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Engine will not turn over?

Tiny
FIREFIGHTER2017428
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 BUICK LESABRE
  • 3.8L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 2,000,000 MILES
Car will not even turn over. Security light okay, new starter new battery, and fusee are all fine. What could it be?
Friday, December 22nd, 2017 AT 1:15 PM

40 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,164 POSTS
If it will not crank, first check to see if there is power to the smaller wire on the starter when the key is in the start position. If there is not check the starter relay in the relay box under the hood to see if there is power there. Also, there is a main ignition fuse (60 amp). I attached a diagram of where it is in the fuse box under the hood. Check it. If that is good, check for a bad neutral safety switch. Here is a video for that:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-neutral-safety-switch-works

this guide can help as well

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

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Saturday, December 23rd, 2017 AT 4:39 PM
Tiny
AVOYAGER
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1999 BUICK LESABRE
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 12,700 MILES
Even with a jump, my 99 lesabre won't turn over.
I removed, cleaned, reassembled, and tightened the battery connections.
Battery seems strong.
When I turn the key, all the lights blink about every second continuously, like a pulsing.
It's very strange.
I've had lots of dead batteries over the years but this behavior has me baffled.
I get the same result whether or not I'm jumping the vehicle.
I use very large jumper cables connected to a chevy venture (which I think has plenty of amps to spare).
Any idea's on what might be the problem?
Or, what to check next?
Thanks!
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Thursday, August 6th, 2020 AT 9:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Try shorting out the starter solenoid and see what happens
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Thursday, August 6th, 2020 AT 9:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
AVOYAGER
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
This problem was resolved by replacing the battery w/a new one AND thoroughly cleaning the cable connections to the battery.
Rasmataz suggested shorting the solenoid on the starter (thanks for the tip!).
This I did and the engine tried to turn over but failed due to lack of power.
As part of the new battery install, I pulled all the rubber boots off of the red cable connectors and found lots of corrosion. I thoroughly cleaned off the corrosion and sprayed anti-corrosion onto the parts before reassembling.
Starts like a champ again.
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Thursday, August 6th, 2020 AT 9:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
TIM215
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 BUICK LESABRE
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 75,000 MILES
The car won't crank. It has a new battery and I can jump the starter but it will only run for a few seconds and then shut down. I also have replaced the ignition switch on the column. What can it be?
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Thursday, August 6th, 2020 AT 9:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Do you have a check engine light On or has flashed before this happened.

Sounds like the ignition system is not being powered up-disconnect a sparkplug wire and ground it to the engine, have helper to crank engine over -do you have spark?
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Thursday, August 6th, 2020 AT 9:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KDROBERTS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 BUICK LESABRE
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
Replaced starter several months ago and didnt rplace shroud. January hits with snow starter drags and grinds a little, thought I had ice build up. Let it thaw and set for a few weeks. Now battery seems low as it won't turn over. Hooked booster up, turn key to on and dash lights go crazy, especially heater button lights. They start flashing in a pattern. Car turns over with booster attached and only fired once but wouldn't run. Any suggestions?
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Thursday, August 6th, 2020 AT 9:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Have the battery load tested to check its condition and check starter solenoid and ignition switch-Cranks over and will not start Do below to determine if its fuel or spark problem

Get a helper disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine atleast 3/16 away from ground-have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, Do you hear the fuel pump come On when you turn key on? If not check fuel pump fuse and fuel pump relay if okay-check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs, coil's resistances, cap and rotor, distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors and computer Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it and keep testing
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Thursday, August 6th, 2020 AT 9:33 AM (Merged)
Tiny
TODDFADALE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1999 BUICK LESABRE
  • 6.0L
  • V6
  • 230,000 MILES
New battery new starter. New battery cables. I turn the key to start it and nothing.
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Thursday, August 6th, 2020 AT 9:34 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello,

Is your vehicle's security light flashing?

