Engine starts but shuts off after three minutes

Tiny
MONTEZE
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 BUICK PARK AVENUE
  • 3.8L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 20,001 MILES
Car starts and shuts after three minutes. Passkey 3?
Saturday, November 25th, 2017 AT 8:13 AM

12 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,476 POSTS
That is not the passkey system. Passkey would only let it run two to three seconds. Start and run three minutes or so sounds like a fuel pump issue.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, November 25th, 2017 AT 9:38 AM
Tiny
MONTEZE
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
So how can I fix the passkey 3. I have change the fuel pump.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, November 25th, 2017 AT 9:43 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,476 POSTS
What does the security light do? Is it on when you try to start the car? Does it come on after the engine starts? The way that system works it will at best let the engine run for a couple seconds because it only runs the pump prime signal. If the system sees the wrong key or there is another problem the PCM is sent a fuel pump disable signal and the pump does not turn on, that means 99% of the time the engine will not even start.
What is the starting and running fuel pressure? What other problems are you having?
What do you have for scan tools or diagnostic equipment?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, November 25th, 2017 AT 5:01 PM
Tiny
MONTEZE
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
The just turns over. It will start up and shut off after two to three seconds. The security light just comes on when I get in the car but it goes out and the fuel pressure is 145. I am stuck I need some help. Thanks
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, November 26th, 2017 AT 6:40 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,476 POSTS
145 PSI or kPa? If psi you are way too high. 53-55 is normal. If kPa you are far too low in pressure, 372-375 kPa is normal.

Both ways will not allow it to run.

If you put the key in and turn it to the start position does the security light stay on while the engine turns over or does it go out?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, November 26th, 2017 AT 11:11 AM
Tiny
MONTEZE
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Yes, the security light goes out when I try to start the car. I do not know if this will help you, but the battery will not stay charged at all. But, the security light do blinks when I get in the car and when I start the car it just cuts off.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, November 26th, 2017 AT 11:36 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,476 POSTS
Okay, if the light blinks and goes off when you try to start the engine the system is reading the key and recognizing it. So it isn't the pass-lock system.
If the light was staying on then it would be the passlock system.

Battery drained could be the root problem. If you have a bad battery and possibly a bad alternator it may be sending AC into the control system as soon as it starts spinning up and it scrambles the PCM.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, November 26th, 2017 AT 2:30 PM
Tiny
MONTEZE
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Okay, I do understand what you are saying. So what do I need to do?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, November 27th, 2017 AT 7:41 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,665 POSTS
You are losing spark or fuel when the engine stops running we need to see which.

Here are three guides designed to help us see which system is failing if the security light is not flashing chances are it is not a security issue.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

If no spark is observed it sounds like a crankshaft angle sensor is going out.

This guide will give you an idea of what you are in for when doing he job.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/crankshaft-angle-sensor-replacement

This guide may help as well

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

Please let us know what you find out.

Cheers, Ken
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, November 29th, 2017 AT 12:22 PM
Tiny
MONTEZE
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Ok thank you thats what it was
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, November 30th, 2017 AT 10:56 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,476 POSTS
Which one? Crank sensor or?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, November 30th, 2017 AT 12:09 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,665 POSTS
Nice work, we are here to help, please use 2CarPros anytime.

Cheers, Ken
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Thursday, November 30th, 2017 AT 12:10 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Engine Stall While Driving Content

Sponsored links