98 Buick Century won't turn over.

40

Asked by mayhap5150 May 08, 2014 at 09:46 PM about the 1998 Buick Century Custom Sedan FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Replaced all 3 Ignition coils. I hear fuel pump turn on for a few seconds and fuel relay
click. Don't have a pressure gauge to check fuel pressure.

8 Answers

3,195

Do you have dash lights? Does the blower come on?

3 people found this helpful.
40

Yes dash lights and blower comes on. Battery is good. Leaning towards clogged fuel pump and/or low/no pressure output from fuel pump.

2 people found this helpful.
3,195

Trying to rule out the ignition switch as the culpit. Another possible issue could be other components in the ignition system, particularly the crankshaft position sensor. When this sensor fails, the PCM cannot identify the position of cylinder #1, or top dead center. This would definitely result in a no start condition. I have also seen 3.1 liter engines with the A/C compressor locked up and not letting the engine turn over.

2 people found this helpful.
40

Would it try and turn over if it were the ignition switch? The other stuff sounds like they are out of my c

40

Competence league. If it were one of the latter answers, ballpark on how much it would cost?

3,195

Yes. If you have a trusted mechanic, they should be able to test the voltage running from the switch to the BCM (body control module). The switch sends an initial 5 volt signature to the BCM once the ignition cylinder is in placed the "Start" position for anti-theft purposes (it does this by reading the resistance on the diodes on the ignition key). If this signature isn't correct, it will result in a no-start condition by the BCM not allowing 12 volts to run from the battery to the starter.. Also, they mechanic should be able to tell if the crankshaft position sensor is sending the proper cylinder location signal to the ignition control module (located under the ignition coils you replaced). The mechanic should be able to give an estimate on repair costs, in addition to those for testing the pressure at the fuel rail to address your initial fuel related concerns. If it is indeed the fuel pump, it can be replaced through a door at the back of the trunk. This will be less expensive than having to drop the gas tank. I wish you luck in getting to your solution.

3 people found this helpful.
40

Had a mechanic finally start it. He said all kinds of noises comng from it. Jumped timing chain??? Engine is likely trashed. Anyone want it for $700??

1 people found this helpful.
40

ok back at it. replaced plugs and referred battery. runs but really rough. when put in gear it wants to stall. o2 sensor?

1 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

Century

Looking for a Used Century in your area?

CarGurus has 106 nationwide Century listings starting at $1,995.

ZIP:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

1998 Buick Century

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Bruce Sampson
    Reputation
    2,460
  • #2
    John Saffrahn
    Reputation
    1,810
  • #3
    Rowefast
    Reputation
    1,490
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Buick LeSabre
187 listings starting at $4,999
Used Buick Regal
54 Great Deals out of 737 listings starting at $2,500
Used Ford Taurus
147 Great Deals out of 2,232 listings starting at $925
Used Buick Park Avenue
40 listings starting at $3,995
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
4,146 Great Deals out of 124,070 listings starting at $2,495
Used Buick Skylark
40 listings
Used Cadillac DeVille
3 Great Deals out of 306 listings starting at $1,895

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.