Engine lost power while driving

SASS.FRASS

MEMBER
2010 BUICK LA CROSSE
V6
AUTOMATIC
148 MILES

I was driving my car and I looked down at the speedometer and something came across as ignition lock and I ignored it. I knew the timing chain needed to be replaced and about 20 seconds later the steering wheel locked in place and I hit the gas but the car was not speeding up. It was slowing down and then I tried restarting it and it would not. About a half an hour later I started it up again and it started. What is wrong? I have 148,000 miles.

1 Reply

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Good morning,

I attached some guides below for you to review. This could be a fuel delivery issue from a bad fuel pump or it could be a spark issue.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-electric-fuel-pump

When it does not start, you will need to test both the fuel pressure and spark to see which system is malfunctioning. I attached the procedure for replacing the pump if it is a failure. You can rent a tester at a parts store.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

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

The steering wheel locking up came from the engine not running and the power steering had no assist.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-stalls

If it is spark-related, it could be the ECM as it controls the spark for the engine control system. I attached the location and the procedure for replacement.

Roy

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