1998 LC starts and runs for 1-2 seconds.

[rfenio]

My 98 LC has had an electrical gremlin with the power windows/sunroof. i changed the relay for the windows on the backside of the kick panel fuse box but my windows still don't work. I must have a broken wire.

When I attempt to start it --it cranks, fires but will not run more than 2 seconds then dies. I think my battery is bad which I plan on replacing tomorrow but a few days ago it cranked over and fired but today it will not crank fast enough. I have checked all the fuses under the hood and drivers side kick panel and the engine ECU seems to work when i turn on the key.

Question: Any ideas on what I might have done to cause this problem? Could this be a weak battery? All the electrical aside from the power antenna seems to work. Any ideas will be appreciated.

 

[BamaCruzer]

My 98 LC has had an electrical gremlin with the power windows/sunroof. i changed the relay for the windows on the backside of the kick panel fuse box but my windows still don't work. I must have a broken wire.

When I attempt to start it --it cranks, fires but will not run more than 2 seconds then dies. I think my battery is bad which I plan on replacing tomorrow but a few days ago it cranked over and fired but today it will not crank fast enough. I have checked all the fuses under the hood and drivers side kick panel and the engine ECU seems to work when i turn on the key.

Question: Any ideas on what I might have done to cause this problem? Could this be a weak battery? All the electrical aside from the power antenna seems to work. Any ideas will be appreciated.

First step, and it’s free, go to your local chain auto parts store and get a free electrical system diagnosis on the battery and alternator. The results will show you the condition of both and you’ll know how to proceed. Hopefully it is something as simple as just a weak battery.

 

[JunkCrzr89]

@BamaCruzer Tough to do if it will only run for 2 seconds and the parts store is >2 feet away But I agree, if OP can get the battery jumped enough to run, then get the alternator and battery tested at one of the chains.

 

[BamaCruzer]

@BamaCruzer Tough to do if it will only run for 2 seconds and the parts store is >2 feet away But I agree, if OP can get the battery jumped enough to run, then get the alternator and battery tested at one of the chains.

True! Ok, well, maybe pull the battery and take it in to be tested (using another means of transportation).

 

[Dwight S]

Check for corrosion on the terminals. A loose or severely corroded terminal can cause similar problems.