2008 Buick Lucerne Misfire SOLVED!!!

[@leebarnes655]

Once you've seen this, you'll never forget it. On those engines to check for bad equipment take all the boots off the coils and tie them back so they don't get in the way. Then crank it over. If it's good you'll get a hot spark between each coil post and if it's bad, you won't. All six shoot insane fire and make quite the display. Here, the top one would not do as good as the bottom two and even with swapped out coils it would have been the same story. Good idea to replace the consumables as that's how it is supposed to be done. They will work with a 180 degree thermostat which keeps my summer temps from reaching on over 200 regularly like it used to do without complaining about it on the OBD system. But it does mean a bit less heat in the polar vortex days. Mines a 97 series II, must of had a leaky injector while eating lunch with the radio which required some ignition key on and offs to keep it alive. When I started it back up finally, it misfired quite a bit and threw the MIL on me. Great now I got to go find my code reader to clear it. Next day I fired it back up to go get the mail and it wasn't on anymore - at least mine will clear itself if the issue doesn't persist. On the other hand, I had to go to town once with the space saver spare tire on and picked up a check tire pressure nag text in the instrument panel, that one never went away until I had to pull the battery to recharge it when it wouldn't start in the above polar vortex. So disconnect the battery for that one, and I still have to find my code reader.

[@kellyherald1390]

My mom's 2005 LaCrosse 3.8L had the ignition module fail - TWICE within 5000 miles. It also led to a premature failure of the catalytic converters so those had to be replaced. So far it has been running fine.

[@andersonsgarage2334]

Parts today! Bummer when that happens, especially wiping out the convertors.

[@freebuilder007]

Nice job of isolating the problem. Bravo.

[@andersonsgarage2334]

Thank you

[@yaboimax6356]

I just did a crap ton of work on a 2000 LeSabre that I bought not running for $200. This thing is kicked my ass every way from Sunday. It's been a year and I finally got it running. I had two main issues but I wound up having to do intake manifold gaskets on it anyways. The Mass airflow sensor was faulty and it would not run with it connected. Also the ICM was faulty and it would lose spark on all cylinders after a couple minutes of running. I've changed all six plugs and wires and I'm still fighting a misfire code under acceleration. 😢

[@cgwworldministries83]

Few things to check, top O2 sensor most likely, fuel sending unit, the sensor behind the flywheel and serpentine belt like it'll start good and run for a minute then stall.

[@yaboimax6356]

@cgwworldministries83 It is misfiring on number two and five cylinders under acceleration, about anything above 3000 RPM. I ordered a coil for it that should be here today or tomorrow.

[@yaboimax6356]

@cgwworldministries83 It would only run for a few minutes due to the bad ICM. It would run for a few minutes and then die and not start again because it lost spark.

[@jeffshadow2407]

I now own my third Buick Wildcat (ex-Lucerne). The cars look great with the mid-1960s metal emblems.

[@altg5708]

In the series I AND II 3.8 you are supposed to change the plugs every 30,000 miles. It fires the plugs twice because it has a waste spark which fires on the exhaust side. 140,000 miles is a lot of miles for plugs on a 3.8L.

[@andersonsgarage2334]

I agree. That's why we replaced the plugs.

[@altg5708]

@@andersonsgarage2334 The comment wasn't directed at you. I know you changed them. I was commenting so readers would know this wasn't a regular engine with 140,000 that still needed plugs changed. This was a car that previous owners were incredibly stupid about taking care of their car.

[@andersonsgarage2334]

@altg5708 I apologize if my reply sounded obtuse and I do appreciate your comment. I took it exactly how you intended and agree with you.

[@jeannewright3027]

Thank you. Just bought a 2009 Allure, 3.8L, at mechanic now. Will have him check, has 70,500 mikes in it. @@altg5708

[@cgwworldministries83]

I'm about to replace my plugs, praying that's the issue

[@christophersanders5007]

What brand of diagnostic scan tool are you using? I had a hard one on a Mitsubishi 2.4 L engine. The EGR and CAT monitors would not set (no fault codes). Up stream O2 sensor going crazy trying to compensate for air leak somewhere on the intake side. Smoke test revealed TB throttle shaft leaking. Replaced throttle shaft seals. Did not work. Went to junk yard got another TB, and replaced shaft seals. FIXED. Apparently the original TB throttle shaft bore was worn out, and sucking air.

[@andersonsgarage2334]

I never would have thought of the shaft seals. A smoke machine definitely reveals some things when diagnosing a problem. Its an xtool D8 pro. We have been thinking of making an in depth review on it. Would that be something you are interested in seeing? Thanks for watching btw.

[@bswasko]

I have the same exact car. When I first start it up it’ll do the same exact thing, the rpm’s will drop for a few seconds then rev up to normal idle. I replaced the gas pump thinking it was that but still getting the same response. Could be bad spark plugs? I’m not getting any check engine light on.

[@andersonsgarage2334]

It's possible. Do you have access to a scan tool with live data?

[@bswasko]

@@andersonsgarage2334I have a scan tool but not access to live data.

