Running rough and it is hard to crank when I refuel?

Tiny
JAMES SAPP
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 BUICK LESABRE
  • 3.8L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 99,000 MILES
I've checked the fuse and the OBD port. The fuse is good and none of the pins in the OBD port are corroded. What should I check next? I am going to replace the fuel filter. I was hoping the OBD would tell where I should start.
Saturday, January 21st, 2023 AT 4:16 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,573 POSTS
Rough running and hard starting when you fill it with fuel describes a bad purge valve almost exactly. When they stick open it allows the fuel vapor from the tank to dump into the engine and when you fill it it floods the engine and becomes hard to start. Changing it is easy, remove the engine cover and look on top of the engine to the right of the coils, you will see the valve attached to a bracket. Disconnect the hoses off the valve and the wiring. Then slip it off the bracket. Reverse the process to install the new one.
In this case the OBD port won't tell you much without a dealer level scan tool that lets you control the purge valve. However, if you have one you need power to the ALDL. I would start with a test light and test the fuse for power on both legs.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

If you have power on both legs and none at the ALDL it's likely the orange wire has failed in the harness that runs under the carpet.
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Saturday, January 21st, 2023 AT 5:12 PM
Tiny
JAMES SAPP
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
The purge valve was the problem. Thank you for the diagnosis.
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Saturday, February 25th, 2023 AT 5:33 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,573 POSTS
You're welcome. Please return anytime.
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Saturday, February 25th, 2023 AT 7:50 PM

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