Question
I have a 1994 Buick Regal with a 3.8L engine. Sometimes when you shut the car off it will not start back up again. It sounds as if it is not firing because it keeps turning over and you can hear the fuel pump click on. You can let the car sit for about 30mins to 1 hour and then it will start again with no problems. Sometimes after you start the car the service engine light is on and the car is missing and hesitating. The car does not act like this all of the time and a mechanic needs to have the problem happen at the garage to find out what it is. I have changed the ICM, and still noticed there is no spark during this situation! Do you know what might be causing this problem?

It was smart and logical to have changed the ICM. I would focus next on the coil. I would also check for any codes. Another common problem is not changing platinum plugs often enough. Change them at half the recommended mileage, using only the ACDelco plugs that came in the car. Finally, don't overlook the possibility that your computer could be responsible for the trouble you are experiencing.

Make sure you have changed the fuel filter within the past 30,000 miles.

In the past I have come across a bad crankshaft sensor that will sometimes work or not.
It should set a code that will say no crank signal . If you know how it can be a easy fix and you can buy one at any parst store

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Originally Posted by alfredkendall

Question
I have a 1994 Buick Regal with a 3.8L engine. Sometimes when you shut the car off it will not start back up again. It sounds as if it is not firing because it keeps turning over and you can hear the fuel pump click on. You can let the car sit for about 30mins to 1 hour and then it will start again with no problems. Sometimes after you start the car the service engine light is on and the car is missing and hesitating. The car does not act like this all of the time and a mechanic needs to have the problem happen at the garage to find out what it is. I have changed the ICM, and still noticed there is no spark during this situation! Do you know what might be causing this problem?

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:) :) :) :)

I agree with the crankshaft sensor, typically these act up after a they have gotten hot

I did have the crankshaft sensor changed even though they recommended changing the ecm first which I refused. The crankshaft sensor was the root of my problem. Thanks to those who have shown an interest.

I have the same car with same problem sometimes it just will not start. I found that if you disconnect the battery for 30 seconds and reconnect problem solved. It has something to do with the security chip in the key and the ignition. I went out looking for a new car today. Test drove it and didn't by it drove 94 regal home and then tried to go to store later and wouldn't start. Problem happens all the time, but this time after an hour it still wouldn't start. Thought it was time to get the new car. I unhooked the battery for 30 seconds and reconnected it. Bang started like normal. I just want to say that I bought this car 8 months ago with 198000 miles for $200 and had to put in new radiator and thermostat costing me another $100. Routine upkeep and car runs great. Buick's 3.8L V6 is the best engine ever made.

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Originally Posted by erick6220

I have the same car with same problem sometimes it just will not start. I found that if you disconnect the battery for 30 seconds and reconnect problem solved. It has something to do with the security chip in the key and the ignition. I went out looking for a new car today. Test drove it and didn't by it drove 94 regal home and then tried to go to store later and wouldn't start. Problem happens all the time, but this time after an hour it still wouldn't start. Thought it was time to get the new car. I unhooked the battery for 30 seconds and reconnected it. Bang started like normal. I just want to say that I bought this car 8 months ago with 198000 miles for $200 and had to put in new radiator and thermostat costing me another $100. Routine upkeep and car runs great. Buick's 3.8L V6 is the best engine ever made.

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I also have a 1994 Buick Regal (130,000 miles) with a very similar behavior, all of the sudden turning the ignition key would cause absolutely no effect, no lights, no clicking, no noises, nothing, dead, even after charging the battery for hours, so I replaced the battery with a new one, it then started it fine.

Next day the dashboard's brake warning light flashed red while starting the car, it flashed for few seconds and the engine quit, then it was absolutely dead again; but I knew the battery was OK this time, in any event I had a hunch and disconnected the battery terminals hoping to reset whatever was wrong with the warning lights, waited for a while, reconnected the battery and it started fine again!

Those problems unfortunately seem to be a prelude to more trouble ahead, Can anyone suggest what to replace to avoid future surprises.

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Originally Posted by DaveRussel

I also have a 1994 Buick Regal (130,000 miles) with a very similar behavior, all of the sudden turning the ignition key would cause absolutely no effect, no lights, no clicking, no noises, nothing, dead, even after charging the battery for hours, so I replaced the battery with a new one, it then started it fine.

Next day the dashboard's brake warning light flashed red while starting the car, it flashed for few seconds and the engine quit, then it was absolutely dead again; but I knew the battery was OK this time, in any event I had a hunch and disconnected the battery terminals hoping to reset whatever was wrong with the warning lights, waited for a while, reconnected the battery and it started fine again !.

Those problems unfortunately seem to be a prelude to more trouble ahead, Can anyone suggest what to replace to avoid future surprises.

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My '94 Regal only has about 60,000 miles and I've experienced these same problems. Engine Lights, Brake Lights, Oil Lights, etc all come on and go away as they please. My Turn Signals and Flashers as well. The most terrifying is when the brakes decide not to work and grab at the last second. No matter what I replace it seems to continue in a completely random matter and my mechanic can't keep up. I've been through plenty of forums, books, talked to mechanics and friends with more experience with electrical than me and continue to get the same results. I'm to the point where the next thing I replace is the car itself as it has become a dangerous money pit.

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Originally Posted by DaveRussel

I also have a 1994 Buick Regal (130,000 miles) with a very similar behavior, all of the sudden turning the ignition key would cause absolutely no effect, no lights, no clicking, no noises, nothing, dead, even after charging the battery for hours, so I replaced the battery with a new one, it then started it fine.

Next day the dashboard's brake warning light flashed red while starting the car, it flashed for few seconds and the engine quit, then it was absolutely dead again; but I knew the battery was OK this time, in any event I had a hunch and disconnected the battery terminals hoping to reset whatever was wrong with the warning lights, waited for a while, reconnected the battery and it started fine again !.

Those problems unfortunately seem to be a prelude to more trouble ahead, Can anyone suggest what to replace to avoid future surprises.

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YO I had this same problem with the car dying I thought it was the battery so I replaced it then it kept doing it it was the alternator.replace that... can anyone help with finding the brake light switch

I have a 94 buick regal custom. When the engine is cold it will start with no problem, but as it warms up it will cut out when I coast slowly to a stop, but ONLY when the engine is warmed up, but if I pop it into neutral as I coast it will not cut out at all... and then I will park it at at my friends house for 10 minutes to talk, I will get back to my car and it will just sit there with a good battery, good starter, good alternator, and it just will not start like its getting no spark, but 30 minutes to an hour later it will start right back up? Coil Pack problem? ECM problem? Computer problem? Or possibly a sensor problem? I've replaced the fuel filter, EGR Valve, coil wires, spark plugs, throttle position sensor, and of course it helped, but didn't fix the cut out problem or the not starting problem, and THIS ONLY HAPPENES WHEN THE ENGINE IS WARM, it starts fine every morning, like its brand new. I would appreciate any comments on this.

Mike20, I would replace the Ignition Control Module (ICM).

Check the ground on the ignition, I had a similar problem years ago, replaced a multitude of parts and it turned out to be a bad ground wire.

Definitely the Crankshaft Sensor...