Automotive Forums

I got a 94 Buick LeSabre. Since about a couple months ago, when I try to start the engine, it will start and then die about three seconds later. Sometimes it will start at the second try, but the coldest the weather gets, the harder it takes to get it started. Two days ago it took me about 10 tries to finally get it going, but it died on me about 3 times on the 7 miles I have to work. This was the worst case, but before that it also died on my wife a few times. Amd sometimes it doesn't die, but it seems like the engine stops for a split second, the speed needle jumps a bit and the warning lights come on for a fraction of a second, but after that it keeps going.



I don't know anything about mechanics, but I thought it might be the battery, becase I don't think it's ever been replaced and the car has 96,000 miles on it. I took it to the Autozone for a complete test, and they told me that because it's a 94 they can't plug in the tester machine, but they were able to test the battery and they told me it's fine.



I would like to try out a few things before having to take it to the mechanic and pay $75 an hour just to learn what's wrong with it. Can anybody tell me what it might be, judging by the symptoms?

Also, I would like to try replacing the spark plugs, if it's something that a layman can do, even if it takes me a long time, because I'm sure they have never been changed and I have a gut feeling that the problem could be related to that, but maybe I'm wrong. Can anybody point me to a website with a tutorial on how to replace spark plugs on a 94 LeSabre? I would really appreciate it.



Thanks,



Sebastian Alvarez  

It sounds like you could use a tune-up. You might be better going and buying a service manual from an auto parts store to help you. It will even tell you how to pull the codes on your car with a paper clip.  

sebaz wrote:

I got a 94 Buick LeSabre. Since about a couple months ago, when I try to start the engine, it will start and then die about three seconds later. Sometimes it will start at the second try, but the coldest the weather gets, the harder it takes to get it started. Two days ago it took me about 10 tries to finally get it going, but it died on me about 3 times on the 7 miles I have to work. This was the worst case, but before that it also died on my wife a few times. Amd sometimes it doesn't die, but it seems like the engine stops for a split second, the speed needle jumps a bit and the warning lights come on for a fraction of a second, but after that it keeps going.

I don't know anything about mechanics, but I thought it might be the battery, becase I don't think it's ever been replaced and the car has 96,000 miles on it. I took it to the Autozone for a complete test, and they told me that because it's a 94 they can't plug in the tester machine, but they were able to test the battery and they told me it's fine.

I would like to try out a few things before having to take it to the mechanic and pay $75 an hour just to learn what's wrong with it. Can anybody tell me what it might be, judging by the symptoms?
Also, I would like to try replacing the spark plugs, if it's something that a layman can do, even if it takes me a long time, because I'm sure they have never been changed and I have a gut feeling that the problem could be related to that, but maybe I'm wrong. Can anybody point me to a website with a tutorial on how to replace spark plugs on a 94 LeSabre? I would really appreciate it.

Thanks,

Sebastian Alvarez

go to your parts store and buy a haynes manual, and look into the IAC(intake air control) valve, it could be clogged with carbon. but like they said, do the tune up(plugs, wires, air filter, fuel filter) first

Quite a few GMs had problems during that era with intermittant stalling and no starts. Remove the passenger side cover at the bottom of the dash and the glove box. You are looking for the ECM (computer). It is a metal box (12inches x 8inches) with a whole bunch of wires coming out of one side. Start the car and tap on the box with your hand or a screwdriver handle.( GM calls this a tap test) If the printed circuit is loose or there is a bad solder joint inside , the engine will stumble - quit- surge- stall etc. I have even got cars started this way that would crank but not start. If you get a reaction when you tap , let it smooth out again then retap to confirm. If this happens the ECM has to be replaced. They have rebuilt computers available fairly cheap. They are easy to remove from the car and you will find a service number you will need to order the right one. There are also one or two chips under a metal cover that have to be removed and installed into the new ECM.  A test that is easy to try anyway and doesn't cost anything. Good Luck  

fuel pump or the coil pack  

i would check the crankshaft position sensor.  

It sounds like you may have a plugged cat. I ran into a similar problem with my 94 custom. The job isn't that hard because there is no need for welding. If you go to the auto parts store and get the new cat, try to get the one without the reburner tube.