2012 Buick Lacrosse / Dealer says engine is blown. How can I be sure?

[Karl33]

Generally speaking, always look for cheaper solutions (and distrust the first mechanic's opinion when they go to the engine is blown right away). It happens, but it's not common with "younger' engines. Looking at the different pulleys, the battery, and the charging system are better places to start. Also, since you mention shaking and sputtering, it could be something in the ignition system.

A 3800 V6 is one of the very last cast iron block and cast iron head engines. If the oil is changed every 3,000 miles and it is not overheated, among a few other small maintenance items, they can last up to 300,000 miles. I've heard it's the rule rather than the exception.

Good luck and let us know!

That’s very true!! I was told these engines are one of the last from the 50’s that buick made that’s not like these engines that are built today. Thanks! I’m gonna check it out tomorrow!

 

[G-736834]

Help an old guy out here if you can. Local GM/Buick/Chev dealer says the engine is blown.
2012 Lacrosse V6.
I was driving 70 mph and the engine just quit. Coasted to a stop. Would not restart.
Warning message "Service Battery Charging System" came on.
Tried a jump start. No luck. Got one click each time I tried to start, but the starter would
not engage. Battery is still good, fairly new. 50 miles before this, the "Stabil Trac Service" light came on. (May not be related.)
Towed to the dealer. Mechanic said he finally got it started, and the engine was "clunking"
terrible. He first said all the oil was out of the engine, but we looked at the dipstick and it
appeared only 1 qt low.
There is no oil leak signs on the engine, no oil spill where I broke down.
There was no unusual noise or engine vibration when the motor quit on me.
Does this sound right? With an estimate of $7K for a used engine on a car worth less
than $10K total (96K miles on it), I'm not inclined to replace the engine.
Should I have it towed to another dealer/shop for a second opinion?
You would think I could trust a high volume GM dealer, but this whole thing sounds
fishy to me.

I have same thing at 85,000 . Just drive it stop running cost and had it toll to a shop and engine is blown . I wonder if this is manufacturers problem because it’s happening to more people

 

[G-458293]

Help an old guy out here if you can. Local GM/Buick/Chev dealer says the engine is blown.
2012 Lacrosse V6.
I was driving 70 mph and the engine just quit. Coasted to a stop. Would not restart.
Warning message "Service Battery Charging System" came on.
Tried a jump start. No luck. Got one click each time I tried to start, but the starter would
not engage. Battery is still good, fairly new. 50 miles before this, the "Stabil Trac Service" light came on. (May not be related.)
Towed to the dealer. Mechanic said he finally got it started, and the engine was "clunking"
terrible. He first said all the oil was out of the engine, but we looked at the dipstick and it
appeared only 1 qt low.
There is no oil leak signs on the engine, no oil spill where I broke down.
There was no unusual noise or engine vibration when the motor quit on me.
Does this sound right? With an estimate of $7K for a used engine on a car worth less
than $10K total (96K miles on it), I'm not inclined to replace the engine.
Should I have it towed to another dealer/shop for a second opinion?
You would think I could trust a high volume GM dealer, but this whole thing sounds
fishy to me.

Yeah,get a 2nd opinion because they will trick you just to get your money. It is best not to jump the battery because you can damage the fuse block on the battery.

 

[G-917680]

Seems like you're only choice if you dont trust them is to tow it to a private shop that you trust where the labor rate is lower to determine the problem.

It’s probably the fuse on your battery terminal. If it’s black change it . Should only be about $30 to $40 on eBay motors . I have a 2012 lacrosse it did the same thing at 125k . Changed the starter no luck change alternator no luck until I checked the positive battery terminal that holds the entire fuse it’s a 300a fuse I believe . My lacrosse is now 256k and that problem happened a few years ago hope it helps 🤞🏿

 

[MelsRegal]

It’s probably the fuse on your battery terminal. If it’s black change it . Should only be about $30 to $40 on eBay motors . I have a 2012 lacrosse it did the same thing at 125k . Changed the starter no luck change alternator no luck until I checked the positive battery terminal that holds the entire fuse it’s a 300a fuse I believe . My lacrosse is now 256k and that problem happened a few years ago hope it helps 🤞🏿

That was over 2 years ago, hopefully it's resolved by now.

 

[G-213486]

Awesome you say this... I just love when people think dealers are too expensive. I agree some are, You have to do some shopping around. What if I told you I know a Buick dealer that charges $97 a hour labor. All day long everyday they work on the same make and model car you drive. This motor swap calls for 7.9 hours labor... Call it 8 hours and that's $776 in labor from a actual GM certified tech that can do the work blindfolded. Or go to Joe blow down the street for your 2k.

My 2013 buick lacross's engine ia blown- people only want to give me $250-$400 which i feel is an insult as it's a nice car. Does anyone Know of someone in ohio would buy somethung like that

 

[G-631893]

Help an old guy out here if you can. Local GM/Buick/Chev dealer says the engine is blown.
2012 Lacrosse V6.
I was driving 70 mph and the engine just quit. Coasted to a stop. Would not restart.
Warning message "Service Battery Charging System" came on.
Tried a jump start. No luck. Got one click each time I tried to start, but the starter would
not engage. Battery is still good, fairly new. 50 miles before this, the "Stabil Trac Service" light came on. (May not be related.)
Towed to the dealer. Mechanic said he finally got it started, and the engine was "clunking"
terrible. He first said all the oil was out of the engine, but we looked at the dipstick and it
appeared only 1 qt low.
There is no oil leak signs on the engine, no oil spill where I broke down.
There was no unusual noise or engine vibration when the motor quit on me.
Does this sound right? With an estimate of $7K for a used engine on a car worth less
than $10K total (96K miles on it), I'm not inclined to replace the engine.
Should I have it towed to another dealer/shop for a second opinion?
You would think I could trust a high volume GM dealer, but this whole thing sounds
fishy to me.

How did this pan out.. same problem here to the t.