Hard Start
Checks
Action
Definition: Engine cranks OK, but does not start for a long time. Does eventually run, or may start but immediately dies.
Preliminary
• Refer to the Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check .
• Refer to Important Preliminary Checks .
• Refer to Visual/Physical Checks .
• Search for bulletins.
Sensor/System
• Check Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor for being shifted in value. Connect a Scan Tool and compare the Engine Coolant Temperature with the Intake Air Temperature on a cold engine. The ECT and IAT should be within ± 3°C (5°F) of each other. Check the resistance of the ECT sensor if the temperature is out of range with the IAT sensor. Refer to Temperature vs Resistance . If the ECT sensor resistance is not within the specification, refer to DTC P0117 Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Circuit Low Voltage or DTC P0118 Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Circuit High Voltage .
• Check the throttle body inlet screen for foreign objects or damage that may affect the MAF sensor airflow sample. Refer to Throttle Body Assembly Replacement .
• Use a scan tool in order to check the IAC operation. Refer to Idle Air Control (IAC) System Check .
• EGR system. Check the for the following conditions:
- EGR pipes and adapter for vacuum leaks.
- Remove the EGR valve and check for a stuck open pintle. Refer to Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve Replacement .
Fuel System
• Check the fuel pump relay circuit for proper operation. Refer to Fuel Pump Electrical Circuit Diagnosis .
• Check for incorrect fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Pressure Test .
• Check the fuel injectors. Refer to Fuel Injector Solenoid Coil Test .
• Check for fuel contamination. Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Test .
Ignition System
• Check for proper ignition voltage output by using the following steps:
- Clip the spark tester J 26792 to engine ground.
- Connect one end of a spark plug wire to the spark tester while leaving the other end of the spark plug wire to the coil being tested.
- Connect one end of another spark plug wire to the other coil tower.
- Connect the other end of the spark plug wire to ground.
- Crank the engine while observing the spark tester. A crisp blue spark should be observed.
- Repeat the above steps for each coil.
• If an adequate spark is not present at the coil(s), check for the following conditions:
- Coil(s) - Cracks, carbon tracking/arcing, or a resistance value outside the specified range.
Coil Resistance
5000 - 8000 ohms (5K - 8K ohms)
- Spark Plug wires
• signs of arcing/cross
• cracks
• carbon tracking
• firing
• plug boot damage
• pinched or improper routing
• high resistance
- Spark plug wire resistances should measure less than the specified value.
VIN 1 Spark Plug Wire Resistance
7000 ohms (7K ohms).
VIN K Spark Plug Wires Resistance
10000 ohms (10K ohms).
Important: Spraying the secondary ignition wires with a light mist of water may help locate an intermittent problem. Ignition components will arc to ground when a secondary component is malfunctioning.
- Defective module.
- Ignition System Wiring - Loose ignition module feed or ground connection, or damaged system wiring.
• Remove spark plugs and check for the following conditions:
- Fouled plugs
- Cracks
- Wear
- Improper gap
- Burned or damaged electrodes
- Improper heat range or reach
• If spark plugs are gas or oil fouled, the cause of the fouling must be determined before replacing the spark plugs.
Engine Mechanical
• Excessive oil in combustion chamber-Leaking valve seals. Refer to Engine Mechanical.
• Low cylinder compression. Refer to Engine Mechanical.
• For incorrect basic engine parts. Inspect the following:
- Cylinder heads
- Camshaft and valve train components
- Pistons, etc.
- Refer to Engine Mechanical.
SOURCE: 1997 buick lesabre, engine light stays on
The are many things that can cause your "check engine" light to stay on. One possibility is that although you have fixed the trouble code for your crankshaft position sensor, the code has not been erased from the computer's memory. Another possibility is that you have another issue going on that is causing a new trouble code to come up. You're going to need to have your car hooked up to a ODB-2 engine code reader to see what the issue is. These code readers are available for purchase at any auto parts store. In addition, many of your local auto parts stores will check trouble codes as a free service to customer. If not, many parts retailers offer the option to rent one of these code readers. Which ever way you decide to go, run a full engine/emissions trouble code check. If the only code that comes up is the code that came up previous to fixing your positioning sensor, then all you need to do is erase the trouble code from the computer's memory. (Most code readers have the option to erase trouble codes, but if you're going to rent or buy one, I would suggest that you check to make sure that the code reader that you're getting is capable of erasing trouble codes as some code readers only indicate the codes and will not remove them from your computer's memory.) If your trouble code scan reveals other codes, then you'll have to fix and erase them as they arise.
FYI- In my experience, I've noticed that 95% of the time that a check engine light/trouble code arises that it is usually an emissions problem (oxygen sensors, mass air-flow units, MAP sensors, etc.). However, General Motors products are notorious for getting trouble codes for having loose battery/ground connections and for having worn-out fuel caps. With any GM vehicle, I always check these two things first to try to save me from having to look further than I need to.
Hope this helps! I'm sure once you've scanned your cars computer and erased any existing trouble codes, that you'll stop being annoyed by your check engine light, as I know how bothersome it can be. Have a great day!
SOURCE: 1997 buick lesabre Will not start
assuming the key is the 1 the you have always been using and no battery changes in the vehicle , there are 4 fuses involved with the security system , i would start by checking them . right rear of engine compartment holds 1 maxi fuse #4 20 amp PCM VATS , and 3 other others in the I/P fuse box , get a tester and check all fuses .
SOURCE: 1997 buick Lesabre limited all lights come on,wont start
the ingnition switch has a wire broken that wont allow the computer to turn the security system off to let the car start
SOURCE: abs & traction light on 1997 buick lesabre
This is a fairly common problem, Gm has actually issued a service bulletin regarding this repair. The problem probably originates from one of your wheel speed sensors that is mounted inside one of your front wheel bearings. To be sure, you need to have the car scanned to find out which one and then you have to replace the whole bearing assembly because the sensor is integral to the bearing. The bearing is not hard to do but you will need some professional tools if you want to do it yourself. At a shop it should cost between 3 and 400 dollars complete.
SOURCE: 1993 buick lesabre won't start. security light is
The coded key probably needs to relearn. Turn ignition to crank and release. Let sit in on position (engine off of coarse) for a full 10 min. turn off for 30 sec. and repeat 3 times engine should start. This procedure should take 30 min. so a booster is needed to maintain a full 12 volts. Do not attempt w/out a charger connected;
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