1992 sedan deville won't start...

[HotrodMamma]

Hi group! I have a 1992 Sedan Deville that won't start...acts like it wants to. Sometmes does start but shuts off at warm up. The oil is black as pitch..(last owner). Would that cause it? I read the threat on the resistor contacts on the keys. I could check that too if it's a possibilty....Thanks!

[misfit6794]

There are a ton of things that can prevent the car from starting. Heres a list, in the order you should check; Battery, battery cables/terminals, starter, starter solenoid, fuel filter, spark plugs, plug wires, distributor, fuel pressure regulator.

I'm going to guess its the starter, usually they will affect hot starts, I am not positive where it is on your model, its usually on the bottom of the engine bay. Try giving it a couple hits with a hammer, if it starts after that, then its definetly bad.

[BigDaddy63]

From your description, it sounds as if the car has not been maintained properly. Check/ replace all fluids- oil, tranny, antifreeze- filters, plugs, cap, rotor, wires, pcv valve, etc. I would do a thorough cleaning of the TB and intake manifold of carbon. I would also do a Seafoam or similar treatment for the oil and gas.I doubt it's the starter as you said the car will run but shuts off.

[Lithorian]

one other item, that cause me the EXACT same symptoms, the Idle Speed Controll motor

[donwon]

Put a fuel pressure gauge on the fuel rail, the pump may be failing.
Also check the fuel pressure regulator.

[HotrodMamma]

Thanks guys. I'm buying the car today, just wanted to know what I should check for this weekend if replacing the fluids and such failed. I do have some seafoam on hand as well. I'll let you know what we find.

[HotrodMamma]

It sounds like the fuel pump. I say "sounds" because it makes a grinding noise when the power is on. We will do a pressure test this weekend to be sure. Another question that this group probably knows the answer to: is there and access panel to the fuel pump on this model or do we need to drop the tank? '92 Sedan Deville...thanks group!

[chubbyranger]

Must
d
r
o
p
tank...

[donwon]

It ain't hard to do.

[HotrodMamma]

Well, gang...you're going to laugh...after all that fuss, the Caddy was OUT OF GAS!!! The tank showed it had 5 gallons, but someone had run it over a big rock or something and the tank was dented. It threw the fuel sensor off. After putting some gas in it, the pressure gauge started showing pressure and then it started...LOL! It still has running problems, however. At first it sounded like it was not sparking on a plug. When I checked plug 1 wire was not attached. I attached it..it ran better but still is running rough and throwing a lot of carbon out of the tail pipe. So this morning I changed plug 1. The prior owner had removed it and dropped it. I replaced it but still runs rough with carbon out of the exhaust. Would a damaged plug wire do that? I am planning on a tune up this weekend. Thanks gang.

[Ranger]

Check the FPR.

[behind-bars]

I would just replace alot of regular maintenance parts before going to deep.

Replace all fluids, cap, rotor, plugs, wires, 02 sensor, and then clean the egr tubes and TB and see how much it cleans up.

[chubbyranger]

Change the other 7 plugs. If they are fouled or shot that would be the first step I'd take. Plug wires can also be a problem if they are worn and arcing - then the electricity is going into the block and not the combustion chamber to burn fuel.

[CadiJeff]

hey I was gonn say that...LOL

[HotrodMamma]

Thanks fellas. I will do the major tune up this weekend and let you know. P.S...I paid $650.00 for this car because it was out of gas..I guess anything else I do is icing on the cake at this point. I will never tell that young fella what was wrong with the car if I see him again....LOL. The car needed to be with a Cadillac lover anyway and it is.