April 6th, 2010 AT 12:06 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,645 POSTS
Thanks for your reply and yes it will help many. I need to know one thing. Was the wiring on the left kick panel going to the body control module? If so, then it makes sense. Otherwise, I need to look at a schematic myself. (LOL)

Thanks again,
Joe
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Tuesday, April 6th, 2010 AT 10:47 PM
Tiny
BIGTIM320
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Joe,

"left kick panel" . Not sure what that refers to, but if you mean the wires that go from the "left door panel" to the control block that is under your left foot on the floor board, then yes. My mechanic also said that one of the ground wires went to the ECM (computer). Hope this helps!

BigTim320
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Wednesday, April 7th, 2010 AT 7:16 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,645 POSTS
Thanks, that is what I ment and now things make sense to me.

Again thanks for the helpful information. I'm confident that others will find it helpful.

Joe
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Wednesday, April 7th, 2010 AT 7:46 AM

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