[APACHEMAN]

I need help! My wifes '94 Buick LaSabre is not running properly.
She pulled into the driveway and turned the car off.

1. The heater/AC fan kept running on high even even she turned the car off. The fan won't cut off now unless I unplug it.

2. She went to turn the car back on and it wouldn't start. I unscrewed the battery and reconnected the terminals and it cranked but several things are wrong.

A. When I put the car in drive its in 3rd gear and won't shift down to first. I can manually put it in first, second, then third but it won't do it automatically. It also will not go into overdrive.

B. The radiator fans will not cut on. I found out this the hard way but thank the Lord it didn't crack the block.

I found the "engine control computer" from the parts store for $100.00. Has anyone had these same problems? I appreciate any help as this is the only vehicle I have that my family can all get into (3 kids). Thanks.

 

[StrokeofGenius]

....Strange. Ive never heard of that, sound like it went crazy.

Sorry,

Stroke

 

[Forkliftguy]

Sounds like an ignition switch problem. Mid 90's GM vehicles have two main ignition wires. One takes care of the ECM (running the engine and a few other "life support" items), the other takes care the transmission's computer. Without that second ignition wire running the transmission becomes selfdestructive. A bad ignition switch would explain why the heater controls are staying on also. I would also double check your fuse panel while you are at it just to make sure no fuses are blown.


Marc

 

[Restore60s]

Electric problems

I think Forkliftguy hit it dead on the money. When you mentioned the shift problem that was the key. I have replaced ignition switches for GM vehicles that would start out in 3rd with no downshift. I think all your problems are at the ignition switch also.

 

[julmer]

Check out eBay for a factory service manual for your car. Almost invaluable when it comes to troubleshooting an electrical problem.The computers and wiring are so complex, you really neeed a accurate map

 

[APACHEMAN]

thanks

Thanks fellas

My dad thought the same thing. Its much cheaper too. I assume its under the steering column? How difficult is it too change?

I forgot to mention I did check the fuse block. No blown fuses. Why is it there is no fuse for the blower fan?

 

[Forkliftguy]

Re: thanks

I forgot to mention I did check the fuse block. No blown fuses. Why is it there is no fuse for the blower fan?

I think it's because the blower draws too much current for the cheap fuse blocks. I know there are circuits in the fuse block that draw upwards of 20 amps, but they are not continuously run, whereas the blower motor is. And manufacturers didn't start using MAXI fuses consistently until the mid 90's. A MAXI fuse terminal allows for a larger gauge wire, hence better suited to large current draws over extended periods of time.

Good Luck
Marc

 

[willowbilly3]

And a sidenote on the ECM (computer) These don't fail all that often and 90% of the ones I have seen fail lost one or more injector drivers. On a TBI car there is often just one and then it doesn't run at all.