Shut off and will not restart?

907AZNBOY

MEMBER
1999 BUICK PARK AVENUE
3.8L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
198,000 MILES

Car was running and driving fine. Then one day I stopped at the bank and when I came back out it wasn't running anymore. Wife said it just shut off on its own. I tried to restart it and it turned over fine but it wouldn't start. Check all my battery and wire connections and they're good. Also checked fuses and relays and good there. Fuel pump kicks on when I turn the key on and gauges work. I let the car sit for just over a day after battery died trying to start it. Then I got a jump, and it fired right up. It drove fine for a few miles and then I stopped in a parking lot, and it shut off again after idling for about 5 minutes or so. It hasn't restarted since. I replaced the battery and that wasn't the issue. I've checked all fuses and battery and wire connections are all good. It turns over good just won't start.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,179 POSTS

Hi,

A crank no start condition is usually the result of one of two things, loss of fuel or ignition spark to the plugs.

Here is what I want you to try. See if it starts with starting fluid. If it does and then stalls, we know it's a fuel-related issue. Although you hear the pump turn on, it may not be producing what is needed.

If there is absolutely no change with starting fluid, then I need you to check for spark to the plugs.

Here is a link that explains how to do this:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-for-ignition-spark

Try this and let me know the results.

Take care,

Joe