1997 buick regal 3800 will not start.

[deun99]

My wife recently bought the car and noticed after the fixed a prior problem, couldn't fill the gas tank without fuel spilling out the car really started acting up. One day the car woudn't start so I had it towed to a mechanic and he said the fuel pump was faulty so I decided to tow it to another mechanic the next day for a cheaper price than 900 bucks but before I did that I decided to try the car once more and it started. Took the car for another diagnostic and could not find anything wrong. then one day driving along the freeway all gauges in the car jump and car cuts off. Waited a few minutes on the side of the road and car starts back up. Few days later car again will not start and again towed car$$$ to my mechanic and he says 100 percent positive it's fuel pump so we replace it cost $550. Came back next week and car still will not start mechanic says must be a faulty fuel pump and he replaces the pump and car runs fine for about 4 days. What can I do to figure this problem out? the mechnic said that there's no pressure from the fuel pump and theres power applied to the pump. I dont believe him

[-Josh-]

Has the fuel filter ever been replaced?

[BNaylor]

Is this a Regal LS or GS? The fuel pressure can be checked at the fuel pressure regulator (FPR) Schrader valve. With vaccum connected it will read in a range of 45 - 55 psi. With vaccum dis-connected it should read around at least 52 psi. This will test the fuel pump, fuel filter and the FPR. There is also a fuel pump relay involved.

If you have a GS model it's a two speed pump and the fuel pump resistor may be bad. The GS has an additional relay - fuel pump speed control relay which works in conjunction with the resistor.

If fuel is good then it's possibly ignition. Based on your symptoms it could be a crankshaft position sensor or an ignition switch and harness assembly too.

[-Josh-]

Originally Posted by bnaylor3400

Is this a Regal LS or GS? The fuel pressure can be checked at the fuel pressure regulator (FPR) Schrader valve. With vaccum connected it will read in a range of 45 - 55 psi. With vaccum dis-connected it should read around at least 52 psi. This will test the fuel pump, fuel filter and the FPR. There is also a fuel pump relay involved.

If you have a GS model it's a two speed pump and the fuel pump resistor may be bad. The GS has an additional relay - fuel pump speed control relay which works in conjunction with the resistor.

If fuel is good then it's possibly ignition. Based on your symptoms it could be a crankshaft position sensor or an ignition switch and harness assembly too.

^We haven't had this problem so much where i work, but it's never a bad idea to make sure.

Step by step install-

1)Remove the right headlamp assembly.
2)From inside the headlamp opening, disconnect the pigtail.
- The wiring connector is located to the vertical fender brace forward of the fender well shield.

- The wiring connector is located to the top of the frame rail below the headlamp.

3)Remove the fuel pump resistor bolt.
4)Remove the fuel pump resistor.


Edit: I also just realized that if you're not taking it to a dealer there is a revised fuel sending unit assembly out for your car. Most non GM parts departments probably wont be able to see the change in part numbers. Its another possibility.

[-Josh-]

Also i found this bulletin on GM Service Information for your car.


REDUCED ENG. PERF. RESTRICTED FUEL FLOW #73-63-13 - (Mar 13, 1997)
SUBJECT: REDUCED ENGINE PERFORMANCE, RESTRICTED FUEL FLOW (CLEAN FUEL TANK, REPLACE IN-LINE FUEL FILTER AND FUEL PUMP STRAINER)

MODELS: 1995-96 BUICK REGAL 1995-96 CHEVROLET LUMINA, MONTE CARLO 1995-97 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS SUPREME 1995-96 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX

CONDITION:

SOME OF THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT REDUCED ENGINE PERFORMANCE AS A RESULT OF RESTRICTED FUEL FLOW TO THE ENGINE.

CAUSE:

UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THE MATERIAL UTILIZED IN THE MOLDING OF THE FUEL TANK RESERVOIR CAN RELEASE A WHITE POWDERY RESIDUE THAT CAN RESTRICT FUEL FLOW BY PLUGGING THE FUEL PUMP FUEL STRAINER AND/OR IN-LINE FUEL FILTER.

CORRECTION:

FOLLOWING APPLICABLE SERVICE MANUAL PROCEDURES CONTAINED IN SECTION 6C, ENGINE FUEL (1995 MANUAL) OR SECTION 6E, ENGINE CONTROLS (1996 MANUAL) CLEAN FUEL TANK OF ANY FOREIGN WHITE POWDERY MATERIAL AND REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP FUEL STRAINER, P/N 25121580, AND IN-LINE FUEL FILTER, P/N 25121293.

PARTS INFORMATION:

P/N DESCRIPTION QTY. === =========== ====

25121293 FUEL FILTER 1

25121580 FUEL STRAINER 1

PARTS ARE CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FROM GMSPO.

WARRANTY INFORMATION:

FOR VEHICLES REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY, USE:

LABOR OPERATION NUMBER DESCRIPTION LABOR TIME =============== =========== ==========

L1000 FUEL SYSTEM - CLEAN USE PUBLISHED LABOR AND FLUSH OPERATION TIME

FIGURES: 00 ATTACHMENTS: 00

GENERAL MOTORS BULLETINS ARE INTENDED FOR USE BY PROFESSIONAL TECHNICIANS, NOT A "DO-IT-YOURSELFER". THEY ARE WRITTEN TO INFORM THOSE TECHNICIANS OF CONDITIONS THAT MAY OCCUR ON SOME VEHICLES, OR TO PROVIDE INFORMATION THAT COULD ASSIST IN THE PROPER SERVICE OF A VEHICLE. PROPERLY TRAINED TECHNICIANS HAVE THE EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS AND KNOW-HOW TO DO A JOB PROPERLY AND SAFELY. IF A CONDITION IS DESCRIBED, DO NOT ASSUME THAT THE BULLETIN APPLIES TO YOUR VEHICLE, OR THAT YOUR VEHICLE WILL HAVE THAT CONDITION. SEE A GENERAL MOTORS DEALER SERVICING YOUR BRAND OF GENERAL MOTORS VEHICLE FOR INFORMATION ON WHETHER YOUR VEHICLE MAY BENEFIT FROM THE INFORMATION.

COPYRIGHT 1997 GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.