Engine not cranking over?

2005 BUICK LESABRE
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ALBAKER07
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background: I drove 30 miles round trip today -- no trouble starting the car at either end. I parked the car and five minutes later my wife tried to start it but it would not turn over.

The battery is fine -- 12 v and checked out fine under load at AutoZone. Connections were clean and were cleaned anyhow. 12 v is seen at the fuse box under the rear seat and under the hood.

With the ignition switch off, the keyless entry works fine. There does not appear to be any change from normal operations when the key is turned to on, i.e., the radio works, wipers wipe, and driving lights turn on automatically (made in Canada).

What seems very strange is that when the key is turned to start the instrument panel dies as does the wipers (if I have them turned on), BUT THE HEADLIGHTS KEEP SHINING UNDIMINISHED. When the switch is released back to the on position, the instrument panel come back to life after a second. The voltage at the battery when the ignition switch is turned to start drops only to 11 v. Now why is that? And where is the problem?

Thank you in advance,
Al
Sep 15, 2007 at 8:39 PM
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RASMATAZ
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The voltage at the battery when the ignition switch is turned to start drops only to 11 v. Is this during cranking mode or key is just in the On position?

This guide will hep us

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

Please run down this guide and report back.
Sep 15, 2007 at 8:48 PM
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ALBAKER07
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[quote:fbc6a3abfe="rasmataz"]
The voltage at the battery when the ignition switch is turned to start drops only to 11 v. Is this during cranking mode or key is just in the On position?[/quote:fbc6a3abfe]

Both ...... but .....

I went outside to double check before replying and had my son man the ignition switch. The first three or four times we still had no crank with a very slight voltage drop from OFF to ON and to START. However, much to my surprise, the next time the car promptly started as did the time after that!! I can upgrade my car from dead to totally unreliable but I'll admit I am clueless as to what is going on. My mechanic usually wants to see cars when they are symptomatic from an intermittent problem and not when they're working as they should, but that leaves me wondering when and where it will do this again -- hence the hope that someone knows whats wrong so I (or he) can fix it.
Sep 15, 2007 at 9:36 PM
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RASMATAZ
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Yup I know what you mean. Catch them while on the act. Its hard for me to give you a sure fire answer-not being there.

Just double check all connections involving the battery and starter-could possibly be the ignition switch not hitting on the sweet spot.
Sep 15, 2007 at 9:41 PM
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ALBAKER07
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[quote:6a1029a7a5="rasmataz"]

Yup I know what you mean. Catch them while on the act. Its hard for me to give you a sure fire answer-not being there.

Just double check all connections involving the battery and starter-could possibly be the ignition switch not hitting on the sweet spot.[/quote:6a1029a7a5]

Will do, and thank you for your time and advice!
Al
Sep 15, 2007 at 9:50 PM
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KLV
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The car has been running fine. I just went out to start it to go to lunch & it won't turn over.
It acts like it wants to but it just won't.
Any ideas?
Please respond asap, thanks.
Aug 6, 2020 at 9:25 AM (Merged)
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MASTERTECHTIM
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verify cars security system is not failing. turn key to the crank position then leave the key on. the security or theft light should come on and then go out. if it flashes steady then you have a problem. let us know how you make out because if it is a theft problem we can walk you through a temporary repair.
Aug 6, 2020 at 9:25 AM (Merged)
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KLV
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Thank you for responding.
The security light came on & then went out.
Aug 6, 2020 at 9:25 AM (Merged)
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THOMAS SHEA
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My car needed a new ICM due to misfiring on two cylinders and already tried to replace just the pack.

After installing the new ICM, the car wouldn't even crank. Nothing, so I switched back to the old one and nothing. I took the starter in to be checked and it is working fine. Tried to jump start it and nothing. I checked the fuses for the starter, and no go. I made sure the all the cables and post are clean. I am at a lost, any help would be loved.

