Car turns off after refueling?

Tiny
JUANEMMANUEL
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 BUICK RIVIERA
  • 3.8L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 173,500 MILES
I had no problems whatsoever while idling or driving in the city or highway. I went to go fill up the tank, which was at a little less than half. I turn on the car with no problem, after 10 seconds it shuts off. I repeat the same process about 5 more times and still it turns off. After I get towed back to work, I turn it on again and this time it stays on, so I think I'm good. A few hours pass and I'm about to leave, I drive for 20 seconds, and it shuts off again. What can be the problem? The fuel filter is not even a year old yet and the fuel pump is an aftermarket Walbro that I installed about 5 years ago. Again, there were no symptoms at all before this.
Thursday, April 25th, 2024 AT 6:43 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

When it refuses to restart, I need you to try something. Do this and let me know the results.

When the engine won't restart, see if it will start if you use starting fluid. If it does and then stalls, we know it is a fuel-related issue. If there is no change, then suspect it is ignition related.

At that point, I need you to check if there is spark at the spark plugs.

Here is a link that explains how this is done:

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

If you are hearing the fuel pump prime, I have a feeling this may be ignition related. Since the vehicle sat while refueling, the crankshaft position sensor may have saturated with engine heat. When they start to fail, heat adversely affects them. The result is it won't start until it has a chance to cool.

Take a look through this link and let me know if it mirrors what you are experiencing:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-crankshaft-sensor

The idea it first happened when refueling may be a coincidence. On the other hand, it could be a fuel problem. Doing these checks will help us eliminate possible ideas.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Thursday, April 25th, 2024 AT 8:32 PM
Tiny
JUANEMMANUEL
  • MEMBER
  • 63 POSTS
The thing is it does start. It starts every time I turn the key. It just doesn't last very long on. Although like I said, when I left about 20 minutes off and I restarted it, it actually stayed on for about 5 minutes.
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Thursday, April 25th, 2024 AT 9:09 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
When it does start, do you ever notice any gray smoke from the exhaust or does the exhaust have a strong smell that could indicate it is getting too much fuel?

Also, you may want to scan the computer to see if there are diagnostic trouble codes stored.

Here is a link that explains how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/can-scan-controller-area-network-easy

If you don't have a scan tool, often a parts store will lend one to you.

Let me know.

Joe
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Friday, April 26th, 2024 AT 8:17 PM
Tiny
JUANEMMANUEL
  • MEMBER
  • 63 POSTS
So, I swapped out the Fuel Pump Relay with another relay just like it, and it didn't stall out anymore after several days of driving. Apparently, the problem was the fuel pump relay failing intermittently. Thanks.
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Monday, April 29th, 2024 AT 6:27 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

Thanks for the update. I'm glad to know you resolved the problem and it wasn't an expensive repair.

Take care of yourself and feel free to come back anytime in the future.

Joe
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Monday, April 29th, 2024 AT 7:15 PM

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