Engine lags

2003 BUICK LESABRE
129,786 MILES • 3.8L • V6 • AUTOMATIC
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JEREMYG0821
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Just bought the car listed above it is my first real car. what should I do? She's been sitting for a long time before I got her but she has no engine light on. Every morning she starts fine no problem, I drive 20 minutes turn her off. I turn it back on about 2 to 5 minutes later she does stay on. But once I go turn the key again she always turns on. If anyone can walk me through some steps I'd appreciate it I feel like the mechanics is trying to rip me off.
Apr 23, 2021 at 2:10 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Hi,

Does this only happen when the engine is warm? Also, I'm not sure what you are referring to when you said, " I turn it back on about 2 to 5 minutes later she does stay on. But once I go turn the key again she always turns on." Do you mean it starts and then stalls? Then the next time you try, it starts and runs fine?

If that is the case, I want you to try something. Follow this simple test:

1) Turn the key from off to the run position (engine off) and count to 5.

2) Turn the key off, and repeat step 1 three times.

3) On the fourth time, see if it starts normally.

Try that and let me know the results. Also, let me know if I misunderstood what you meant.

Take care,

Joe
Apr 23, 2021 at 6:52 PM
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