1994 Buick Regal Ignition Problems (2nd attempt)

[Unregistered]

Sorry for any duplication - I don't see my original posting on the forum.

My son has a 94 Buick Regal with a 3.8 litre engine.
Recently, the car stopped running (while on the road). He had it towed to work. When he tried again, it started and ran for a day. Then it quit again.
Troubleshooting revealed that there was no spark. He replaced the crank sensor and ignition module, but this didn't fix the problem. He suspects that there might be a problem with the ignition key chip/computer, but he's not sure how to check this, and doesn't want to throw any more parts at the problem. He tried reading the trouble code using the "check engine" light, but no trouble codes flashed (perhaps he's not initiating the sequence properly - any help here?).
Two questions:
1. Does anyone have any ideas/experience with this kind of problem?
2. If the key chip circuit fails, will it prevent the engine from cranking, or just from starting?
Any ideas/suggestions would be welcome.
Thank you.

 

[Unregistered]

My vehicle had the same issue. It stalled one day on the freeway but eventually started back up on it's own. This happened a couple more times till one time it wouldn't start up again. I check all sorts of stuff but soon found the ground for the pcm was loose. Tightened it up and everything was fine.

 

[Unregistered]

same problem...

I thought I was alone. I also own a 1994 Buick Regal Gransport with a 3.8L engine. I have had problems like yours for the last few years. Sometimes I drive somewhere, go into a store, come out, and then it won't start. I wait awhile and then it starts. When this happens, I have found there is no spark. I proved it by pulling of a spark plug wire and putting in a plug and grounding it, then I turned over the engine and observed. I have replaced the wires, the plugs, the ignition coils, the cam sensor, the ignition module, and recently the ignition module connector. I found that when it wouldn't start sometimes, wiggling the connector while someone turned over the engine made it start.

I still have the problem! I had one mechanic check it and he says he thinks it is the ignition module. I could have sworn the new connector was going to solve the problem. I can go buy another ignition module for about $200, but I don't think this is going to help for long. It seems to me that the ignition module mounted on the engine gets too hot and causes the electronics in it to fail intermittently. If anyone has any information that could help me, please e-mail me at:

crazyforcountry@yahoo.com

I think there is some kind of design flaw in this model. I know other models use the same module, but I don't know if they are mounted to the engine. When the car runs, it is okay, but I can't rely on it. I also don't believe it is the computer (ECM).

Mark

 

[Unregistered]

more

More info about the 1994 Buick Regal ignition problem.
I think that the ignition module made by AC/Delco part #D1977 is failing due to the heat that it absorbs by being bolted to the engine. Replacing it ma solve the problem temporarily, but it will probably return once the module gets hot and either damages the electronic components in it, or they just intermittently fail until they cool. This part is used in other Buicks, but may not be a problem if not mounted to the engine.

The problem can either manifest itself when driving, and the engine dies, and usually can be restarted right afterwards, but not alway. The "check gauges" light comes on since the engine is not running. I have not seen the "check engine" light come on first which is an indication given by the ECM (computer). Sometimes the car may not start again until later after the module cools. Eventually, I believe, the module does not function right, due to component malfunction, causing the engine to run rough, or have surges in power (or lack of).

Replacing the sensors will not fix the problem. If anyone who owns this model of Buick or another one has this problem, please contact Buick and report this. They need to know about it so it can be solved somehow. I think it was a bad decision to mount this module to the engine, as heat always increases electronic component failure and decreases life. The link to use to report the problem is below. It is possible Buick may have a recall on this if enough people report it. There has not been a recall on it yet according to the representative I discussed this with. It is actually dangerous to be driving down the freeway and have your engine unexpectedly die! We can't keep on replacing ignition modules every year, as they are too expensive. Electronic ignition was meant to make cars more reliable, not less. Please report your similar problem so we can get Buick and GM to do something for us. We can go trade out cars in and end our problems, but someone else will buy the car and have to deal with it. Select "I am a current owner and have a question...", then describe the problem.

Mark

crazyforcountry@yahoo.com


http://www.buick.com/contact/email/

 

[Unregistered]

Same problem here

Thank god I finally found some info on this problem. Mark, what you described is exactly what I've been dealing with for the past 6 months or so. Only recently this problem has been occuring in greater frequency. The hot summer we've had hasn't helped the situation.

I knew that this wasn't one of those problems that a repairman could fix. :-(

Say, have you also had problems with your radio? Sometimes my volume would dip down and then back up again.

- Sandor

 

[Unregistered]

I too have a 94 gran sport and have had similar problems. my car's engine would just stop running sometimes, usually after slowing down on the freeway or coming to a stop on the freeway. maybe not exact same thing referred to above, but sounds similar enough for me to post!

 

[Unregistered]

No Start

My wife is having the same problem with her 2002 Buick Rendezvous. She can ride for a couple of days with no problem then stop at a store and come back out and the car won't start. Some times she can wait a 1/2 hour and it will start. Some times it takes 1 to 2 hours. I noticed it happens more often when the weather is hot. Where is the module located that everyone is talking about? I am thinking about mounting a small 12v computer fan close to it to see if this will keep it cool enough. I may put it on a time where it will stay on a few minutes after the car shuts off. I will also check the gound to see if it is loose.


Thanks to everyone for the info. I feel a little better now that I have some idea what might be wrong. The dealer says the need to see it when it's not working to fix it but by the time they get there it starts.

 

[Unregistered]

Had the same problem and it was the hot lead going to the fuse block (from the batter) under the hood. The bolt was rusted and was scorching hot with a ton of resistance buildup. Replaced the bold and checked to make sure all the connections were tight and no probs now

 

[IndianaCouple]

My 94 Regal had same problems... found out the pos battery cable was loose! (I didn't tighten it enough as I had already stripped the neg terminal threads...) Couldn't find any kind of repair kit for this, so took out the Dremel and slit the bolts with a cut-off wheel. Took a screwdriver and slightly spread the split. The split in the bolt had the added advantage of cleaning the messed up threads in the battery.

 

[G-389000]

I have a 1994 Buick Regal Custom 3.8 l . I was driving on the highway one night and it stopped running in the middle of the night on the highway. I have not been able to start it sense. I have replaced everything possibly that could be the problem and it acts like it wants to start but doesn't. it cranks. I have been stranded for almost 3 months now and I am homeless disabled and living in this car which is currently still not running and is a peitry dish for penicillin manufacturer from all the mold and mildew from the rain and condensation. I have heart failure regurgitating heart valve severe pulmonary hypertension severe anemia and a pulmonary embolism. I can't walk a couple of steps without losing my breath and I am literally stuck. I need help with this issue. I am very knowledgeable about cars however this anti-theft detterant system is a pain in the ass.