94 Buick Regal Limited Starting Issues

[Ian Gerber]

I have read tons of threads detailing the same problems I have…

Cars turns off while driving and may or may not start. The voltage fluctuates and dims the lights and such. Now it wont start.

The battery is good. The alternator is good. I put a new computer in it. I don't know what else to do. I've seen lots of suggestions and no solutions.

On top of this awesomeness, I found this relay/sensor that seems to go nowhere (picture below). There is also a second something or another that you can see in the bottom right quarter (red wire grey attachment underneath cruise control module next to that bundle of wires) that seems to go nowhere. I didn't unplug these.

Any help would be great because no one ever seems to fix this problem…or at least report how they fixed it.

[Tech II]

Is it possible what you have in your hand, plugs into the underhood light?

I'm not sure if the other lead is the test lead for the fuel pump......

I assume the vehicle cranks over ok, it just doesn't start....

This is one of the easiest things to diagnose.....

On your vehicle, the usual problems are the crank sensor, ICM, MAF, fuel pump, etc.

First do you have fuel pressure? Should be about 40 psi......if no fuel pressure, see if vehicle starts when you spray carb cleaner into the intake....

Next, do you have spark on all cylinders? If no spark, crank sensor or ICM...

Next, do you have injector pulse(you will need a noid light)? If none, but you have spark, ICM or ECM.....

Try starting with the MAF disconnected.....

Have you checked for codes?

I would be leaning towards a crank sensor.....if your vehicle starts, find the crank sensor...it sits in a metal pedestal......practice tapping(lightly) the pedestal with a long extension, not the sensor or harness, with the engine NOT running....notice how close the serp belt is......once you are good at lightly tapping just the pedestal, now start the car.......let it get to normal operating temp......now be VERY CAREFUL as you tap that pedestal, lightly, because that serp belt is moving......if the engine stumbles or stalls, you found your problem.......but once again be very careful, and PRACTICE tapping the pedestal with the engine not running first.....this is not fool proof....nothing may happen and the sensor may still be bad......but if it does react to the tap, replace the sensor.....need a special tool to set the gap on the new sensor.....

[5cornersmechanic]

In the fuse blocks under the hood, 2of them under steel support brackets should be a starter relay. have someone help you, take a test light, ground clip end and check for power on small post of starter solenoid while someone tries to start it. if you have power there and it is dimming the lights make sure the motor is not seized.hope this helps