Occasionally, when I attempt to start this 3.8L engine, nothing happens - - no clicks - - nothing. In this mode, when I make a direct connection to the starter, the engine starts but stalls after 5 about seconds. It will eventually start with the direct connection. Suggestions welcome.
If the vehicle has the side mount battery terminals, remove the positive cable from the battery and inspect it for corrosion.
If any is found, peel back the rubber cover for the terminal and see how bad it is. Sometimes the terminal is so badly corroded the cable must be replaced.
Tester
1 Like
Thanks, cables have been cleaned. Didnât look as bad as your Picture but there was some corrosion there. I have been unable to reproduce the problem so all I can do is cross fingers.
Thatâs a very reliable engine, I git 520k on mine. But if it starts and stumbles or cranks and doesnât start, suspect fuel pump and look for a replacement car.
Do you generally replace the car when the fuel pump fails? 
2 Likes
Yeah, itâs available, not hard to find.
I would on a 30 year old car unless it had collectible or sentimental value.
Not a mechanic but thinking get it back to normal. Shift interlock switch first stab at the cat.
I had that engine in my â99 Monte Carlo. My model year time frame had upper intake manifold issues with high mileage. Rockauto had a Dorman replacement that addressed the issues and I installed it.
The GM cable ends. I had a starting and charging issue and found corrosion in those GM side mounted ends. You can take the plastic covers off the metal end and use a wire brush. Clean them up good, put some dielectric grease on them. My cables then lasted until I sold it years later.
I think GM has given up on those side terminals, My 2017 Chevy Volt has normal top terminals.
Edit: My 99 Monte fuel pump did not have access from a hatch under the rear seat to the tank access. You had to drop the tank to work on the fuel pump/level sender. I think most newer cars have a âdoorâ under the rear seat to access the tank hatch.
Thanks - - cleaning the cables, which I have done at Testerâs advice above, is cheap and easy - - and I have my fingers crossed it will work.
1 Like
A bad fuel pump and or intake manifold on the OPâs vehicle will not keep it from cranking, only no start and or stumbleâŠ
If it persist after cleaning the cables, then the next step will be to move the shifter to neutral to see if it starts and or maybe even hold the key in start position and move the shifter through all gears to see if any start it, if so then replace the neutral safety switch (NSW).. Or make shift linkage adjustment as neededâŠ
If it is not the NSW, then move to the starter and check for voltage at the signal wire on the starter (only) while in the start position, or you could just smack the stater to see if it helps 1st, if no signal then trace back until problem found, possible failing ignition switchâŠ
That simply could be from not priming the fuel pump before starting it, maybe loosing prime, I would almost be willing to bet if you had someone in the car that turned the key to run right before you jumped the starter, it would start right upâŠ
I agree the fuel pump or intake problem cannot cause this issue. I will try your suggestions at first failure - - hopefully that wonât happen. Your input is appreciated.
1 Like
Neutral safety switch? Have you tried starting in neutral?
Ignition lock? Have you checked it for proper operations (voltages when turned to start and to run)?
Yes, I have tried to start it in every gear when it fails. I have not checked any voltages - - yet. Historically, it has failed on the first attempt about once a month but it was always followed by an immediate successful start - - so I just tolerated it as a minor inconvenience. But I was suspecious of that ignition switch. Thanks for your suggestions, I appreciate it.
Yeah had that too. Mine just needed to be adjusted up a little on the steering column.
I bring up my 99 Monte because underneath the body it is pretty much the same as the OPâs 96 Buick.
The last couple years I had my Monte it developed the âstumblingâ start. Doing a little reading online I found out some older cars develop âleakyâ fuel injectors. So the residual pressure fades away. So my habit became: Turn the key to run. Pump runs for 2 or 3 seconds (I could hear it). Then to crank and my car would start right up.