Will not start

130

Asked by Bekey Nov 24, 2012 at 11:47 AM about the 2003 Buick Century Sedan FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

My car has not started since we checked the 10 amp fuse for the gauge cluster. It started long
enough to move the car forward to get in to the fuse panel located on the passenger side. Turned the
car off checked the fuse and tried to start it again nothing. We have replaced the battery - it was old
anyway- gotten the started checked -3 times good- and checked every single fuse. All were good.
We even turned the car on for and hour or two to hopefully reset any security feature still nothing. All
accessories work just won't turn over, cannot hear anything but the injectors clicking.

14 Answers

69,055

So the engine will crank but won't start? You say you hear injectors but how would you hear those over the engine spinning. The only time the injectors pulse is when the cam or crank sends a signal to tell them to pulse. The only time those sensors get a signal is while the engine is spinning. If the engine isn't even spinning then the clicking you hear is either the starter solenoid or the relays clicking when the key is turned to on position. I'm slightly confused and hoping for more info to try to help. If its cranking then you need to check for spark and fuel pressure

13 people found this helpful.
185

The engine is not coming on. My brother says the noise we hear clicking is the injectors, so I am not positive. It could be the starter. I can barley hear a clicking noise at all, but it is there. The engine is not spinning at all. We even tried to jump start it too. That is all I have really....

13 people found this helpful.
69,055

You checked both large ignition 1 and ignition 2 fuses? If they are good then the starter solenoid should click quite loudly when you try to start it then again when you release the key. The faint clicking noises are the relays going on and off inside the fuse box. If you dont hear the solenoid click loudly then make sure both connections at the starter are tight. If they are then you can try jumping the starter with a plastic handled screwdriver. Big terminal to little terminal. If the engine turns then test the ignition switch to see if it is sending power to the starter s terminal. Its the small one. If the engine doesn't turn then it sounds like the starter solenoid is bad. Even if the large B terminal on the starter is not getting power the solenoid should still click when you turn the key. If the solenoid clicks when you turn the key and it clicks when you try to jump the starter and still nothing then try to jump the starters two big terminals. If it starts up then its definitely the solenoid. Either way the started needs replaced.

12 people found this helpful.
130

Well the problem with my car is the computer under the dash by the speaker on the passenger side. We are trying to get it fixed at a shop my friend works, it is taking awhile so that he can keep the cost down for me. Thought I would let you all know that.

13 people found this helpful.
540

My 2000 Buick Century won't start... I put some coolant/antifreeze in but I turn the key and it doesn't even crank. The lights come on but no crank. Wagadugu786@gmail.com

54 people found this helpful.
185

Just to give you all an update. The car was never repaired and still have no idea what actually happened to it. I junked it this past May.

5 people found this helpful.
120

so i bought a 1990 century and it ran fine the first couple days... but then it died and now will start early in the morning before the heat comes and has been sitting all night but dies after 5 mins then will turn over but wont start, i changed the battery, spark plugs, plug wiring, and the fuel filter (cause the car had been sitting from the previous owner... figured that was the problem) but it turns over, just dies after i let go of the key?

12 people found this helpful.
70

You have to tap on the starter to get it to crank over why somebody inside turning the key

7 people found this helpful.
160

My 2002 buick century wont start at all no cranking noise nothing, the lights in the dash dont work nothing everything just stop got a new battery my girl said she put a new starter n it but still nothing need any help please n thank u

16 people found this helpful.
60

My understanding from a tech brief from GM was that this type of issue can occur if the harness at the back of the steering wheel is loose. I am going to attempt this later this week and can report back. One video suggested removing dashboard chin lower steering wheel tilt all the way and trying to reach in between steering wheel and instrument panel to readjust the wiring harness.

6 people found this helpful.
10

My is doing the same as above; but the problem is intermittent. So I noticed the battery cables were loose & the tie down wasn't tightened down either. I cleaned & tightened everything and it seems to be fine. I ordered to new VATS keys since the security light is on and won't shut off. See if the new keys help. Next I will test the Starter Relay Switch. Let you know if these things don't work.

1 people found this helpful.

Do your dash lights, light up? I was having a issue with my 03 Century, not cranking, and when it would, my odometer and my theft light would flicker. I saw a video where this guy pulled the dash and advised to make sure the wire harness is seated all the way, on the steering column. The harness is located on the top left side of the steering column. I pulled my dash and pushed the harness in, and my car is starting everytime now, and the odometer and theft light no longer flicker. I'm not sure if this helps, or if it's the same issue, but I wanted to post this advise.

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