Also old owner installed a 550 CCA battery and I think the minimum for this car is like 690 CCA. But the battery was starting it fine before.
Aug 6, 2020 at 9:26 AM (Merged)
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ASEMASTER6371
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Good morning,

Does the theft light or security light go out after the key is on for about 10 seconds?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-reset-a-security-system

I attached a diagram for you to view. Check for two powers at the starter relay with the key on.

Roy
Aug 6, 2020 at 9:26 AM (Merged)
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THOMAS SHEA
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Hi Roy,

So the security light on the dash cluster stays on when trying to start the car.
Aug 6, 2020 at 9:26 AM (Merged)
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ASEMASTER6371
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Okay, try the reset in the guide I sent you.

Roy
Aug 6, 2020 at 9:26 AM (Merged)
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THOMAS SHEA
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I don't have the key fob as the car is used. Is the security reset something any repair shop can do or just the dealer? Could the battery be the isssue?
Aug 6, 2020 at 9:26 AM (Merged)
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ASEMASTER6371
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Yes, any shop can do it.

Yes to the battery.

Can you tell me the battery voltage?

Roy
Aug 6, 2020 at 9:26 AM (Merged)
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KROBB757
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2003 Buick Lesabre

I was out of town for a week and the car sat. When i tried to start it, it would not crank over. I even tried to jump the battery but it did not work. what could be the problem?
Aug 6, 2020 at 9:26 AM (Merged)
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RASMATAZ
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No crank at all/nothing/nada:

Could be the starter, starter relay, park and neutral switch, clutch switch and ignition switch assuming the battery and connections are good.
Aug 6, 2020 at 9:26 AM (Merged)
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THOMAS SHEA
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Unfortunately, I am not for sure on the voltage, I know it is the wrong battery for the car, but I am not for sure on the voltage.
Aug 6, 2020 at 9:26 AM (Merged)
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ASEMASTER6371
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Can you get a voltmeter to check? You will also need it to check for the no start as well.

Roy
Aug 6, 2020 at 9:26 AM (Merged)
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THOMAS SHEA
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Hey Roy,

I got the voltmeter, but I also put in a new battery. It started fine with the new battery, but after driving it around for about 15 minutes it wouldn't restart? Alternator not charging?
Aug 6, 2020 at 9:26 AM (Merged)
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ASEMASTER6371
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Okay, do you have spark at the plugs when it will not start?

Check the voltage at the battery. When it is running, it should be 14 to 14.5 volts.

The voltage now should be 12.4 to 12.6.

Roy
Aug 6, 2020 at 9:26 AM (Merged)
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FORK JOAQUIN
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My car will not start. I changed the alternator I checked the fuses except the big block ones. Everything works in the car and I mean everything. When I turn the key is hear a click in the fuse box on front of the car and back. I engine will not turn, I do not hear it turn. It did that before changed the battery and it started now it is doing it again. I just got back from checking on it. So down the list 1. Everything in the car works how it is supposed to. 2. Clicks in both fuse boxes 3. My lights all work fine. 4. My engine will not turn. I do not hear it turn nothing. Could it be my starter locking up? Battery is new but could have drained. The sound when I turn the click and it dings normal. I do not know what else to do. Any thoughts?
Aug 6, 2020 at 9:26 AM (Merged)
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FORK JOAQUIN
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Also, all my dash lights turn normal and the battery cables look pretty new.
Aug 6, 2020 at 9:26 AM (Merged)
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HMAC300
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try resetting security system may be the cause. When you turn the key to the on position without cranking the engine over can you hear the fuel pump run in the tank for 5 seconds?

