Not starting back up after driving it a mile?

2004 BUICK LESABRE
3.8L • AUTOMATIC
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JSWISS
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  • 4 POSTS
Not starting back up after driving it a couple miles
Aug 3, 2026 at 7:44 AM
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STRAILER
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 54,930 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Do you mean it is not cranking over (starter) or do you mean the engine cranks over but not run? here are two videos to get us started on fixing the problem.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXLJbuAZ4CE

and not cranking

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YRW8fyNudY


Please go over these videos and get back to me.



Aug 3, 2026 at 10:07 AM
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JSWISS
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The engine cranks over but dont run
Aug 3, 2026 at 12:34 PM
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STRAILER
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 54,930 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Chances are it is the fuel pump or crankshaft angle sensor. These cars had both problems, we need to see which system is failing, when the engine will not start, turn the key in the ON position without cranking the engine over, do you hear the fuel pump run for 5 seconds in the tank? Also, the video shows how to check for spark, this will tell us if the crankshaft sensor is working, or you can connect a scanner to it to see if it reads engine RPM while cranking. Let me know please.
Aug 3, 2026 at 1:16 PM
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