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Jim Grant's Tech Tips
91
Buick LaSabre, Take Me to Florida
Q:
I have a '91 Buick LaSabre that, for some reason, doesn't like to start
right up in the cold. I wore down the first battery, replaced it, and
two weeks later am experiencing another problem. In order for me to start
her up on a very cold day (17-25 deg.) I need to press the accelerator
to the floor and flood it. I have put dry gas in the tank, when it happened
two weeks ago. Other than that I don't have any complaints about the car,
she rides beautifully. I just had the car at the dealer's to do an overall
check, and had the EGR valve replaced. It seems since then, on a cold
morning I seem to be experiencing the awful problem of not starting. It
almost seems like the car is screaming for fuel, but not getting any.
Would appreciate all the help I can get.
A: Cold
weather startup demands the most from a vehicle. >From what you're
describing either the engine is not receiving enough fuel or the spark
from the ignition is not strong enough. The fuel pressure must be to factory
specifications. The vehicle's computer uses information from a temperature
sensor, mounted on the engine, to determine how much fuel is necessary
to start the engine. If the fuel pressure is correct and the computer
has the right information, then the ignition system should be inspected
more closely. Of course the spark plugs and wires must be good shape.
The strength of the spark from the ignition coil is critical for starting.
A good ignition coil on your vehicle should have no problem delivering
over 45,000 volts of electrical energy to the spark plugs. Yes that's
45,000 volts! If you get across the ignition wires the wrong way you'll
be doing a bunny hop. It would be best to have your technician diagnose
these components because it requires specialized equipment, training and
information.
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