1996 oldsmobile cutlass supreme sl?

Question

Hello,
My cutlass will not start. The engine turns over perfectly fine. How do I test the starter or should I look somewhere else first?

Answer 1

I own a shop, and what I would do (if I were you) is; call a reputable shop, and have them take it in, and fix it. Your problem sounds like something has stopped working. If it turns over just fine, then the starter is probably just fine. Some of the things that could be the problem is; fuel filter plugged up, fuel pump is no good, fuel pressure regulator is not working, the ignition system has failed, or the computer has seen its better days. I would think this problem is beyond the scope of you being able to get it running on your own, due in part to the tests that will have to be ran in order to pinpoint the culprit. You could even have a timing belt/chain broke, but a qualified mechanic should be able to give you an answer pretty quick as to whats going on.
Part 2:
I wasn't being sarcastic, I was just being realistic. If you are not mechanically inclined (which you don't seem to be) It's best to leave it to someone who can get to the heart of the matter. How someone (below) can get votes for using my answer is beyond me. Everything suggested is a direct copy of what I had suggested, go figure? Anyway, if you think the starter has something to do with it, even though the starter turns fine, doesn't exactly display mechanical aptitude. With this in view, I would think you could do more harm than good by trying to fix the problem. Rule is; If you don't know anything about it, leave it alone or injury is not far behind. Vehicles can be extreamly dangerous, and hazardous to your health "IF" you don't know what you can, and can't do to them.
Glad to help out, good luck!!!

Answer 2

I have faith in you, It just takes some time and money, first things first, you know you need fuel and spark in the engine, smell or look for gas getting to the engine, by either pumping the gas pedal while turning the start key, Or even listening for the electric fuel pump pressurizing the fuel system. Then check for spark. they sell cheap spark testers, where you remove the spark plug wire, attach it, crank the engine, and watch for the voltage to jump the gap. .If you have all the requirements to satisfy combustion. next check to see if the timing chain or timing belt is broke, by moving the crankshaft and seeing if the valves move under the valve covers. if they dont move its broke.

Answer 3

If the motor turns over fine, your starter is fine. You are experiencing a problem with spark delivery to the spark plugs, low or no fuel pressure, or something wrong with the PCM assuming the motor's compression is okay.

Answer 4

Yes, it can be done as long as you have the money and time. Look over the magazine racks in the grocery or drug stores and look for issues of engine swaps in Hot Rod, Street Machine, etc for what you have in mind and purchase the issue that will be of help. A muffler shop like Midis can make and install the duel pipes as required.

Answer 5

It could be the starter going bad, when it does not turn over, is there a light clicking sound when you try to turn it over? if so tap on the starter with a hammer, if it starts after that, it is the starter and needs to be replaced!

Answer 6

your problem isnt starter if its turning over get a spark tester and noid light and test for spark and pulse also chek fuel pump open fuel door and pump should run for 10 secs. when key is turnsd on get some help to turn key while you listen at fuel door.then i would start checking fuses.good luck

Answer 7

Since it turned over, the starter is perfectly fine. Check your alternator.

Answer 8

if it's turning over normal, the starter is fine, you're not getting fuel or spark

Answer 9

1(check your battery ) if not then take out the starter then take to a auto zone they will test it for free

Answer 10

If you have spark ,change the fuel filter.THE gas these days is full of trash.