Engine will not crank over

1999 BUICK CENTURY
150,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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EWRACING76
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hello, Iam a newly ASE Tech that ran into my first major issue and cant seem to figure it out. What i have is a 1999 buick century that has a no crank over issue plus i dont hear the fuel pump kicking on either. The car ran fine till i shut it off and every light on the dash stays on when the key is removed so i figured that the chip in the key finally went bad so i tried my other key and that didn't work. Then i figured it had to be the ignition switch. So i put in a new ignition right from the dealer and a key to match. Well when i removed the old ignition i noticed the wire that runs down the column from the switch was rubbed through from the metal pressure plate behind the steering wheel so i figured that had to be it. After i installed the new one and went to test it, still nothing. So the only thing i can think of is the exposed wire shorted out the ECU? I also tried to use my scanner to link up the computer and i cant get a connection. PLEASE HELP!
Feb 14, 2009 at 11:17 PM
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PEAR69
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Check the ECU fuse under the hood. Do not assume it is good just by looking at it -- test it for continuity. Which wire was shorting out? Does this car have a vats system?

This guide will help

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

Please run down this guide and report back.
Feb 15, 2009 at 1:52 AM
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EWRACING76
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it was the wire from the ignition lock for the vats system that was rubbed through. yes it does have a vats system.
Feb 15, 2009 at 6:36 PM
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PEAR69
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Your car is acting like it has a VATS system module failure. The wire shorting out may have caused damage to the module. The fuel pump is what the VATS system turns off when there trouble with the system...The dealer is the only place that I know of to properly test the VATS module..Keep me posted..
Feb 15, 2009 at 7:47 PM
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2CP-ARCHIVES
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Engine rotate but will not crank anyone can tell wats wrong?
Jul 6, 2020 at 5:06 PM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Check to see if it is getting spark and fuel to the engine. One is most likely missing.
Jul 6, 2020 at 5:06 PM (Merged)
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JACKHARE
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There is a fuel pump connector/plug located behind the rear passenger tire that can come unplugged. If this is the problem, the engine will fire when starting fluid is introduced (eliminating no spark problem). Slide under the car behind the passenger rear wheel by the muffler and look for a connector/plug mounted to the body about arms' length up. Check for seating/corrosion.
Jul 6, 2020 at 5:06 PM (Merged)
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NOT4LONG
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won't turn over. new batt. new starter, new cable, check and cleaned connections.check fuses, check relays. and fixed the garage door. help please, please help
Jul 6, 2020 at 5:06 PM (Merged)
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OBXAUTOMEDIC
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Hello,

Well congrats on the Garage Door Fix...

Ok, couple other causes...

Bad Ignition Switch - location depends on if tilt steering or not and if shifter is on floor.

Bad Key Chip - in most newer vehicles there is a security chip in the key itself. If becomes damaged can fail and vehicle will not start. If have spare key try it.

Post results....
Jul 6, 2020 at 5:06 PM (Merged)
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NOT4LONG
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Spare key-- already tried

Tilt steering--appreciate test procedure

Thank you
Jul 6, 2020 at 5:06 PM (Merged)
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OBXAUTOMEDIC
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Turn ignition off. Disconnect black, 48-pin connector c201 or black, 56-pin connector c200 located on right side of steering column. Using dvom, check for continuity between specified terminals with ignition switch in specified position. See ignition switch continuity test table. See fig. 1 and fig. 2 . If continuity does not exist as indicated, replace ignition switch.

fig. 1: identifying 48-pin connector c201 terminals
Ignition switch continuity test
Switch position (1)continuity between terminals (wire color)
Acc d2 (red) & d6 (brn)
Off d5 (red) & c1 (dk grn)
Run d2 (red) & d6 (brn) d2 (red) & c6 (org); d5
(red) & c1 (wht); d5 (red) & c5 (pnk)
Start & bulb test d5 (red) & c1 (wht); d5 (red) & c5 (pnk)

(1) all terminals are on connector c201, unless otherwise indicated.
Jul 6, 2020 at 5:06 PM (Merged)
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OBXAUTOMEDIC
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Sorry here are better pics
Images (Click to enlarge)
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Jul 6, 2020 at 5:06 PM (Merged)
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BUICKDRIVER
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My starter seems to disengage and spin after not even one full turn of the motor.
Do you think its the starter that has a problem
Jul 6, 2020 at 5:07 PM (Merged)
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JDL
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I'd remove the starter and check the starter drive gear for wear. Also, check the flywheel teeth, see if they look ok. It may have just hit a bad spot on the flywheel. Some of the national brand auto stores will test the starter for you, if you take the starter to them.

