1997 Chevy Lumina Engine shuts off and will not turn over

Tiny
SANDIFAR
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 CHEVROLET LUMINA
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 400,456 MILES
The car drives nicely and after driving about 2 miles will shut off. When trying to restart, the solenoid will click but the engine will not turn over. The battery is fine. The next day the car will start and the situation repeats itself. The car has over 400,000 miles on it and runs great when it starts.
Friday, March 19th, 2010 AT 11:13 AM

6 Replies

Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Hi, thanks for the donation. When was the last tune-up? A tune-up is a maintenance issue, even if it doesn't fix the problem. What about theft/security system?

I'd have to double check the battery has a full charge, the connections are good and the charging system works ok. Check for applicable trouble codes. Around here, some of the national brand autostores used to check some codes for free.
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Friday, March 19th, 2010 AT 11:32 AM
Tiny
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I have a very expensive trouble code reader (borowed from mechanic friend). It indicates no trouble codes. The problem is that it won't turn over. I am wondering if the Starter could be the problem. Would something in that connection at the battery cable be the culprit that shuts the car off while driving? It will start the next day and go two miles, then quits. Solenoid clicks. The battey has a full charge. I even put my battery charger on it and even cranked it up to start boost. Nothing. I may change out the starter for grins. What do you think. I also realize it may be the cable to from Batt to Starter. Tune up will not keep it from turning over. Runs great when it starts.
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Friday, March 19th, 2010 AT 2:04 PM
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
When the problem occurs, if the security lite on the dash is on or flashing, I think your security system is involved. I'd have to check the starter circuit when it refuses to start. After the engine is running, your starter circuit should n't have anything to do with killing the vehicle.

Just speaking for myself, If a vehicle is brought to me with a problem, no matter the problem, and the vehicle needs a tune-up, the customer will pay for the tune-up or take the vehicle somewhere else. Hey, if your friend with expensive scanner is so great, let him fix it. If you want your money back, holler, I'll talk to the boss, he is good about refunds. Have a great day.
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Friday, March 19th, 2010 AT 2:32 PM
Tiny
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My, you sure are testy today! Lol. All I said was that I borrowed a scanner from a mechanic friend of mine. And you responded that if he is so great, let him fix it! You would have thought I was cheating on you! Lol. I agree with you in regards to tune ups. However, that is not keeping the engine from turning over. Keep the donation and have a margarita on me. And chill.
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Saturday, March 20th, 2010 AT 8:08 AM
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Hi, I agree with you, I need to chill. When it refuses to start, is the security lite on the dash, on or flashing? If it is, there may be a problem with your theft system. No offense to your friend, he probably knows more than I do, seriously. I hope you have a great day, if you can put up with me, I guess you can get alone with anybody.
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Saturday, March 20th, 2010 AT 9:39 AM
Tiny
MIDDY
  • MEMBER
  • 30 POSTS
When I read your first post, my first thought was "is this thermal?". Have you tried just starting the car up & letting it run in the driveway until it gets good & warm, and see if it shuts off?

A second thought I had, sort of along the lines of heat-related, wonder if the ignition key isn't returning all the way from 'start' to 'on', or there's some problem in that circuit, and you're still engaging the starter after the engine is running.

Sure seems like it'd have to be something in this general vicinity.
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Saturday, March 20th, 2010 AT 5:43 PM

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