Problem with my 1997 Buick Lesabre
Mileage 179990
Engine 3800 V6
Check engine light blinking
Repair work done prior = just bought it on July 3rd, used
GM tech = JK
question = My check engine light is blinking, a white cloud of smoke came out the back,
and now it won't start at all.
Mileage 179990
Engine 3800 V6
Check engine light blinking
Repair work done prior = just bought it on July 3rd, used
GM tech = JK
question = My check engine light is blinking, a white cloud of smoke came out the back,
and now it won't start at all.
A flashing check engine light is an indication of an engine misfire that is bad enough to
cause catalytic converter failure. This is different from a solid light.
The fact that there was smoke, and now it wont start leads me to believe that your
problem is with what is called the Upper Intake Manifold Plenum.
These fail internally and let coolant enter the intake system, causing misfire, engine light,
and worst case- the engine wont turn over or start.
A way to check is to have the cooling system pressure tested, or remove the plugs and
look for a cylinder / cylinders that are full of coolant. A cylinder that is full of coolant will not
allow the engine to turn over- it is called "Hydrostatic Lock" and can be confused with a
totally locked up engine that needs to be replaced.
2003 Buick LeSabre V-6
Warning lights = Service Stability Control.
Question = I have a 2003 Buick LeSabre with 170K miles. In the last month the "Service Stability" light
has come on more often, BUT more importantly there is a loud humming sound when the vehicle is turned left and
right during driving. Also, there is a small leak (not oil). The stability light has been coming on/off for over a
year...so I'm not worried. I NEED TO KNOW WHY THERE IS A LOUD HUMMING WHEN TURNING LEFT AND
RIGHT. ALSO, is the humming and leak (not oil) related?
Warning lights = Service Stability Control.
Question = I have a 2003 Buick LeSabre with 170K miles. In the last month the "Service Stability" light
has come on more often, BUT more importantly there is a loud humming sound when the vehicle is turned left and
right during driving. Also, there is a small leak (not oil). The stability light has been coming on/off for over a
year...so I'm not worried. I NEED TO KNOW WHY THERE IS A LOUD HUMMING WHEN TURNING LEFT AND
RIGHT. ALSO, is the humming and leak (not oil) related?
Answer: The two problems could have a common factor, or be
completely different. Just saying the leak is not oil doesn't give much
idea to what else it could be. A likely problem that would cause your
humming noise while turning would be a power steering leak.
Depending on the age of the power steering fluid, it could be clear to
very dark. It does have the same consistency as oil, though. A leak
there would lower the level in the power steering pump reservoir and
would result in a humming/whine type noise when turning the wheel. If
the noise only happens while the car is moving, or at speed, it is most
likely a wheel hub bearing that making the noise. That would also set
the service stability light on. Either problem would need checking into.
completely different. Just saying the leak is not oil doesn't give much
idea to what else it could be. A likely problem that would cause your
humming noise while turning would be a power steering leak.
Depending on the age of the power steering fluid, it could be clear to
very dark. It does have the same consistency as oil, though. A leak
there would lower the level in the power steering pump reservoir and
would result in a humming/whine type noise when turning the wheel. If
the noise only happens while the car is moving, or at speed, it is most
likely a wheel hub bearing that making the noise. That would also set
the service stability light on. Either problem would need checking into.
