No crank, no start

2008 BUICK LUCERNE
199,000 MILES • 3.8L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
SCOTTYD1977
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Let me start from the beginning.
I bought my car listed above (CX) a year ago about 2 months ago my car's gauges and door locks would go crazy after driving my car for about 20 minutes (only when I would press down on the gas) after 20 minutes or so when I press the gas the gauges and locks go crazy then the gauges just stop working period and locks stop. if I turn the car off it won’t start, but if I take the negative or positive terminal and but it back real fast it will start back up but when I take off it’s the same issue. I took it to the shop and they said it was my door actuator and I told him my fuel pump relay was too hot to the touch. so he changes the actuator didn’t fix it. then he says the fuse box under the back seat because of the relay. so change fuel pump and fuse box still same thing. I get up go to the store on the corner come home everything seemed fine it took me less than 10 minutes to park my car back at home. I go out several hours later and try to start my car and nothing lights come on radio, etc. but the gauges stay put they don’t move but the car won’t even try to crank or anything. I tried taking the terminal off and putting it back but this time it is not working neither. please help this is driving me nuts. thanks in advance.
Feb 28, 2021 at 7:20 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
Hi,

It sounds like an electrical issue. Do me a favor. Check the condition of the battery terminals and cables. Confirm they are tight, not corroded, and not damaged.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/everything-goes-dead-when-engine-is-cranked

Let me know what you find.

Take care and God Bless,
Joe
Mar 1, 2021 at 7:49 PM
Avatar
SCOTTYD1977
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Everything was good with battery terminals and cables.
Mar 1, 2021 at 10:22 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
Okay, has the body control module connection been checked? I attached a pic below to help you locate it. Since the gauges are going crazy, check that if it hasn't.

Let me know.

Joe
Mar 2, 2021 at 1:16 PM
Avatar
SCOTTYD1977
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
The connections seemed fine from what I could tell nothing seemed wrong with it.
Mar 3, 2021 at 7:23 PM
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
Hi,

There is a body ground located under the passenger side seat. Can you check there to see if there is a corrosion issue or if it is loose or damaged?

Joe
Mar 5, 2021 at 7:45 PM
Avatar
SCOTTYD1977
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I can’t see a ground wire under the passenger seat.
Mar 6, 2021 at 7:45 AM
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
Hi,

Interesting... That is where the schematic is showing it. Have you checked around the seat? Normally, it wouldn't be placed where it would be hit by peoples' feet, but anything is possible.

Also, make sure there is no evidence of the black wires indicates and nothing appears broken. Please realize it won't be on the seat itself. You may have to lift carpeting to locate it.

Joe
Mar 6, 2021 at 5:29 PM
Avatar
SCOTTYD1977
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I found the ground under seat. I’m going to check it and I’ll let you know. thanks for your help.
Mar 9, 2021 at 8:55 AM
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
Hi,

Glad to hear you found it. Let me know what you find when checking.

Take care,

Joe
Mar 9, 2021 at 5:11 PM
Avatar
SCOTTYD1977
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I just want to say thank you so much I have spent over $1,500.00 trying to figure this car out. I’ve been to several shops and not one apparently checked my grounds the one on top of my motor was a little nasty looking. I’ve had it off before but apparently I didn’t clean it off but this time I did and my car has not messed up one time. I am ecstatic. thank you again for your advice on checking and knowing where my grounds were at.
Mar 13, 2021 at 7:18 AM
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
Hi,

You are very welcome. I'm glad to hear you got it taken care of. Newer cars are so dependent on specific voltages and grounds. It's interesting how one small problem can cause so many problems.

Regardless, please feel free to come back anytime in the future if you have questions. You're always welcome here.

Take care,

Joe
Mar 13, 2021 at 7:52 PM