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Buick Regal GS (2000) - Starts, idles smoothly for 5 ...


Sent to Car Experts April 23, 2006 7:02 p.m.
Buick Regal GS (2000) - Starts, idles smoothly for 5 seconds and then stops as though the key key turned off. No "security" indications. Keys and sensing contacts are clean. Starter operates immediately with no hesitation. Battery fresh, full charge. Ideas?

Optional Information:
2000 Buick Regal GS 3800 SC

Already Tried:
Verified the VATS system to NOT be the cause. Vats system prevents starter engagement- the starter always engages.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status: Closed   Value: $30   
Info Request
April 23, 2006 8:02 p.m. (59 minutes and 22 seconds later) 		REPLIED to Info Request Check Mark
Are you using the original key that came with the car?

__________________
Jarrod Garman
PictureJarrod Garman  -- Auto Service Technician -- 100% Positive Feedback on 37 Car Accepts
ASE Certifications
Reply to Jarrod Garman
Sent April 23, 2006 8:59 p.m. (57 minutes and 0 seconds later)
Yes. There are two keys that came with the car originally, both produce the same result. Both also measure 3.00k-ohms.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Info Request
April 23, 2006 10:06 p.m. (1 hour and 7 minutes later) 		REPLIED to Info Request Check Mark
Has the battery been changed or disconnected recently?

__________________
Jarrod Garman
PictureJarrod Garman  -- Auto Service Technician -- 100% Positive Feedback on 37 Car Accepts
ASE Certifications
Reply to Jarrod Garman
Sent April 23, 2006 10:17 p.m. (10 minutes and 26 seconds later)
Battery had NOT been changed or charged shortly before the problem started. I have tightened the battery terminals in the thought that voltage may have dropped low enough during start to drop memory. No change. I have also disconnected the batery for several minutes and reconnected. No change in symptoms.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Info Request
April 23, 2006 10:30 p.m. (13 minutes and 8 seconds later) 		REPLIED to Info Request Check Mark
I am at a loss. I can't think of anything else that would cause that other than possibly the ignition coil loosing voltage after it starts. That is very rare though. You might want to try leaving the battery disconnected for an hour or two to give the computer a chance to completely reset. It also may be the computer itself loosing power after start up, but don't quote me on that. I'm sorry I could not be of more help, its hard to diagnose a problem without having the car in front of me. I wish you luck in solving this.

__________________
Jarrod Garman
PictureJarrod Garman  -- Auto Service Technician -- 100% Positive Feedback on 37 Car Accepts
ASE Certifications
Reply to Jarrod Garman
Sent April 23, 2006 10:37 p.m. (6 minutes and 33 seconds later)
The ignition module in this car drives three coils. If one was bad, I'd expect rough idle not a complete stall. I also notice that the engine promptly stops when the dash light test sequence ends after 3-5 seconds. It's a very repeatable failure.
    
If something comes to mind, please don't hesitate to suggest something. I'm a little floored myself.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
April 23, 2006 10:44 p.m. (7 minutes and 23 seconds later) 		REPLIED Check Mark
If the engine stops after the dash light test that would leave me to think it would almost have to be a problem in the computer itself. Thats about the only thing i can think it would be. I'm going to research this some more tomorrow, because i don't like being stumped on something. I won't be able to stop thinking about it until i find out. I have a friend at a chevy dealer in my area, i'll give him a call in the morning. If i have any new info i'll let you know.

__________________
Jarrod Garman
PictureJarrod Garman  -- Auto Service Technician -- 100% Positive Feedback on 37 Car Accepts
ASE Certifications
Reply to Jarrod Garman
Sent April 24, 2006 9:03 p.m. (22 hours and 19 minutes later)
Hi Jarrod,
I asked a friend w/ a Grand Prix (nearly the same car) at work today about this issue. He knew immediately what it was and I verified it at noon. The Fuel Pump resistor has gone open. It is bypassed during start and high acceleration conditions but is called in at idle and cruise. Since it is defective (open) in my case, the engine shuts down immediately after a few seconds when the relay calls in the resistor. It's location is a pain (right front wheel well, well buried). I'm cutting the lead and installing a new resistor in a more accessible area.
   Many thanks for your attempt!
Customer (name blocked for privacy)

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