Engine will not crank over

Tiny
EWRACING76
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 BUICK CENTURY
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
Hello, Iam a newly ASE Tech that ran into my first major issue and cant seem to figure it out. What I have is a 1999 buick century that has a no crank over issue plus I dont hear the fuel pump kicking on either. The car ran fine till I shut it off and every light on the dash stays on when the key is removed so I figured that the chip in the key finally went bad so I tried my other key and that didn't work. Then I figured it had to be the ignition switch. So I put in a new ignition right from the dealer and a key to match. Well when I removed the old ignition I noticed the wire that runs down the column from the switch was rubbed through from the metal pressure plate behind the steering wheel so I figured that had to be it. After I installed the new one and went to test it, still nothing. So the only thing I can think of is the exposed wire shorted out the ECU? I also tried to use my scanner to link up the computer and I cant get a connection. PLEASE HELP!
Saturday, February 14th, 2009 AT 11:17 PM

28 Replies

Tiny
PEAR69
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,482 POSTS
Check the ECU fuse under the hood. Do not assume it is good just by looking at it -- test it for continuity. Which wire was shorting out? Does this car have a vats system?

This guide will help

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Sunday, February 15th, 2009 AT 1:52 AM
Tiny
EWRACING76
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
It was the wire from the ignition lock for the vats system that was rubbed through. Yes it does have a vats system.
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Sunday, February 15th, 2009 AT 6:36 PM
Tiny
PEAR69
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,482 POSTS
Your car is acting like it has a VATS system module failure. The wire shorting out may have caused damage to the module. The fuel pump is what the VATS system turns off when there trouble with the system. The dealer is the only place that I know of to properly test the VATS module. Keep me posted.
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Sunday, February 15th, 2009 AT 7:47 PM
Tiny
2CP-ARCHIVES
  • MEMBER
  • 4,540 POSTS
  • 1998 BUICK CENTURY
  • 167,400 MILES
Engine rotate but will not crank anyone can tell wats wrong?
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Monday, July 6th, 2020 AT 5:06 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,089 POSTS
Check to see if it is getting spark and fuel to the engine. One is most likely missing.
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Monday, July 6th, 2020 AT 5:06 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACKHARE
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
There is a fuel pump connector/plug located behind the rear passenger tire that can come unplugged. If this is the problem, the engine will fire when starting fluid is introduced (eliminating no spark problem). Slide under the car behind the passenger rear wheel by the muffler and look for a connector/plug mounted to the body about arms' length up. Check for seating/corrosion.
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Monday, July 6th, 2020 AT 5:06 PM (Merged)
Tiny
NOT4LONG
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1998 BUICK CENTURY
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 160,000 MILES
Won't turn over. New batt. New starter, new cable, check and cleaned connections. Check fuses, check relays. And fixed the garage door. Help please, please help
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Monday, July 6th, 2020 AT 5:06 PM (Merged)
Tiny
OBXAUTOMEDIC
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,711 POSTS
Hello,

Well congrats on the Garage Door Fix.

Ok, couple other causes.

Bad Ignition Switch - location depends on if tilt steering or not and if shifter is on floor.

Bad Key Chip - in most newer vehicles there is a security chip in the key itself. If becomes damaged can fail and vehicle will not start. If have spare key try it.

Post results.
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Monday, July 6th, 2020 AT 5:06 PM (Merged)
Tiny
NOT4LONG
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Spare key-- already tried

Tilt steering--appreciate test procedure

Thank you
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Monday, July 6th, 2020 AT 5:06 PM (Merged)
Tiny
OBXAUTOMEDIC
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,711 POSTS
Turn ignition off. Disconnect black, 48-pin connector c201 or black, 56-pin connector c200 located on right side of steering column. Using dvom, check for continuity between specified terminals with ignition switch in specified position. See ignition switch continuity test table. See fig. 1 and fig. 2. If continuity does not exist as indicated, replace ignition switch.

Fig. 1: identifying 48-pin connector c201 terminals
Ignition switch continuity test
Switch position (1)continuity between terminals (wire color)
Acc d2 (red) & d6 (brn)
Off d5 (red) & c1 (dk grn)
Run d2 (red) & d6 (brn) d2 (red) & c6 (org); d5
(red) & c1 (wht); d5 (red) & c5 (pnk)
Start & bulb test d5 (red) & c1 (wht); d5 (red) & c5 (pnk)

(1) all terminals are on connector c201, unless otherwise indicated.
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Monday, July 6th, 2020 AT 5:06 PM (Merged)
Tiny
OBXAUTOMEDIC
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,711 POSTS
Sorry here are better pics
Images (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Thumb
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Monday, July 6th, 2020 AT 5:06 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BUICKDRIVER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1994 BUICK CENTURY
My starter seems to disengage and spin after not even one full turn of the motor.
Do you think its the starter that has a problem
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Monday, July 6th, 2020 AT 5:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
I'd remove the starter and check the starter drive gear for wear. Also, check the flywheel teeth, see if they look ok. It may have just hit a bad spot on the flywheel. Some of the national brand auto stores will test the starter for you, if you take the starter to them.

You could lay the starter on the ground, hook up jumper cables properly from fully charged battery to starter, at the least, it should kick out the pinion gear and spin. If it still acts up, then suspect the starter.

I realize this is an old post. In the future, hope you don't have any vehicle issues, but, if you do, keep the site in mind. They are always working to improve the site and it's free to ask a question.

The site has more moderators now, than they did several years ago. Especially for domestic vehicles and some imports, your question won't go unanswered or shouldn't.

Have a good day.
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Monday, July 6th, 2020 AT 5:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JS0291
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 1993 BUICK CENTURY
  • 103,000 MILES
Mr Buick Century, with 103K miles started yesterday, but today when I turned the ignition the dash board lights came on but the car did not crank. I did hear the electrical devices engage but absolutely no cranking. Do I have a possible starter, or relay problem?
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Monday, July 6th, 2020 AT 5:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,089 POSTS
Is there a click or clicking from the starter?
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+4
Monday, July 6th, 2020 AT 5:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JS0291
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
The starter does not engage, no clicking of any kind from anywhere.
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Monday, July 6th, 2020 AT 5:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,089 POSTS
Okay, I need you to get a helper. Have your helper turn the key to the start position while you check for power to the smaller wire at the starter. You should have 12 volts. Let me know what you find.
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Monday, July 6th, 2020 AT 5:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TWSHIPLEY28
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Check the battery
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Monday, July 6th, 2020 AT 5:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JS0291
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
It was the starter. Thank you.
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Monday, July 6th, 2020 AT 5:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
GREATSAINT01
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1992 BUICK CENTURY
Engine Performance problem
1992 Buick Century 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic

when I turn my key in the to crank up my car it will not do nothing but just shake and it looks like it wants to come on. But I wont the lights will come on but nothing I throught it had ran out of gas so I put about eight gallons but nothing.
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Monday, July 6th, 2020 AT 5:07 PM (Merged)

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