Cranks will not start?

If when you try to start the engine and it turns over meaning cranks, then the starter and starting system are okay. If the engine does not start then you have an engine issue.

Here is a guide that will help with that:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

Basically you need fuel, spark at the right time, and compression to start the engine. So let's start narrowing that down. Start with spraying some starter fluid in the intake and see if the engine fires. If it does not then pull a plug and hold it against the block and crank the engine. See if the plug fires. If it does then we can more onto compression but this is unlikely unless something happened to the engine.

Start with this and we can go from there. Thanks

This is the first time this is happens on my 93 Lesabre. I turn the key, it cranks, it doesn't start, and RIGHT after the crank, it made a noise that sounded like a groan coming from below and behind the dashboard. I cranked it again, and it did the exact same thing. No start, and it groaned right after. On the third attempt, it finally started. I have noticed that lately it's been hesitating a little before actually starting when i turn the key. But this is the first time it makes a groan right after not starting and it concerns me. Starter was replaced a few months ago. Any tips are appreciated.

Reckon the "groan" is the starter teeth grinding and not engaging to the flywheel?

If so, The starter might require "shims" ($5 or less at the auto parts store) to space it out a little from the flywheel.

This will let the starter drive push into and mesh with the flywheel teeth, instead of hitting the flywheel face and just spinning.

Let us know what you get all figgered out!

The Medic

Ok but in this case what size and shape should the shims be? And where exactly should they be placed? How are they secured?

Gonna show you a bunch of different shims in a minute.

Right now,

My 1st pic shows where the shim goes (pretty darn EZ!)

Many times shims are unnecessary (this is usually a GM problem-maybe poor designing)

Different starters use different shapes/ hole distances/ etc. (like a zig-zag)

They come in different thicknesses, I normally see 'em 3 in a pack, 1/16", and two 1/32" (I mostly do older "Jeeps", every now and again I'll see this situation on an old chevy)



I'm pretty sure that #1 in the pic is what you will need, most likely the one you use will be the same shape, as I looked up your starter at an online parts store (I don't think you will need #2 in my pic)



The auto parts store should be able to look up the type shims you need.

When I have put these on in the past, I always tried a thin one 1st, as my luck goes, I usually end up removing it and putting in the thick one. In some cases you gotta put more in. It's sometimes a trial and error thing to get it acceptable.

Now, I generally put in the thick one 1st time and that usually does it!

It's EZ!

Disconnect the negative side of the battery, if the starter is dangling during this task, you could accidentally ground the hot wire on the starter! This will prevent the issue.

2 bolts hold the starter in/ up, one will need to come completely out (you will know which will make this EZer when you see what must be done and the room you have to do it!)

Loosen the other bolt maybe 5 turns, the starter will now be gapped down a little bit from what is bolted to.

Insert Mr. Shim forked end 1st, the fork needs to fork around the bolt that you loosened, best done if you attack the bolt from the side. Keep it shoved around the bolt.

Rotate the shim so that the hole in it lines up with the starter bolt hole you can run the bolt you took out Thru the starter/ Thru the shim/ Screw it back it's hole. You may have to scoot it a little bit to get the hole in the shim lined up for the bolt.

Tighten the 2 starter bolts back up.

Hook Mr. Battery back up.

Basically, this is a "washer" between the starter and the housing.

Here's the whole sha-bang as to what you might need, I'd go with the auto parts stores suggestion!

https://www.searchlock.com/search?safe=&start=0&qn=&tbm=isch&sr=sb&rescnt=&q=gm+starter+shims

Pretty Simple

Keeps us posted!

The Medic



2nd pic), my daughter, back at age 10 demonstrates how to start "Willy" should the electric starter ever become uncooperative.

3rd) Grandmonsters

Turns over but wont start. Dumped gas straight into the carburator and still won't fire. It worked just fine the day before. What could it be and how do i check it? Also I need to know if their is a repair book I can buy that doesn"t cost an arm and a leg.

Repair manual you can download it here its cheap-You can start by checking for spark-

Disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine -have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, 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,distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors- Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it

.I have a 1993 Buick LeSabre. Has new starter new fuel filter but doesn't seem to want to start like not getting fuel to engine heard something about it being the crank shaft sensor.

All "crank, no start" conditions are approached in the same way. Every engine requires certain functions to be able to run. Some of these functions rely on specific components to work and some components are part of more than one function so it is important to see the whole picture to be able to conclude anything about what may have failed. Also, these functions can ONLY be tested during the failure. Any other time and they will simply test good because the problem isn't present at the moment.
If you approach this in any other way, you are merely guessing and that only serves to replace unnecessary parts and wastes money.



Every engine requires spark, fuel and compression to run. That's what we have to look for.

These are the basics that need to be tested and will give us the info required to isolate a cause.

1) Test for spark at the plug end of the wire using a spark tester. If none found, check for power supply on the + terminal of the coil with the key on.


2) Test for injector pulse using a small bulb called a noid light. If none found, check for power supply at one side of the injector with the key on.


3) Use a fuel pressure gauge to test for correct fuel pressure, also noticing if the pressure holds when key is shut off.

4) If all of these things check good, then you would need to do a complete compression test.

Once you have determined which of these functions has dropped out,
you will know which system is having the problem.

Engine Mechanical problem
1992 Buick Lesabre 6 cyl All Wheel Drive Automatic

The car has been acting funny lately. First it was hard to start, then the car would just die. It would shut off driving down the road. Anyhow I waent today with it , it stalled and I made it to the grocery store. When I tried to start it it was dead. Completely ! There was no power at all! I am not mechanically incline and have know idea if its the battery or electrical. PLease help. Thank you so much.I would be happy to donate but I am completely broke. I'm sorry.

