1992 Buick Century 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 138000 miles
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Recently my Buick started this problem. Half the time it starts and runs fine, the other half it will not start (after not being used for several hours). When it doesn't start, the first turn of the key sounds normal, but if i continue to try, there is a sort of "backfire" that seems to occur where in the air filter compartment, and there is a puff of white vapor/smoke in the same position.

I do have a check engine light that's been coming on for about 2 months, which I was told was saying that my EGR valve was bad. At the time I was told this at Autozone, they also said it wasn't a serious situation, and at most I would probably have reduced gas mileage until I replaced it.

I'm not sure if the EGR valve could be causing the random ignition failures, and while I wait on my paycheck, I took out the valve and attempted to clean it and oil it with WD40. It didn't fix the problem, so I'm wondering if this could be the whole problem, or if it's not involved, and what the issue might be.

Thanks in advance for any help!

-Steve-

Cross these two terminals as shown, then turn the key on. Count the flashes, a 22 will flash as 2 flashes then a short pause, then 2 flashes, if more than one code is stored, the pause will be longer. The codes will display three times and end with 12. Write them down and post here. This connector is right under the middle of the dash...

ok just did that. it seemed to give me two different codes. a 13 and a 32.

thanks again !

o2 sensor and egr. these are not causing your starting issues. if this has the 4 cylinder engine then most likely the cause is the #1 spark plug wire is bad so rep[lace plugs and plug wires. if the engine is in fact a 3.8l v6 then the problem is probably a faulty coil pack and you can check it by using a ohm meter across the towers of the coils and you will probably find one that has a open in it.

Ok, I will do that asap. Thanks a ton for the advice. As far as the o2 sensor and EGR issues, I take it I'll just need to replace the sensor, but any advice on diagnosing the EGR code?

Get it running first then we will worry about the egr...32 could also be the MAP sensor voltage is low...

ok just finished replacing plugs and wires, also went ahead and replaced the o2 sensor.

car started on the first try afterwards, so hopefully that behavior will continue.

edit:

car is still starting. after clearing ECM codes and driving it then getting a check engine light, i'm still getting the 13 and 32 codes.

well i jinxed myself. it's not starting again, same backfire thing.

any other suggestions?

what ignition system does this have (here are 2 different ) are the coils all one piece or are there 3 seperate coils? if they are all one coil in a block then replace it. you can check for sure by using a ohm meter across the coil towers and i strongly feel you will find a coil out of resistance

i'm still rather new to this, but as far as i'm understanding, the coils are in a single block. i'm going to check for spark and also test the posts at the coil as you suggested.