1992 Buick Riviera Dies While I am Driving and I Have to Wait 10 Minutes to Restart

Reader Question
Austin-

I have a 1992 Buick Riviera. It has recently started stalling while driving. It usually happens when I am stuck in stop and go traffic. The car will then not start right away. I wait ten minutes and it starts and I continue on my way.

I also noticed that if I am on a 40 or more minute drive – arrive at my destination and turn the car off – it will not start again. But wait ten minutes and it starts. What could this be? Yesterday I was in some heavy traffic and it was 95 degrees outside. My car stalled. After the ten minutes – it started, but I also noticed smoke coming from the steering column.

It seemed to be coming from the turn signal area and the turn signal itself, was so hot. Then the smoke stopped. The car started right up after work, and I drove home with no incidents. The car seems to act worse in the heat of the day. Any ideas?

Thanks – MaryAnn

MaryAnn,

Thanks for the email. Problems like this are VERY hard to properly diagnose. I would however want to look closely at the ignition module and the fuel pump, both of which can fail due to over heating. If you were in my shop, and I could not catch the complaint in the act I would replace the Ignition module AND the Ignition Coil and let you drive the car a few days to see what happens.

I would hold on to your old parts and the boxes of the new parts. If the complaint is gone…great, but if it if still there my part supplier will take the parts back If I can clean them up and put them back in the original boxes…..then I would guess at the next idea….the fuel pump, which is inside the fuel tank.

Keep me posted
Blessings,
Austin C. Davis

Reader Follow Up

I am having my car looked at tomorrow – am very nervous as I am so afraid of being ripped off. I have had some tell me that it could be the crank sensor.

Does that make sense? In your opinion what would be a fair price for replacing the ignition module and ignition coil? Also what do you think for the crank sensor? I really appreciate your help. It is so hard to be a single woman and trust some of these auto shops – I am not rich and need my transportation. Thank you. MaryAnn

Hello Again Mary Ann

Yes, the crank sensor is also a good GUESS. You can replace it and drive the car awhile and see what happens.

FROM MY LAST EMAIL – If you were in my shop, and I could not catch the complaint in the act I would replace the Ignition module AND the Ignition Coil and let you drive the car a few days to see what happens.

Blessings,

Austin C. Davis

Reader Follow up

Austin-

I took my car in and did not suggest what might be wrong – only told them my problem. The mechanic called and told me I need a fuel pump and ignition module. He quoted me $765 to repair. Is it possible I would need both? Would the iginition module and fuel pump both need replacing at the same time – or is he covering both of your guesses in one shot? Also – is this a fair estimate? It sounds very high. Thanks again.

MaryAnn

Follow up response

MaryAnn,

I would say he is covering his bases. I would do as I suggested, replace the ignition coil AND the module and hold on to the old parts and the new boxes, drive a few days and see what happens. Make sure your mechanic is able to return the new parts if the problem is still there….and you will pay him for his labor charge of course.

I would HIGHLY suggest using A/C Delco parts….I have not had much luck using cheaper brands.

Probably will cost you about $330

Keep me posted – Austin