2007 Buick Lucerne 3.8 (Crank Sensor Diagnosis) Stalls and Will not Start

This 2007 Buick Lucerne was having issues with stalling and then not cranking or starting (Just clicks when key was turned). I found a bad ground as well as an intermittent crankshaft position sensor issue. Sometimes it would crank as well but not start. After a few minutes it would start and run just fine. There could be other issues with this car, but I can only fix what I can see an reproduce and see if the problem comes back.
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Tools and Parts used in this video are:
ARES Puller Set: amzn.to/2qz2nNu
Older Style Puller Set: amzn.to/2vhVAxh
Correct bolts for this balancer: amzn.to/2quRKLI
NOTE: The thread is 6mmx1mm but 1/4" X 20 also works.
The Scan tool I use is a Innova 5100: amzn.to/2HmY7Lr
The Sensor I used: amzn.to/2JNe4cn
The Scope I use is no longer made, but I'd recommend getting a Pico:
amzn.to/2JO0Z2u
Scanner Danner's Video • How to test a crank se... :
Disclaimer: Some of these links are affiliate links where I earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

[@frugalprepper]

This problem is still fixed two years later. See the description for the puller I used. This is the correct bolts for this balancer: amzn.to/2yakv8d

[@johngoddard557]

Had a No crank No start 2007 Lucerne CXL (72k miles). No circle around the PARK on instrument cluster. No communication to PCM(which is a ECM and TCM) / ABS module with Autel Maxisys. Cleaned grounds and installed new battery. Pulled black round plug (squeeze and pull straight out) going to transmission under MAF sensor area . Cleaned and applied dielectric grease. Started up!! Complete communication to all modules and no codes. Plug looked a little damp but nothing real obvious. Passing on the info!

[@frugalprepper]

On these Lucernes I have seen bad batteries cause all kind of No-Comm Codes.

[@BuggysTowJam]

I'm binge watching Tom repairing car videos! Loving them all! Thumbs up brother! Thank you for taking the time and effort to capture your repairs on video and uploading them to youtube for us to see. Thumbs up on all! Virgil in state of Delaware

[@frugalprepper]

Thanks Virgil! I always joke with people when they tell me they are from Delaware and tell them "I heard Delaware is a nice city. What state is that in?"

[@BuggysTowJam]

FrugalPrepper's Garage & Garden lol I figured I'd add the state because most people think Delaware Ohio lol

[@ohhowhappygardener]

Once again, great job! We'll see how it runs this week.

[@SilvexPhoto]

I have a 2007 buick lurcene cxl v6 (L26) that would to die. I was the ICM ground wire. After two years the heat messed it up again, but this time the mechanic secure it away from the bottom of the ICM.

[@alexblok883]

Great job … looking forward to collaborating…

[@ildealfonsoparedes2720]

Sr.you did a flicking great job CONGRATULATIONS AND THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR EXPLANATIO WICH IT WAS MORE THAN WONDERFULL I DO APPRECIATE YOU FOR THIS VIDEO MY NAME IS ALFONSO AND I THANK YOU SO MUCH BODY GOOD BLESS YOU AND FAMILY THANK YOU AGAIN HAVE A GREAT DAY SR.

[@frugalprepper]

You are very welcome

[@brandonrhinehart5448]

hey I have a buick lucerne 2006 3.8l and it won't start it just makes this grinding noise. like either the flywheel or the starter is bad. but just a quick question does that noise have anything to do with a lock or bad engine if it's not even cranking. but you hear the starter or something spinning

[@frugalprepper]

Well the first thing I would do is put a socket on the crankshaft pulley and turn the engine over by hand and make sure it isn't locked up. Then I would try to start it again... If it then cranks over you probably have missing teeth in your flywheel, but that's not common on these. If it still grinds you have a bad starter.

[@truthiz6048]

Also when I put my key in no ding ding ding if door open or seat belt sound only the lights saying no seat belt

[@frugalprepper]

It is something with your radio.

[@Velocity1118]

The Bolts are 1/4" x 28 thread x 3 1/2" long for the puller.

[@frugalprepper]

Yeah. I finally just put the set of the exact bolts from OEM Tools. They are only like $12 and they are hardened and made to fit perfect. amzn.to/2yakv8d

[@MOPAR392]

Hey I have a 06 Buick Lucerne v6 that will start and I can drive it and then eventually it will stall while I’m driving and then when I try to start it back up I get no crank just a click noise once I turn the key and then if I wait a few minutes and I turn the key it’ll try to turn over but won’t then I’ll wait a few more minutes and it’ll start over and I can drive again I did change the alternator and battery seem to be fine also checked fuses seems to be good I’m thinking crank shaft sensor but I’m not exactly sure I’m driving myself crazy with this problem. What do you think it is , thanks.

[@frugalprepper]

Next time it gets to a crank and wont start, pull off two of the plug wires off the coil and see if it spark when you crank it. Other things can cause no spark but about 99% of the time it is crank sensor. This car did the no crank thing at first as well. Then would crank no start and then start. I think the sensor is actually getting hot and shorting so bad that it takes the 5 volt reference circuit down, and the computer won't engage the starter.