[@gen-zeke-8571]

Interesting to learn.

[@andersonsgarage2334]

Thank you

[@JoeGrover-v3x]

Great video. I had a coil fail last fall. It was cracked. Replaced all the coils and spark plugs. And the car has been great until today. Started getting a misfire. Started with a blinking check engine light. Then it stayed on. Cylinder 2 is what my cheap code reader said po302. I removed the spark plug, and it looked fine. Swapped with #1 plug to see if it followed the plug. Took it for a drive 4 mile drive, still misfiring. But the code is po300. Maybe it hasnt settled into cylinder fault yet. Any suggestions?

[@andersonsgarage2334]

Swap coils and see if the misfire follows? Could be the ignition module.

[@frederickbehn5610]

Did the check engine light come on alering you to the misfire and and ignition module problem?

[@andersonsgarage2334]

Correct. The check engine light was illuminated. However the dtc was P0300 multiple cylinder misfire. It wasn't until I watched the data that we narrowed down which cylinders were misfiring.

[@frederickbehn5610]

Forgive my not understanding, but the fact that the ignition module was the ultimate problem, had to be discovered by your own investigation. There’s no tell that, the actual issue was the ignition module?

[@andersonsgarage2334]

@@frederickbehn5610 that's what the video was about. Moved the coil and the misfire did NOT follow the coil, which means the module failed.

[@headpainter1]

Misfire not solved on this end. First of all great video. I have a 2008 Buick LaCrosse 3.8. It has p0304. Has excellent Spark. Has new injectors. New coils new ICM, new wires and plugs excellent spark. Compression test cyl 4 at 150lbs with the starter motor consistently. After the 7th time testing compression it cranked up and was idling and i checked compression gauge And it was at like 15lbs....miss miss miss.... while running of course no plug while checking compression. Replaced plug, still missing p0304. Im thinking low rpm with starter, 150psi. High rpms 15psi. Maybe sticking valve? Any thoughts? Ever seen anything like this before? I'd hate to pull the head and find out I'm not thinking about this right.

[@headpainter1]

Would a failed intake lifter cause these type readings?

[@andersonsgarage2334]

I would think a lifter or valve would cause a similar issue while cranking and show low compression. 150 psi cranking and 15 psi running is definitely a curve ball. How did the old number 4 plug look when it came out?

[@andersonsgarage2334]

Do you have access to a good scan tool with live data?

[@andersonsgarage2334]

I know it sucks because its on the back side, but you could pull the valve cover and watch #4 valves as it's cranking.

[@headpainter1]

@@andersonsgarage2334 it's been awhile since I started this project and I really can't remember what the plug looked like. I have a Zurich zr15 Harbor Freight reader that has live data but I'm not well trained on it. I will say this that when it's running with a miss and I go in and I turn off the number four injector it Smooths out, so it's trying to do something but I just don't know what. I do know that when I got it one of the coils and the ICM was shot. So this mess has been going on for a while.

[@danielanderson8502]

You mean you got the spark plug boot off without damaging it? That’s a first for a AC Delco! 😂 I have a 3800 and LOVE it! Supercharged!!!

[@rm5902]

GREAT VIDEO

[@andersonsgarage2334]

Thank you

[@marquecook6416]

I changed all of that. But when I’m driving up hill with the same vehicle just 07 I start misfiring but level ground she runs beautiful. Would that be fuel injectors possibly?

[@andersonsgarage2334]

Really the first step would be to scan the vehicle and view the live data while driving up hill. Without that information it's kind of a guessing game.

[@marquecook6416]

@ is another a option for at home garage care. Not sure where or how to obtain live data while driving.

[@andersonsgarage2334]

@@marquecook6416 a tool like a blue driver brand scan tool works with your phone and will show liv data and you record it.

[@ltlrc5386]

Great job! Will enjoy more vids..

[@andersonsgarage2334]

Hey, thank you for watching and thank you for the feedback.

[@jadynhinson7806]

I have a 88 trofeo it has a series 1 i replaced the module wires and plugs and its running pretty rough with a misfire im thinking cam sensor at this point but maybe a faulty module? It shutters and stumbles, im jus so new to all this

[@andersonsgarage2334]

You haven't replaced the module? If not, I would.

[@jadynhinson7806]

@andersonsgarage2334 yessir i did all three that i had mentioned, module, spark plug wires and plugs

[@andersonsgarage2334]

@@jadynhinson7806 being an 88' it will be more difficult to diagnose being OBD1

[@leemazzarella]

How is the catalytic converter doing after all that misfiring

[@andersonsgarage2334]

15000 miles later and no catalyst efficiency codes so I would say it's fine.

[@georgepetrillo7316]

@@andersonsgarage2334 Quick question on the catalyst efficiency codes in relation to engine misfiring. If misfiring issued is solved and no more misfires will that keep from having the catalyst effciency codes come up again? It's easy for people to think that when there are catalyst efficiency codes pop up, they just hope that replacing the cat solves the problem when in fact it was due to cylinder misfiring.

