problems with 1994 olds delta 88?

Question

Ihave a 1994 olds delta 88 3.8 engine notsingle coil pack a whole coil pack. The car just stop runnig on me while i was driving. After counteless times trying to get the car started, I had to get the car towed home. The next day I started the car up and it ran as usually, but when I went into the store and came back the car didn't want to start. After a few minutes of trying to start the car, It finally started up. Some one told me that my module was going bad, so I took it off and had it tested at auto zone and they said it was good. I put the module back on and I noticed that when I tried to start the car up, when I turned the key forward the lighst didn't come on , such as the check engine light, oil light, battery light . Now the car just turn and won't start up at all. what could possibly be the problem.

Answer 1

I've seen this problem more than once on Buicks...I've owned 3. Each time this has happened to me, it turned out the crankshaft position sensor was intermittently failing. It sits behind the harmonic balancer. It won't set a code, because the computer thinks since it's not getting a signal from the sensor, the engine must not be turning. You can replace it yourself, but if you don't have a good selection of tools, and a bit of experience working on cars, I wouldn't recommend it.

My last one failed when the water pump dumped antifreeze due to a seal failure. The antifreeze cracked the epoxy on the back of the sensor....the car would run sometimes for hours, sometimes for minutes....and never set a code. The sensor costs less than $40.00...the labor at a shop is another matter...probably in the $200-300 dollar range. It should take a well equipped shop less than two hours to replace.

Answer 2

Dash lights not coming on would indicate a bad ignition switch. Coils and module can be faulty due to high internal resistance when the engine is warm but test ok when cold....testing when cold will not give you a good idea if they are actually bad or not. Does the car run allright when warmed up? If there's no misfire or bucking, then the coils and module are probably ok...if not, you should replace them as a set ---when one of the components goes bad, it puts a strain on the others and usually you wind up replacing them soon anyways. A 94 car is probably due for them to go. Does the car crank over but not start or not crank over at all?
If the car turns over but won't start, I would go with the crank sensor also to be replaced. No crank would be the ignition switch----could have two separate issues combined.

Answer 3

I had the same problem with a Chevy Module tested good but I took an chance an replaced it it was cheep It solved all the problems If it does not work spend a few bucks an have a shop look at it if they put it on a analyzer it should tell them good luck

Answer 4

It sounds as if your ignition module is going out. You can take it to a dealer and have them check it. Before you take it in call and talk to the parts department at a dealer or to the service manager. Tell them "exactly" what it is doing. They may be able to tell you how to fix it.