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
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Thursday, August 6th, 2020 AT 9:34 AM (Merged)
Tiny
LUVBIRD27
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 BUICK LESABRE
Other Category problem
1999 Buick Lesabre 174000 miles

My car will not start. Its just kinda making like a clicking sound sometimes and then it sounds like something is spinning when I try to start it. I think it may be the starter. Where is it located?
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Thursday, August 6th, 2020 AT 9:34 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DENNYP
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,823 POSTS
If it is a rapid clicking, you need to have the battery tested.
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Thursday, August 6th, 2020 AT 9:34 AM (Merged)
Tiny
2CP-ARCHIVES
  • MEMBER
  • 4,542 POSTS
  • 1998 BUICK LESABRE
  • 200,000 MILES
98 Buick LeSabre won't crank. When I turn the key to start the check engine light, security light and voltmeter do not work. I can get the starter to crank by removing the start enable relay from under the dash and putting a jumper wire across it. When I turn the key the engine cranks but won't fire. I don't hear the fuel pump running but I do hear a relay click when I turn the key to start. Also I don't have turn signals or back up lights. Everything else electrical seems to work. I was acting up for several days but would eventually start after several tries. Now I can't get it to start at all. I think there is a burnt smell down under the dash on drivers side, but haven't found any broken wires so far.
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Thursday, August 6th, 2020 AT 9:34 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Hello,

These cars had a problem with two small wires at the ignition switch that break and need to be fixed for the starter to work here are guides to help you fix the problem.

Check out the diagrams (Below). Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem.

Cheers
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Thursday, August 6th, 2020 AT 9:34 AM (Merged)
Tiny
LILGUY23
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1998 BUICK LESABRE
  • 329,000 MILES
Car was working fine but I wanted to change the brake pads. I then tried to start the car and it wouldn't start. Cleaned the battery cables, checked all fuses, checked battery voltage, and the neutral start switch is fine. Fuel pump will run for 15 seconds. Decided to replace the starter. Starter will crank when you jump it at the starter, car still won't start. Installed reader and no codes show up. I suspect it's one of the relays under the firewall, but I don't know which one as I can't find a schematic that shows what they are. Any help would be much appreciated. Thank you.
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Thursday, August 6th, 2020 AT 9:35 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,164 POSTS
Welcome to 2CarPros.

First, I attached the entire starting system schematic for you. I had to cut it into two parts so it was readable, but I did overlap them so you could follow it. Also, there is a starter enable relay under the dash that should be checked. Picture 3 shows what I am referring to.

Here is a link that explains how to test a relay. I noted you are a mechanic, but thought it may be helpful.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
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Thursday, August 6th, 2020 AT 9:35 AM (Merged)
Tiny
LILGUY23
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Can anyone tell me anything about the anti-theft system to get the car started again? Since the car is so old we no longer have the key fob or an extra key to try getting it started. Where can we find a diagram of the relays under the firewall that tells what each relay does? Thank you.
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Thursday, August 6th, 2020 AT 9:35 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello,

If you want to try a anti-theft/security system reset here is the tutorial:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-reset-a-security-system

Scroll the page to find Buick.Hope this helps and thanks for again using 2CarPros.

Danny-
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Thursday, August 6th, 2020 AT 9:35 AM (Merged)
Tiny
TERRYS10
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
  • 1998 BUICK LESABRE
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 54,000 MILES
The engine was running just fine and suddenly, while driving, began to misfire and loose power, I managed to make it to my destination, but was unable to start it when I was ready to leave. I checked spark at the ignition coils and got a pretty good orangish arc. I also verified the fuel pump is pumping at least 20 PSI (gauge limit). Plugs look a bit oily but okay otherwise. I did not check spark at the plugs. With the key in the on position I have 6 volts on all fuel injector connectors. Any thoughts?
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Thursday, August 6th, 2020 AT 9:35 AM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,757 POSTS
Correct fuel pressure is very important so it needs to be measured more accurately.
The spec for this engine is 48 - 55 psi
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Thursday, August 6th, 2020 AT 9:35 AM (Merged)

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