1988 Oldsmobile Ciera ENGINE WILL NOT START WHEN WARM

Tiny
MHOCK1928
  • MEMBER
  • 1988 OLDSMOBILE CIERA
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
THIS ENGIN SRARTS GOOD WHEN IT IS COLD BUT
AFTER IT HAS BEEN RUN LONG ENOUGH TO HEAT
UP GOOD LIKE AFTER IT HAS BEEN RUN 5 MILES AND SHUT OFF FOR 15 OR 20 MINUTES IT WILL NOT START. IT SEEMS TO TRY BUT WILL ONLY
FIRE ENOUGH TO KICK THE STARTER OFF. IF YOU LET IT SET FOR AN HOUR OR SO TO COOL OFF IT WILL START OK AGAIN. HAD THIS CAR TO A LOCAL MECHANIC THAT CHANGAED EVERYTHING
CONNECTED TO THE INITION--ALSO INSTALLED A NEW FUEL PUMP. WHAT DID WE MISS?
Thursday, July 23rd, 2009 AT 9:42 AM

8 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,645 POSTS
What has been replaced?
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Wednesday, September 16th, 2009 AT 12:58 PM
Tiny
ASIAN_GUY28
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Hi,

i have the same exact problem! I have a 1994 Ciera, 6 cylinder, FWD. Automatic transmission with 110,000 miles.

The engine will start fine when cold. But after it runs long enough to warn up and I turn it off for 10-20 minutes, it will not start. It will turn, but not start. I give it gas to try and get it started, but it won't run. After waiting about 1-2 hours for it to cool, it will start, but it runs rough.

I changed the EGR, the spark plugs and the spark plugs wires. Basically, a tune-up. But the problem is still there.

What else should I look at?
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Monday, October 12th, 2009 AT 7:29 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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When it doesn't start, have you checked to see f it is getting spark and fuel to the engine? One is most likely missing and I need to know which one.

My "Guess" at this point is a bad ignition module. But, that would result in no spark, so that is why I need you to check it when it won't start. Also, can you hear the fuel pump run when it doesn't start?

Joe
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Monday, October 12th, 2009 AT 10:39 PM
Tiny
ASIAN_GUY28
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thank you for the response. I will check that. But I am pretty sure it is getting fuel because when I step on the gas, it will rev up and the engine cranks. But the engine will immediately stall and shut off.

I have to wait until the engine is cold before it will actually start up.

So, you think it could be a bad ignition module? Is it an expensive part, and an expensive repair?

Do you think it might also be a bad idle control module?

Thanks for your help and response!
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Wednesday, October 14th, 2009 AT 3:33 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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First guess is the ignition module. Not expensive and you could replace it yourself. However, I need to know if you are getting spark when the car won't start.
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Wednesday, October 14th, 2009 AT 6:08 PM
Tiny
ASIAN_GUY28
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Ok. Thank you so much for that.
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Wednesday, October 14th, 2009 AT 7:17 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,645 POSTS
Please remember. If you are getting spark when it doesn't start, it's not the module. At that point, I would like you to try starting fluid to see if it will start. If it starts for a few seconds with starting fluid and then dies again, then we have a fuel related problem.

If you need directions on how to check for spark or fuel, let me know.

Joe
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Wednesday, October 14th, 2009 AT 8:46 PM
Tiny
ZNCON
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I had the same issue about two months ago on my 1992 3.3L Ciera S. I replaced the ICM with no effect. The issue was with the Crankshaft Position Sensor. After replacing that it ran perfectly again. $27.99 for a new one.
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Monday, October 26th, 2009 AT 1:29 PM

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