Won't crank won't start

Asked by Bryo Feb 28, 2017 at 12:27 PM about the 1999 Buick LeSabre Limited Sedan FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have a 1999 buick lesabre limited. Won't
crank won't start. Car does not crank over
when I turn key to start position dash lights
cut out for about 3 sec. Then come back on.
Battery connections seem fine. Security light
is only on when doors are open an not at all
when key is in start position. Car use to run
great then after shut off just wouldn't start.
Then would start sometime later. Now won't
crank or start at all. Any ideals? All ideals are
welcome please comment. I am stumped

4 Answers

95

Sounds like a frozen starter....possibly mechanically frozen, possibly electronically. Do the lights dim in the car for those few seconds when it should be cranking? Or do the interior lights stay at the same brightness? An old mechanics trick is to use a hammer and "rap" the side of the starter (not gently, but not too hard either) a few times then try again. Stiction can cause the starter not to spin/engage. Its not a "fix" but it can get you out of a tight spot, at least enough to have the car checked out by a qualified mechanic.

2 people found this helpful.

Ok thanks I did try that before maybe try a lil harder. Should I hit solenoid or actual starter? Didn't notice dome lights but dash lights cut completely off or 2 or 3 secs

80

Have the same problem. Car will finally start after several tries. All lights are good. Turn key and everything goes out and comes back to normal shortly after releasing key. Like a short. Any ideas why this is happening?

8 people found this helpful.
20

Did you ever figure out why your car was doing this my car is acting the same way and I do t have any idea why the battery is great along with the lights on the dash it just decide when to start

2 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

LeSabre

Looking for a Used LeSabre in your area?

CarGurus has 1 nationwide LeSabre listings and the tools to find you a great deal.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    John Saffrahn
    Reputation
    4,040
  • #2
    txbarney
    Reputation
    3,160
  • #3
    joes098
    Reputation
    2,690
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Buick Regal
4 Great Deals out of 23 listings starting at $6,977
Used Toyota Camry
51 Great Deals out of 1,136 listings starting at $3,850
Used Buick Century
2 listings
Used Ford Crown Victoria
2 listings starting at $8,960
Used Chevrolet Impala
10 Great Deals out of 143 listings starting at $3,495
Used Lexus LS
28 listings starting at $7,995
Used Lincoln Town Car
3 listings starting at $9,995
Used Honda Accord
47 Great Deals out of 1,042 listings starting at $2,399
Used Ford F-150
328 Great Deals out of 12,733 listings starting at $2,888
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
191 Great Deals out of 9,363 listings starting at $3,500
Used Honda Civic
191 Great Deals out of 4,152 listings starting at $2,916

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.