1997 Buick Lesabre Stalling Out

Hey guys,
Having a problem with my 1997 Buick Lesabre and though you might be able to help. It’s a v6, automatic 4 door, and I live in good ole HOT Florida.

Anyway for about two weeks ago I went to start up the vehicle and it would turn over, run for about 2 seconds, and then turn off and did that about 5 or 6 times. Knowing very little about cars I had a friend try to jump me, and nothing, still wouldn’t turn on. So I left the car there, came back five days later. It started and ran, and I drove straight to the mechanic. I had noticed my belt whistling a little so he put on a new built, fix a power steering pump fluid leak, and put on a new belt tensioner.

Anyway, I pick it up a week ago and it starts up no problem. Today the problem has started again. Some times now though it will start up, run for a little while and then just shut off. Doesn’t seem to make a difference whether I am idling or not. Sometimes now though it will turn over, but not actually fire up and start.

Any suggestions? Thanks again for taking time to look at the post!

I would have the fuel pump pressure tested. Sounds as if it runs on the gas in the system and pressure drops, pump does not kick on and it dies.

knfenimore… Thanks… any idea the best place to get that tested?? Is there a place I can do that myself?

Could indeed be a fuel problem. Don’t test the fuel pressure yourself unless you have experience in doing it before, or have someone who has done it before to help you. Working with gasoline can be very dangerous. Most any good local inde shop could test your fuel pressure. Money well spent. It wouldn’t do much good though unless they could test it when it was not starting. You might need to leave the car there for a few days. This could well be an ignition system problem too. Often the ignition system components can be heat sensitive. If your car has a crank sensor, that would be a likely culprit, esp if it is original to the car. It could be other things too, but checking the fuel pressure and checking for spark is a good place to start.

@thekevinanderson

Sounds like a fuel problem

However, the ultimate cause could be the antitheft system. Any problem there will cause the PCM to cut fuel

Does the antitheft LED remain on?

Is it flashing?

@db4690

To be honest I wasn’t aware that this vehicle had an antitheft system on it. It’s so old I just assumed it didn’t have a feature like this.

I have noticed two things since I last posted: it tends to do this on days where it is very hot or very humid. Early morning and evening seem not to be problems with it. This change anyones opinion? I plan on calling my mechanic and asking him to test the fuel pressure today.

@thekevinanderson

Start reading on page 2-16. If I were you, I’d want to make sure the antitheft system (if you have it) isn’t actually the cause of your problems

http://www.vadengmpp.com/owners-manual/buick/1997-Buick-Lesabre.pdf

Sure sounds like a fuel pump issue to me. I’ve had my fill of G’m pumps. Had a pump put in, stalled two blocks away, called for a tow and started again. Stalled, started, etc. confirm either by listening for the pump running in the fuel tank or bang tank hard with a 2x4 or 5# hammer.

Took it to a shop and asked them to check the fuel pump… they said that is definitely the problem. They also mentioned the fuel filter as well. Working on getting this fixed tomorrow with a friend. Should be a fun job since we have to put it up. Thanks for the advice everyone!