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

Please run down this guide and report back.
Aug 6, 2020 at 9:26 AM (Merged)
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FORK JOAQUIN
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Thank you so much. For the fast reply I will check that today.
Aug 6, 2020 at 9:26 AM (Merged)
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FORK JOAQUIN
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That is for a Pontiac though. will it work?
Aug 6, 2020 at 9:26 AM (Merged)
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SATURNTECH9
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The newer GM cars 2000 and up disable the fuel injector pulse for anti theft not the starter like the older GM cars. I looked at this one and do not see a tie in for the starter through the anti theft. With the key in the start position see if you have power to the small purple wire at the starter?
Aug 6, 2020 at 9:26 AM (Merged)
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GTO5150
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I replaced the battery, no help. I had the starter tested. It was fine. When the key is turned, I just get clicking (not rapid). Any ideas?
Aug 6, 2020 at 9:26 AM (Merged)
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RASMATAZ
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Battery and connections a okay-check and test the ignition PCM fuse 10amp, start circuit breaker, starter relay and ignition switch


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/12900_starter_32.jpg

Aug 6, 2020 at 9:26 AM (Merged)
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FORK JOAQUIN
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Yes, I am checking the starter. It sounds to me that a what it is. Everything in the car works but when you turn they key nothing happens
Aug 6, 2020 at 9:26 AM (Merged)
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FORK JOAQUIN
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Everything points to the starter.
Aug 6, 2020 at 9:26 AM (Merged)
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FORK JOAQUIN
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It did this before and cranked later. I am assuming the starter might have locks it self back up or something?
Aug 6, 2020 at 9:26 AM (Merged)
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SATURNTECH9
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Yes, bad starters can do that work one minute not the next. Check what I asked and let me know what you find.
Aug 6, 2020 at 9:26 AM (Merged)
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ADNERTAL
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When starting car it turns but no crank start. starter is good, battery is good.
Aug 6, 2020 at 9:26 AM (Merged)
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STEVE W.
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Are you saying the starter is turning but the engine is not? Either a bad starter solenoid or the flex plate is damaged. Should be easy to see missing gear teeth if you remove the starter and look at the ring gear on the flexplate.

How do you know the starter and bendix are actually good?
Aug 6, 2020 at 9:26 AM (Merged)
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KAKULLAS
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I couldn't start my car. So i figured my battery was dead because the lights were acting weird. I charged the battery that didn't help I tried a jump that didn't work. I charged it overnight and in the morning I turn the key and there is nothing at all complete darkness all across the dash. Please help if you can.
Aug 6, 2020 at 9:26 AM (Merged)
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INTERNETMECHANIC
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My first thought was to check feed to and from the ignition switch. The orange is voltage feed to the switch, hot all the time. The wire colors along bottom of switch in diagram, goes hot depending on the key position. You could track voltage from battery to fuse blocks? Use a voltage tester.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/512072_lesabre_ignition_switch_feed_1.jpg

Aug 6, 2020 at 9:26 AM (Merged)
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JRYDBERG
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2002 Buick Lesabre, replaced battery, now have all lights, windows, etc, but won't start...no sound at all. STARTER? Theft lock?
Aug 6, 2020 at 9:26 AM (Merged)
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RASMATAZ
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**No crank at all/nothing/nada when key is engage to starting position

Could be the starter, starter relay, park and neutral switch/transmission position switch and ignition switch assuming the battery condition and connections are good. Note:If it doesn't apply disregard.

Also could be a security issue.
Aug 6, 2020 at 9:26 AM (Merged)
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WMACNEIL
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2002 LeSabre - Car will start with no problem with a jump but will not start without a jump. New battery and is not the starter/ solonoid - When the key is turned without a jump it appears that no current is being drawn,( lights do not dim) and engine doesn't attempt to crank dispite having full voltage to the solonoid (will crank when solonoid is shorted). Car starts every time with a jump.... Any ideas????
Thanks!!!
Aug 6, 2020 at 9:27 AM (Merged)
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RASMATAZ
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Drop the starter and have it load tested.
Aug 6, 2020 at 9:27 AM (Merged)
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WMACNEIL
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thanks for the response. The problem was the security module. They had it replaced and have not had an issue since. - Thanks again for your response!
Aug 6, 2020 at 9:27 AM (Merged)