1992-1999 Series I L27 (1992-1994 SE,SLE, SSE) & Series II L36 (1995-1999 SE, SSE, SLE) and common problems for the Series I and II L67 (all supercharged models 92-99) Including Olds 88's, Olds LSS's and Buick Lesabres Please use General Chat for non-mechanical issues, and Performance and Brainstorming for improvements.

1997 SE. Starter Issues.

Old 03-04-2010, 08:41 AM
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Default 1997 SE. Starter Issues.

Hello. Ive been part of the club for sometime, even though my posts are few.
The reason I've come here is because my car doesn't start sometimes.

Car: 1997 SE 3800SII No mods.

It cranks but does not fire.
When it does start the check engine light isn't on.
I recently replaced the fuel filter and fuel lines.

The check engine light turns on when it snows/rains.
My friend at work told me it'* probably the ICM, but I'm just posting this to confirm, before I replace it.
I heard that the crank sensor is something that goes on the 3800, and I was wondering if it could be that.

For example:
If it rains, the car wont start.

But if the weather is nice and I just turned the car off, sometimes it wont restart.
It cranks but wont fire.

I want to replace the ICM, but I need some kind of confirmation before I do so.

Thanks.
Old 03-04-2010, 08:48 AM
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I have the same issue sometimes when the humidity is high or a drive through a lot of mist, try holding the gas part way down and see if it will start, I haven't solved the problem yet but I don't get any engine lights
Old 03-04-2010, 04:06 PM
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An intermittent may be caused by a poor connection, rubbed through wire insulation or a wire broken inside the insulation.

Check the following items:

Poor connection or damaged harness. Inspect the PCM harness and connectors for improper mating, broken locks, improperly formed or damaged terminals, poor terminal to wire connection, and damaged harness.
Malfunctioning engine coolant temperature sensor. Using a scan tool, compare Engine Coolant Temperature with Intake Air Temperature on a completely cool engine. Engine Coolant Temperature should be within 10°C of Intake Air Temperature. If not, replace the ECT sensor.
Throttle position sensor. If the TP angle is over 80%, the PCM may operate in clear flood mode. The PCM will not allow fuel delivery while operating in clear flood mode.
Old 03-04-2010, 04:11 PM
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Also when experiencing problem use a scan tool to check for engine rpm while cranking.
This is a good starting point when experiencing problem. There could be a number of possibilties.
Old 03-04-2010, 04:14 PM
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also check history of DTC. this should be diagnosed first.
Old 03-04-2010, 10:59 PM
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@CrunkFrunk

My car doesn't start even with the throttle all the way down.
If it'* your throttle I know another problem with the 3800 is the fuel pressure regulator.
But I have fuel pressure.

I'll have to get a hold a scan tool. My local garage does free scans.
Old 03-04-2010, 11:22 PM
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when you put throttle all the way down pcm goes into clear flood mode and does not deliver fuel. CRUNKFUNK said throttle part way down.
Definitely have it scanned check the code you say has come up when it rains or snows.
Old 03-08-2010, 02:04 AM
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An update.

Car wont start at all.
I'm replacing the ICM soon.
I'll have more info after.
I wasn't able to get it checked by a scan tool because
when the check engine light comes on, the car wont start afterwards.
It'* either the ICM or the Crank sensor so and since its getting wetter outside
I'm going with the ICM.
Old 03-08-2010, 06:53 AM
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Another update.
Check Engine light comes on when it is any kind of wet outside:
Snow
Rain
Humidity
Mist

If I turn the car off, the engine will not start for at least two hours, though once it didn't start for eight hours.

New Spark Plugs/Wires.
Coolant is okay, went the shop and get my fuel pressure checked again, it'* at 30 psi.
The car doesn't start, so they check for spark, there is no spark.
When I'm driving home today from work, the engine cuts out, just like I turned the key off.
It rolls to a stop and I try to start it -- nothing, same as if it were raining, but no rain and no Check light.
I wait maybe 5 minutes and try it again, starts right up without missing at all.
I call the shop and they say it'* probably my Crank Sensor.

So could it be my Crank Sensor and Ignition Module?
I'm going to replace the Crank Sensor first, following the tutorial on this site, but I want to order
the Ignition Module anyway.
Old 03-08-2010, 07:23 AM
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Another Update.

I'm posting threads relevant to my problem so if anyone else comes across this it will be easier for them.

https://www.gmforum.com/1992-1999-91/no-spark-1993-a-287718/ (No Spark '93)

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