Welcome to the forum. Are you saying it cranks good but won't start or it won't even crank? If it won't even crank, make sure battery has a full charge and the connections are good. If it cranks good but won't start, have a helper crank it, while you check for spark at the plugs. Use a gage and check fuel pressure.

1992 Buick LeSabre Custom :3.8L 231CI V6 car wont start(tries but stalls) when cold(not temp) once it does start after multiple tries and warms up start fine there after until it sits for a few hours and back to not starting, so far have done alot of work on it, cam/crank/coolent temp sensors, new plugs/wires/coils/ing mod, thermostat, manifold gaskets and it just started doing this, at first it starrted good, then hesitant to nadda..

Clean out the idle air control valve also Check the fuel pressure with a gauge to rule out a failing fuel pump-start here

as soon as it quits raining i will check my iacv

ok i got the iacv out, going to clean it and try that out otherwise im gonna drop the tank/pump & replace both

ok i cleaned the iacv, still a nogo. i remembered i had a code key so put it in i got code 12(normal)and code 58. going to see if i can find it online but you know more then i so your help on this is very appriciated

DTC - 58 Trans fluid temp sensor circuit error (low voltage) ...

Check and test the coolant temperature sensor

whats a good way to test it?
and ive also saw some on fourms where it also said it might be the vats

Could be the security system

ok i really do appreciate this help, i just replaced the coolant sensor when i did the manifold gaskets

Hey reapernet, have you been able to resolve this issue yet?

1992 buick lesabre cold winter starting problem. car starts fine but as it warms up a relay can be heard clicking under the passenger dash check engine light flashes on and off temp light flashes and then engine quits. restarting is tricky, push accelerator to the floor and crank. may start then relay clicks on and off and check engine light flashes. If you keepit running , after it is warmed up completely the car runs just fine. what needs to be changed? coolant temperature sensor has been changed and manifold air temp sensor has been changed. new crank sensor has been done also.

its the computer

first run a scan on the engine to see if there are any codes. then check fuel pressure. your regulator may be screwing up causing some of this. Make sure the battery is in good shape as a bad battery will cause problems like this also. Most auto parts stores can check thebattery for free. make sure it is charged before you take it in though. the relay you hear clicking may be your fuel pupm relay, which may indicate your fuel pump is going bad. One other thing to do is crawl under car and slam fuel tank on bottom with an open hand. if the car starts your pump is bad and needs to be replaced as it won'tlast long.

ive seen once or twice where its been a bad ground or a bad connectoin at the starter.

The car will not start sometimes,it has a security light that comes on. You have to wait for the light to go out, usually takes about two to three minutes. When the light goes out the car will start. Any ideas on what the problem is and how to fix it.

That's the VATS kicking in.
The cheapest and easiest thing to try is get a new key.

I'm assuming your key has a chip in the middle of it like this one.

Electrical problem
1992 Buick Lesabre 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

car turns over but wont start. no fire, no blown fuses.no fire in wire going to crank censor or camshaft censor

If your saying there is no ref voltage to crank or cam sensor, then you need to do some testing at the module.

I have a 92 Buick LaSabre, 118,000 miles, 3.8v6 which sometimes when I shut the car off and try and re-start it will crank fine but not start. After waiting a short period of time (5 to 20 mins) will all of the sudden start. This happens randomly and could happen after a short 10 mile trip to the store or after a 300 mile trip but not all the time. Yesterday while pulling up to a stop light the moter quit and ther car wouldn't start for about 15 mins. It's almost like something in the ignition is heating up and needs to cool down. Any ideas would be great.

Please Please please let me know if you have a reply to your question. I have the same car with the same problem. My buick is in the shop right now and ill let you know if i find anything out. Thanks.

Hi i have a 92 buick lesabre first of all when starting i have to give it gas to keep it running but only usally for 15-30 secs then its fine also when driving at 55+ it will randomly stutter only a few times and its completely random and usually goes away but check engine light doesn't usually come on while it does this. but i do have a randomly occurring check engine light any idea what this could be? and only reason i havnt gotten the check engine light checked is because i'd have to go to dealer Thank you for your time

When the check engine light is on, you need to have the computer scanned to determine what is causing the issue. It could be many things. Most parts stores will scan it for free, so try to get to one when the light is on.

I have a 93 buick lesabre 130,00miles 3.8 engine and it will not start. I have changed the gas tank thinking it might be the fuel pump still don't start. It does on the other hand keep killing batteries, but the alternator is still good because I had it tested at advance auto. Anybody got any other ideas?

What about your starter and battery cables?

Car has been sitting for years. I changed the battery the spark plugs, new fuel pump and filter and air filter. I am still getting no start but it will crank.

Welcome to 2CarPros.

It most likely is an issue with spark or fuel. Take a look through this link and see if it helps.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

Now, here are links that explain how to check for spark and fuel. We need to determine which one is missing.

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

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

An easy way to check and bypass the testing, is to do this. See if it starts for a couple seconds using starting fluid. If it does, then we know if is fuel related. If it doesn't, most likely it is ignition related.

Do this and let me know what you find.

Joe

Okay, I have spark and gas in lines but seems like too much gas came out fuel regulator cap with pin.

Welcome back:

When you say regulator cap, do you mean the rubber vacuum line to it or are you referring to the schrader valve where you connect a fuel pressure gauge?

If there is spark and fuel, it should run unless the fuel injectors are not putting fuel into the engine. Do me a favor, see if it will start for a couple seconds with starting fluid.

Let me know what happens.

Take care,
Joe