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I have a Buick Lucerne and the car has the situation listed in the title of the thread.
Just happened tonight - I was able to get the car home by driving it in second gear, but it's not running correctly. Very disappointed as I like the car - I've had it for a few months now.
I'm figuring it's not a timing chain / belt issue. The Buicks have a timing chain and those last forever. My car has only about 93,000 miles on it. Also it's my understanding that if it's a timing belt, the car won't move at all, which isn't the case with mine.
Any ideas what is going on here? I'm going to get it towed tomorrow (Sunday)....
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
44,576 posts, read 81,167,557 times
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More information is needed. If the engine is revving the same as usual but it only moves in first and second, and the car is not moving as fast as expected based on the RPMs, it would most likely be a dead transmission. If it's truly a lack of power, it normally means it's gone into limp mode, and almost always will display a "check engine" code. In some cases a severe lack of power is due to a lack of air flow, from a clogged up catalytic converter. The material inside falls apart and blocks the exhaust. A good mechanic should be able to diagnose it quickly, but it could be anything, and cost from under a hundred to several thousand to fix.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
44,576 posts, read 81,167,557 times
Reputation: 57803
Quote:
Originally Posted by topher5150
Is it still under warranty?
They were last made in 2011, and it has 93,000 miles but I think they had a 5 year/100k power train warranty, so it may be worth checking, depending on the original sale date you might just make it.
That would be my assumption, but I could be wrong.
Quote:
Originally Posted by sj08054
Code reader is your friend. Start from there and see what codes it throw.
The OP did not mention that the CEL is lit-up, but with the reported symptoms, I would find it hard to believe that the CEL isn't lit-up. Getting the code(s) read is the next step, and this can usually be done at an auto parts retailer like Auto Zone, Advance Auto, or O'Reilly.
(Note: If the CEL is flashing/blinking, do NOT continue to drive the car, as this will likely lead to VERY expensive damage to the catalytic converter, and possibly to other parts as well. If the CEL is flashing/blinking, the car should be towed to a competent mechanic's shop.)
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
44,576 posts, read 81,167,557 times
Reputation: 57803
The CEL could be burned out or a previous owner may have disconnected it. If not lit up, the OP should see if it lights up when first turning the key on.
The CEL could be burned out or a previous owner may have disconnected it. If not lit up, the OP should see if it lights up when first turning the key on.
An excellent suggestion!
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