No crank no start issue

MICHAELHORNET919

MEMBER
1995 BUICK REGAL
3.8L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
100,000 MILES

This car was running fine when I bought it. One morning we went to start the vehicle for work and there was nothing at all (no power). After letting the vehicle sit for about 8 months I decided to get it back on the road. I replaced the battery and the starter motor, cleaning all connections in the process. Everything lights up on the dash and I am getting power from the battery to the starter along with the small ignition wire when turning the key to the start position, and again no start no crank. The theft system is not blinking or anything and I have went through and checked all fuses and relays. The only thing I see is that there are three wires on the starter that were hooked up before on the old one that I put back instead of just two wires that I am seeing everywhere else. I believe the third wire is supposed to be grounded on the transaxle stud but was moved to the starter for some reason and asking if this could possibly be the issue or I am missing something.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,289 POSTS

Hi,

None of the wires going to the starter should be grounded. Do not do that.

As far as the starter goes, there will be a heavy gauge black wire direct from the battery. On the same terminal, there is a wire that sends battery voltage to the alternator. Then, there will be a smaller gauge purple wire.

If you look at pic 1 below, it shows the alternator and how it gets B+v from the starter. Do not ground that wire.

Next, try this before we proceed. See if it will start in neutral. Additionally, there are two fuses to check. In the under-hood fuse box, locate the 40-amp ignition switch 1 fuse. Confirm the fuse is good. Additionally, make sure it is getting power to and from it.

If it is good, check fuse 11 (5 amp) in the interior fuse box. Do the same. Check for power to and from it.

Here is a link you may find helpful:

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

If they are good, the next thing we need to do is this. You already know the heavy-gauge black wire has battery voltage all the time. The smaller purple wire will only receive 12v when the key is in the start position. When the key is in any other position, the purple wire will not have any power. Check to see if it is getting the power needed.

Let me know if you have questions, please let me know. Also, let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below. Pic 3 shows the interior fuse box and pics 4 and 5 show the under-hood electrical center #2 location and the fuse to check.

Images (Click to make bigger)