Cant get it to engage and stay running

Tiny
CAM0271
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 BUICK LESABRE
  • 3.8L
  • V6
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 77,000 MILES
2001 Buick Le Sabre Custom 3.8L, I pulled it into the garage to install a stereo. After I was finished I was going to start it but it wouldn't engage. It turns over like it is going to start but it doesn't engage and backfires once. I checked the fuses and the battery, changed the mass air control sensor still no luck. Car ran before I did the stereo now it cranks but stops almost immediately (2or3 seconds)of crank and backfires once. A friend of mine borrowed my his Launch Creader for Generic OBD II, but I don't know if it will work as the car will not start. Any ideas on what might be wrong with my car and how do I use this code reader? Any advice will be appreciated. Thank you
Tuesday, February 10th, 2015 AT 10:53 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 34,330 POSTS
Code readers have nothing to do with the engine having to run. In fact, a large percentage of diagnostic fault codes relate to things that cause no-starts. All you have to do is connect the reader to the data port under the steering wheel, then turn on the ignition switch and follow the menus to get to the codes.

If the engine runs normally for two seconds, it might be in theft mode.
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Tuesday, February 10th, 2015 AT 11:42 AM

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