You could lay the starter on the ground, hook up jumper cables properly from fully charged battery to starter, at the least, it should kick out the pinion gear and spin. If it still acts up, then suspect the starter.

I realize this is an old post. In the future, hope you don't have any vehicle issues, but, if you do, keep the site in mind. They are always working to improve the site and it's free to ask a question.

The site has more moderators now, than they did several years ago. Especially for domestic vehicles and some imports, your question won't go unanswered or shouldn't.

Have a good day.
Jul 6, 2020 at 5:07 PM (Merged)
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JS0291
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Mr Buick Century, with 103K miles started yesterday, but today when I turned the ignition the dash board lights came on but the car did not crank. I did hear the electrical devices engage but absolutely no cranking. Do I have a possible starter, or relay problem?
Jul 6, 2020 at 5:07 PM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Is there a click or clicking from the starter?
Jul 6, 2020 at 5:07 PM (Merged)
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JS0291
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The starter does not engage, no clicking of any kind from anywhere.
Jul 6, 2020 at 5:07 PM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Okay, I need you to get a helper. Have your helper turn the key to the start position while you check for power to the smaller wire at the starter. You should have 12 volts. Let me know what you find.
Jul 6, 2020 at 5:07 PM (Merged)
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TWSHIPLEY28
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check the battery
Jul 6, 2020 at 5:07 PM (Merged)
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JS0291
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It was the starter. Thank you.
Jul 6, 2020 at 5:07 PM (Merged)
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GREATSAINT01
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Engine Performance problem
1992 Buick Century 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic

when i turn my key in the to crank up my car it will not do nothing but just shake and it looks like it wants to come on. but i wont the lights will come on but nothing i throught it had ran out of gas so i put about eight gallons but nothing.
Jul 6, 2020 at 5:07 PM (Merged)
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JEEPFAN
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check all of your fuses and if they are all good then check your fuel pressure
Jul 6, 2020 at 5:07 PM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Glad you got it fixed. Let us know if you have questions in the future.

Joe
Jul 6, 2020 at 5:07 PM (Merged)
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WESLEYJR
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Put a new fuel pump ina week ago it went out put another one in and it want start .
Jul 6, 2020 at 5:07 PM (Merged)
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CARADIODOC
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Your title says it wont crank but your description implies it cranks but wont run. Which one is it? Do you hear the fuel pump hum for one second after turning on the ignition switch? Have you checked for spark? What about diagnostic fault codes?

"Went out" doesn't tell us anything. We need details to form a plan of action.
Jul 6, 2020 at 5:07 PM (Merged)
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NOCLUEDUDE
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Hi, I have a '90 Buick Century that has been giving trouble lately. It dies after driving for a bout 20 minutes, and then it won't even crank or click or anything. After about 20 minutes starts right up normally. The weird thing is, it only does it if the Ac has been on, when I leave it off, it won't do this. Does anyone have any idea of what maybe causing this. Any help Would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Jul 6, 2020 at 5:07 PM (Merged)
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MERLIN2021
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2 items are suspect here, 1. Check the CKP, and then have a look in between your radiator and a/c condenser, see if there is a lot of road grime in there, if so get an air gun with long extension and blow out in both directions, til its clean!
Jul 6, 2020 at 5:07 PM (Merged)
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MELODY1313
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Electrical problem
1990 Buick Century 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

Stopped at gas station and then would not start. Engine turns over but no spark. Battery is okay.
Jul 6, 2020 at 5:07 PM (Merged)
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RASMATAZ
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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
Jul 6, 2020 at 5:07 PM (Merged)