Car Repair > Why does my 1992 Buick LeSabre stall when it's hot and ... >

Ask Your Car Question. Car Experts Answer You ASAP.

(Not a Car Question?)

Why does my 1992 Buick LeSabre stall when it's hot and then restarts 5 minutes later?

Optional Information:
1992 Buick LeSabre 3800 V6

Already Tried:
Nothing: no one seems to know what the precise problem is.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $10

You need to check for spark and injector pulse during the failure.Let me know if one or both is missing and we can go from there.

Master ASE Certified.L1 Advanced Engine Performance Certified.Pa Emission Repair Technician.Just Answer Car Category Mentor.

Reply to Davo/diablo666's Post: The entire thing is insane. I've been researching the problem for two years and come up with 12 possibilities. Recently, I think I have it down to the crank position sensor (?) or the ECM.
The problem is not repeatable on a diagnostic machine and there are no "problem codes" when hooked up to a diagnostic computer.
All I know is there are one hell of a lot of 90's Buicks in the salvage yard I frequent.

If it doesn't start for 5 minutes you have plenty of time for checking spark and injector pulse.If you are missing spark only chances are it's the ignition module.If you are only missing injector pulse it could be the ecm or a power feed to the ecm like an ignition switch going bad.If you are missing spark and injector pulse the crank sensor is the most likely.Fuel pressure should also be checked in case the pump is starting to go bad.

Master ASE Certified.L1 Advanced Engine Performance Certified.Pa Emission Repair Technician.Just Answer Car Category Mentor.

Reply to Davo/diablo666's Post: Can you tell me how to check for spark and injector pulse? Should I pull a wire off one of the coils? Have you run into this problem (Buick stalling) before? It seems unfortunately common.
I'm not a Master Technician but I took automechanics all through high school, some in college and built a '72 Olds 442 W-30 Convertible.
That is, as you know, old school. Regarding this, I'm lost.
I love my Buick but simple economics prohibit me from putting 500 dollars into it.
Thanks in advance.

I usually pull the wire off at the plug end for a spark check.I also check at least two wires.After the wire is off take a spark tester if you have one and hook it in the plug wire.If you don't have one put a screwdriver inside the plug wire boot and hold the screwdriver about 1/4" from a metal part on the engine and crank the engine.That's when an actual spark tester is handy because you don't need to hold it.To check injector pulse you unplug and injector and install a noid light.Noid lights are available at auto parts stores and are fairly cheap maybe you want to price a spark tester while your there.I would bet you will be around $20 for both.Don't be tempted to use a regular test light for checking injector pulse as the ecm could be damaged if you do.I personally expect to see a bad crank sensor.

Edited by diablo666 on May 18 2006 at 6:48 AM

Master ASE Certified.L1 Advanced Engine Performance Certified.Pa Emission Repair Technician.Just Answer Car Category Mentor.

Think you can answer this question?
Login or Become an Expert

DISCLAIMER: You acknowledge that any information you may obtain from individuals you contact through use of the Just Answer service comes from those individuals, not from Just Answer!, and that Just Answer is not in any way responsible for any of the information these third parties may supply. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty and no representations are made regarding the qualification of an Expert. Responses and comments on Just Answer! are for general information and are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (such as medical, legal, investment or accounting) and do not establish a professional-client relationship. Just Answer! is not intended or designed to address EMERGENCY QUESTIONS which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals. Please carefully read the Terms of Service.

Just Answer! > Car Repair

Related Answers