Won't crank won't start
Asked by Bryo Feb 28, 2017 at 12:27 PM about the 1999 Buick LeSabre Limited Sedan FWD
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
I have a 1999 buick lesabre limited. Won't
crank won't start. Car does not crank over
when I turn key to start position dash lights
cut out for about 3 sec. Then come back on.
Battery connections seem fine. Security light
is only on when doors are open an not at all
when key is in start position. Car use to run
great then after shut off just wouldn't start.
Then would start sometime later. Now won't
crank or start at all. Any ideals? All ideals are
welcome please comment. I am stumped
4 Answers
Sounds like a frozen starter....possibly mechanically frozen, possibly electronically. Do the lights dim in the car for those few seconds when it should be cranking? Or do the interior lights stay at the same brightness? An old mechanics trick is to use a hammer and "rap" the side of the starter (not gently, but not too hard either) a few times then try again. Stiction can cause the starter not to spin/engage. Its not a "fix" but it can get you out of a tight spot, at least enough to have the car checked out by a qualified mechanic.
Ok thanks I did try that before maybe try a lil harder. Should I hit solenoid or actual starter? Didn't notice dome lights but dash lights cut completely off or 2 or 3 secs
Curtis2468 answered 7 years ago
Have the same problem. Car will finally start after several tries. All lights are good. Turn key and everything goes out and comes back to normal shortly after releasing key. Like a short. Any ideas why this is happening?
Did you ever figure out why your car was doing this my car is acting the same way and I do t have any idea why the battery is great along with the lights on the dash it just decide when to start