[@headhoncho4890]

Could the icm cause a stutter when pulling off from a dead stop or cause the engine to start and then die on come start

[@jbielsen1]

Any ideas for my Buick Lucerne 3.8 series 3, i am replacing my knock sensors but the auto shop charges $700.... So was wondering if you know how to do it yourself

[@andersonsgarage2334]

There's a lot of videos covering knock sensors on the 3.8. Search here on KZbin.

[@jbielsen1]

Nope can't find a series 3 V6

[@jbielsen1]

Always a series 2 V6 and when I find a series 3 V6 they don't tell you how to replace the knock sensors they only show the location. Some people say you can do it at home and some people say I need a auto shop lol

[@sincerelyyours21]

I have a green wire hanging under my front bumper (2008 Buick Lucerne) I’m guessing it’s a sensor but I have no clue where it goes and am I able to connect it myself?

[@bluwng]

I like your root cause diagnosis to many people are cherry pickers.

[@andersonsgarage2334]

Thank you

[@JuicyElk]

Would it be possible he module would prevent the car from starting at all? My mother in law's car won't start snd ive went through the list. I removed the number one spark plug and tested spark the same way you did and there was nothing. HOWEVER when I put the plug on a ground point on the frame it sparked and the car started.

[@charliedecker7702]

Spark plug needs a ground to make the spark, if it sparks on the frame and not the engine , check the engine to frame ground wire. Should be as thick as you`re little finger.Can look ok but be broken inside.

[@billmellinger1134]

Could be fuel pump relay. My mom's burnt 2 out. Ended up being the whole fuse box under back seat was bad. Caused by the seat latch pushes against it and burns up the socket the fuel pump relay goes.

[@kirtlove1002]

My car ran cooler, gave me coolant too cool code. About a week of this and she got harder to start. Today was cool damp morning. Poof, multicylinder misfire. Thermostat killed the ignition module. She has to run 177 or higher. 2006 buick lacrosse with 59,000 miles. 18 years old but driven very little. Lesson learned.

[@jbielsen1]

I replaced my oil sensor on my 07 Buick Lucerne 3.8 but the message center still says add oil low on fluid.... Do I have to reset the oil sensor??

[@cgwworldministries83]

Yes whenever you change the oil, clear your code

[@NoLiesToldTV]

I have an 02 buick century and I bought an ignition module that wasn't gm original equipment got it for under a hundred bucks and I'm throwing the P0300 code I've changed plugs wires iac tps coils throttle body fuel pump and filter purge valve and maybe this might be my issue I don't know for sure but I hate P0300 it's a freaking headache

[@andersonsgarage2334]

@@NoLiesToldTV it certainly could be a step in the right direction. Sometimes the aftermarket modules don't work correctly.

[@NoLiesToldTV]

@andersonsgarage2334 I sure hope so man!

[@andersonsgarage2334]

@@NoLiesToldTV come back here if not

[@NoLiesToldTV]

@andersonsgarage2334 cool I appreciate that man!

[@arabunting2981]

I bought a 06 lacerne which dies after it is warmed up not sure what causes it l

[@andersonsgarage2334]

Sometimes ignition modules fail when they get hot.

[@jimk962]

I didn’t no Oliver Anthony worked on cars too. Lmao jk jk good video man thank you.

[@cali8221]

My 06 buick lucerne cxl has a misfire also and I changed the plugs and wires and it drives 85%better and I cnt get the check engine light to come on or flash like before but there is still a little miss there I can feel it..could i have the same problem???

[@andersonsgarage2334]

It's very possible. What brand of spark plugs did you use? Unfortunately all spark plugs are not created equal. Do you have access to a scan tool where you can see the live misfire data?

[@cali8221]

@Anderson's Garage I believe they were ac Delco iridium spark plugs..And no I dnt have that tool..ive been chasing this problem for weeks now and it jus been a head ache

[@andersonsgarage2334]

@@cali8221 AC Delco plugs are good. It's really hard to say without scan tool data. Around here a used set of coils and module is about $40 at the junkyard. Maybe it would be worth swapping a used set in and seeing if it goes away

[@andersonsgarage2334]

You could also check the resistance of your coils with the multimeter.

[@cali8221]

@@andersonsgarage2334 ok thanks

[@robertbennett212]

a bad plug or wire can ruin a ignition control module? wow!

[@cgwworldministries83]

And vice versa, a bad coil can ruin a spark plug

[@eduardomenchaca1916]

I had bad module AND bad coils. Cost me a pretty penny.

[@cgwworldministries83]

Rockauto

[@bighog6]

My 2009 shot out smoke while on the highway, and died.

[@mikeyshouseofbrakes8463]

3800 runs forever.

[@andersonsgarage2334]

Absolutely. Much better than 3.6

[@headpainter1]

I might agree with you if I could ever work this bug out of mine. This thing has literally got me pulling my hair out.

[@cgwworldministries83]

Until it dies at 170k miles

[@jimnicosia5934]

Too expensive.

[@andersonsgarage2334]

Too expensive...for?