[@roseabellsisters9218]

Tom I am having this same problem I will change crank shaft position sensor and see if it stops but I am having the same problem as you have shown and I'd come up with the same answer

[@frugalprepper]

It's is a common problem on the GM 3.8's

[@chrisb1975]

what you suggest on one where the ground is good and has new crankshaft position sensor, cleaned maf, cleaned throttle body, new coils and ignition module. 2005 Buick Lacrosse 3.8L series 3, will restart after waiting a few minutes

[@frugalprepper]

Does is crank or not when it won't start? Are you getting any codes? Have you looked at the codes when it actually won't start?

[@frugalprepper]

If it is Crank no start. See if you have Spark and Injector Pulse when it won't start. If you don't 7volt signal on the 18x an 3x position when it won't start. If you do check power and ground to the Crank Sensor. If you have spark and injector pulse see if you have fuel pressure.

[@keithatchley9881]

some people are in love with their own voice.

[@frugalprepper]

Keith Atchley ❤️❤️ it is nice isn’t it

[@topwolfautomotive6274]

good video have a great day

[@frugalprepper]

Thanks!

[@makeensalem6234]

thanks for share...but hammering the harmonic balancer is bad for the crank shaft bearing.

[@frugalprepper]

So isn't snapping a bolt off in the crankshaft which has happened to me before, but yes don't wail on it with a 5lb sledge our you could damage thrust bearing or bend the crank. I am tapping it home with a 16 oz.

[@SilvexPhoto]

Where was thar ground located?

[@frugalprepper]

You can use anything that is metal and grounded to hook the scope ground up to.

[@SilvexPhoto]

@@frugalprepper I mean the bad ground.

[@Aizen-hc1oz]

I got a 2007 Buick lacrosse 3.8 is this the same as mine engine. I have that same problem

[@frugalprepper]

This car never had the problem again after the crankshaft sensor replacement.

[@Aizen-hc1oz]

My mechanic just replace it 4 day ago and check all the voltage fuel pump and test drive which it start and drive but when I got there to pick it up the shut off on me again at his shop and didn't won't fire up again he let it run for 40 minutes that when it shut off.

[@lucioemapetralia5058]

@@Aizen-hc1oz relay fuel pomp in the back seat

[@Aizen-hc1oz]

Too late i got rid of that car 4 months ok and bought brand new car

[@kingpetty3474]

my 2006 buick lucerne 3.8 has dash light and the radio come on but want start can you please help me

[@frugalprepper]

Does it turn over?

[@kingpetty3474]

@@frugalprepper not at all it won't do anything

[@frugalprepper]

@@kingpetty3474 I would check the battery first, and then check the starter

[@frugalprepper]

@@kingpetty3474 Try banging on the starter with a hammer.

[@kingpetty3474]

@@frugalprepper my battery is brand new, my alternator is brand new, and also thought is was the starter til I towed it to a start and alternator shop and they said both was fine so that's where I'm stuck at this point I don't know what it could be

[@BruceLyeg]

Does the tach run off the CPS?

[@frugalprepper]

The Tach does run off the Crank Sensor, but it doesn't say weather the PCM uses the 18x or 3x signal to send the signal to the instrument panel via the low speed network. That is why I would have love to have captured it happening on the scope.

[@philh9238]

never mind i see its not made anymore. maybe i can find it on ebay if i get a part number looks easy to use

[@frugalprepper]

That probably isn't the scope you want for Auto Repair. The were originally made to teach electronic students how to use a scope. It is very limited. For instance it only reads a maximum of +/- 10V, It does not store the signal so there is no way to play it back. You will also want one that has at least 4 channels. The Hantek scopes on e-bay look really nice for the money.

[@philh9238]

what scope is that??

[@frugalprepper]

It is a little training Oscilloscope. I have 3 of them, but they are very limited. I use a Picoscope these days.

[@confidential8738]

Hey if u still reply let me know i have a few questions, thanx

[@frugalprepper]

Yeah I still reply.

[@confidential8738]

@@frugalprepper 3800 engine, top coil wasnt firing, swapped coils still no fire. Suspected icm, replaced with junkyard icm. Now middle coil not firing and top coil is firing. Swapped more coils around( i have 6 ) still same middle one not firing with new icm. Got another from junk yard, same thing. Got one from oriellys and same thing middle coil not firing. But then when i plug back in the original icm the top coil is the one not firing again. 12v is good. Good ground, good 10v reference, only have multimeter to check 18x and 3x signals so im limited on testing. New crankshaft position sensor and harmonic balancer bc i threw a couple of parts at it due to not having a scope

[@frugalprepper]

@@confidential8738 You have a coil pack that is bad and drawing too much current. You can just go to the junk yard and get a set of coil packs. You can measure the current draw on them. Eric O has a great video about this. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWKoZJtvgKuCZ68si=TkE6dBt8i4AcH3a7

[@willieholland3588]

how to remove starter on a Buick lectern

[@frugalprepper]

If you have the 3.8, Disconnect battery cable, remove the plastic cover on the bottom, and remove the plastic cover on fly wheel, take off the wires, and remove the bolts that hold it in. It's right up front on the engine, easy job. I you have the V8, I haven't done one.

[@tombob671]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@truthiz6048]

Hey can u email me I have an 07 lucerne I just brought start fine with my key but the remote stopped I rest my tach it worked 3 times started with remote then stop rest tach it worked then stop now tach rest qont work

[@frugalprepper]

Scan it for codes. Also does the radio work and is it the factory radio or an after market one?