What are the reasons why the LaCrosse won't start but has power?
3 Answers
If the LaCrosse is relatively old and the battery is confirmed to have power, other possible reasons are as follows: 1. Starter motor failure: The starter motor typically has a service life of around 100,000 kilometers. With prolonged use, the carbon brushes are prone to damage, which can prevent the engine from starting. 2. Fuel pump failure: This can lead to a lack of fuel supply, making it impossible to start the engine. 3. Gear in D position: The car cannot be started in this gear due to the vehicle's self-protection mechanism, preventing the car from lurching forward after ignition. 4. Engine speed sensor (crankshaft position sensor) failure: This can result in no high-voltage spark, making it impossible to start the car normally.
When I encounter the issue of my LaCrosse having power but not starting, it's usually a problem with the ignition system, not the battery. My car has this exact symptom—the dashboard lights are on, the radio works, but there's no response or just a faint hum when trying to start. Possible causes include excessive carbon buildup on the spark plugs preventing spark generation, a faulty ignition coil, or poor signal transmission. It could also be a fuel system issue—an aging fuel pump failing to deliver gasoline or a clogged fuel filter restricting fuel flow. I've tried checking the starter first—listening for a clicking sound. If there's sound but the engine doesn't turn over, it indicates an internal starter fault. Relays or ECU errors can also cause these symptoms, especially as LaCrosse models age and become prone to electronic failures. For DIY troubleshooting, using an OBD scanner to read trouble codes is a simple and efficient approach. If all else fails, take it to a professional repair shop promptly to avoid prolonged damage to the vehicle.
I think there's electricity but it won't start, most commonly it's due to weak ignition components or fuel system issues. In my experience, if the spark plugs are severely worn or the ignition timing is off, the engine won't fire up. The fuel system is also prone to problems—for example, a short circuit in the fuel pump or insufficient pressure. You should listen for a humming sound from the fuel pump when starting; no sound means it's broken. Additionally, the electronic control system in the LaCrosse can sometimes act up, like a faulty crankshaft position sensor preventing the ECU from receiving signals and thus stopping ignition. If the mass airflow sensor is too dirty and affects air intake, it can also cause a lean mixture and prevent starting. I recommend beginners check the simple things first: whether the battery terminals are loose, or if the key fob battery is weak, which might trigger the anti-theft lock. Timely action is crucial, otherwise breaking down on the highway can be a big hassle.
