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Car wont start

Tiny
ABB92
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 BUICK PARK AVENUE
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 110,000 MILES
I have a park avenue ultra v6 supercharger and ran out of gas. Refilled with gas, got car started but it wont stay cranked for a long time and then shuts off and wont start anymore until hours later. The feul pump is working can hear it when I crank the car. Need help
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Thursday, July 15th, 2010 AT 5:08 PM

30 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Check the fuel pressure with a fuel pressure tester to rule out the fuel filter, intank pick-up sock and the fuel pump
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Thursday, July 15th, 2010 AT 5:32 PM
Tiny
STEVE4242
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 BUICK PARK AVENUE
  • V6
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 127,000 MILES
The darn thing won't start. I got off work from the late shift, and it sounded like it was going to fire up, but then petered out while I had the key turned. Tried it again, and it sounded less like it was going to start. Now when I turn the key, it just goes "Click click click" really fast. I attempted to have a friend jump it, no success.

This morning when I went to start it some of the electronics went funky and the fuel guage stopped working. The needle just sits on empty, or just above empty. But it still started up. I drove for a bit and stopped for food. Turned off the car, got my food, and the car started right back up. Drove to work, worked a 10 hour shift, got off, and here we are. I am not too familiar with this car yet, as it is somewhat new to me (been driving it for about 2 months), so any info would be grand. HELP! I don't have extra cash to fix stuff like this!
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Tuesday, August 27th, 2019 AT 6:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
A weak battery or poor electrical supply can cause the clicking as well as the electrical issues you described. Since the car isn't starting at this point, is the battery still strong enough to crank the engine? Have you checked fuel pump pressure? Have you checked to see if there is spark to the plugs?
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Tuesday, August 27th, 2019 AT 6:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WILLIAM.K.HOLT
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 BUICK PARK AVENUE
3800 series engine. Cranks won't start. No spark. Control mudule passed the bench test. The guy a the parts store gave me a key to get the trouble codes with but I don't know how to use it.

I had started the car and backed up about two feet when it died as if I had turned the key off. No hesitations, misfires or funny noises.

I'd really don't want to have it towed to a shop.

I don't have a manual. Is there anywhere online where I can read a manual for free?
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Tuesday, August 27th, 2019 AT 6:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
OBXAUTOMEDIC
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,711 POSTS
Ok, the key they Gave/Sold you won't work on OBD2 Vehicles. You will need to purchase a OBD2 Code Reader.

No free online manuals for you to read. However, stick with us and we will point you in the right direction.

In the mean time check fuses and relays.
Check Crank Shaft Sensor.

Read the guide below, it will help

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start
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Tuesday, August 27th, 2019 AT 6:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LEAFMAN808
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 BUICK PARK AVENUE
Electrical problem
1997 Buick Park Avenue 6 cyl Wheel Drive Type unknown Automatic 128768 miles

My Buick Park Avenue will just not start, I replaced the battery yesterday and still will not start. I know its not the starter because it doesnt even get power I dont know anything about fuses. The car stereo works lights come on but it just doesnt get anything to the engine. When I turn the key nothing happens at all. What should I do?

Thank You and God Bless
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Tuesday, August 27th, 2019 AT 6:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DENNYP
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,824 POSTS
First, make sure your battery cables are clean. Is the security lamp in the dash flashing after you try to start it?
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+5
Tuesday, August 27th, 2019 AT 6:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DESMALTA
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 BUICK PARK AVENUE
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 22,600 MILES
Have a 1997 Buick Park Avenue Ultra, 226,000 miles, well cared for. The problem that I have can be best described by a previous incecent. About 9 months ago my wife came home from work complaining that the car had no power and was bogging down real bad. Went outside, lifted the hood and one of the pulleys for the blower belt had worn out and fallen off. Replaced the pulley and belt and all was good until about two months ago when it started running the same way. If you give it less than 1/3 gas pedal it runs fine. When you step down the pedal farther it feels like it's choking for air and if you step it down to the floor it will actually lose speed, just like it did with the blower not turning and blocking the air.

