My son has a '93 Buick LaSabre, 3.8. About a year ago it wouldn't start, not even turn over. The battery was quite new. So I had him turn the headlights on while trying to start, the lights stayed nice and bright. Sometimes if you let the car sit, after trying to start, the problem disappears. Other times we've jump started it, bingo. Any suggestions? Ron

That sounds like the new battery is flat. Put the headlights on, stand in front of the vehicle and get someone to try and start the vehicle. What happens to the headlights.

Or

Did you replace the battery yourself? Is the anti-theft light on steady.

videos
https://www.google.com/search?q=2001+Buick+Lasabre+Custom+will+not+start%2Fcrank

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This may be related to the antitheft system The system is known for turning off the starter and/or injectors when it fails. Is there a light on the dash that says SECURITY? This is a common problem worth looking into. http://www.diy-gm-security.com/

tune up,fuel filter,air filter.

1233

u shud hav auto scanned by a unit that runs a data stream to help target solution--just reading codes ina parts place is to general--sometimes may mean the key chip is bad or the ignition switch

There is a maxi-fuse under the hood for the headlights. Until you get the car fixed, just pull out that fuse when you shut off or don't need lights.
It could be the Body Control Module (BCM) that is causing this. Without a multi-meter and a wiring diagram, you will be pretty much lost. One needs to start checking power in and power out on the appropriate wires. Like this: there will be a wire from the headlight switch to the bcm, then there will be a wire out from the module going to the lights or maybe to the dimmer switch, but it will be the power out wire. The BCM is under the dash, probably on the passenger side.

depending upon where inside the alternator the failure occurred, it may or may not trigger the light, especially if the failure was sudden. That's one of the reasons I like gauges or a gauge&light arrangement better.

poss you have a harness that rubb through under hood causing a short also ck all your ground wires

You need to check the oil with the dipstick (wipe in down a few times) to see if it looks like a chockalate milk shake. If coolent has made its way into the oil you have blown head gasket. The fuel pump which is usually in the gas tank in most gm vehicles would not cause white smoke, if it failed you car would not start because your engine would not get any gas to the injectors

it does sound like you are having a problem with an alternator.