It has since died and had to be towed home. I got this from my scan:

P0113 intake air temp circuit signal high
P0300 engine misfire detected
P1111 iat circuit intermittent high voltage

The fuel pressure is good and I've replaced the wires. I'll check the plugs tonight. It just cranks over easy but doesn't sound like it wants to start.
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Tuesday, August 27th, 2019 AT 6:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
You may have a partially plugged exhaust system (Bad cat converter) try loosening the exhaust at the manifold head pipes and driving it. It will be loud, but if the exhaust is restrictive the car will have its power back
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Tuesday, August 27th, 2019 AT 6:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MCCLELLAN103
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 1997 BUICK PARK AVENUE
Engine Mechanical problem
1997 Buick Park Avenue Front Wheel Drive Automatic

starter will click and engine torques but does not crank and try to start, brand new alternater, battery, and starter. Have any ideas?
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Tuesday, August 27th, 2019 AT 6:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ZACKMAN
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,202 POSTS
Is the SECURITY light flashing on the dash?
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Tuesday, August 27th, 2019 AT 6:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MCCLELLAN103
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
No it does not flash but it will be on then when I turn the key over to start it goes off then when I stop cranking it comes back on.
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Tuesday, August 27th, 2019 AT 6:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ZACKMAN
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,202 POSTS
Do this test and advise me with your finding. I think you may have a fault in your Pass-Key III security system.

PASS-KEY III(R) SYSTEM CHECK
1. Turn ignition on. After 10 seconds, check SECURITY indicator light. If light is off, go to next step. If light is illuminated, go to SECURITY INDICATOR ALWAYS ON.

2. Turn ignition switch to START position, then release ignition switch to RUN position. If engine cranks and SECURITY light turns off, system is okay. If system does not perform as noted, go to SECURITY INDICATOR IS ON, ENGINE DOES NOT CRANK, or SECURITY LIGHT IS NOT ON, ENGINE DOES NOT CRANK. If engine cranks, but does not start, see appropriate TESTS W/CODES article in ENGINE PERFORMANCE section.

Based on your finding, I will provide the proper test.
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Tuesday, August 27th, 2019 AT 6:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JIMMY G.13
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1996 BUICK PARK AVENUE
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 313,000 MILES
The problem is when the car is warm it wont start for an hour. When its cold no problem starting. Once it starts it runs like a charm. Please help
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Tuesday, August 27th, 2019 AT 6:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MCCLELLAN103
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Ok security light did not flash but starter will contionally click like a chatter not like a battery problem when trying to start. After trying to start if you turn the key back to off position the security light WILL flash. I tried using the remote start and the motor cranked maybe half a turn and stopped but all gauge needles were jumping all over the place.
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-1
Tuesday, August 27th, 2019 AT 6:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Did you have a check engine light come on or has flashed prior to this problem and when was your last tune-up?

Do below to determine whether it's fuel or spark issue:

Cranks but no start condition:

Fuel and Spark:
Get a helper disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine at least 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, 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, distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors and computer Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it.
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Tuesday, August 27th, 2019 AT 6:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SCENESWEST
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1995 BUICK PARK AVENUE
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 140,000 MILES
When I go run errands normally the car will start right away however, if I turn it off to go into a store for instance the car will crank over but not start. I have to wait about 10 minutes or so then it starts right away. I was told it has something to do with the security/anti-theft system. I was given direction to build a circuit board to install in replace of the anti-theft controller module, which I did. It still does the same thing, not starting about 1 out of every 12 attempts. Is it possible that there is another issue causing this besides the security system? Please advise. Thank you for your attention. Anthony.
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Tuesday, August 27th, 2019 AT 6:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Anthony:
Does the security light stay on when you try to start it?
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Tuesday, August 27th, 2019 AT 6:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SCENESWEST
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Yes, it does stay on. Also, when the car is running the light will typically stay on for about 5 minutes then goes out.
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Tuesday, August 27th, 2019 AT 6:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
The security system is causing the problem. The bad part is, the only place that has the necessary equipment to test it is a dealer. I'm not familiar with what you built to replace the anti theft control module, but it doesn't seem to work.

I hate to say it, but you need to take it to a dealer to have it checked.
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Tuesday, August 27th, 2019 AT 6:34 PM (Merged)

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