starting Problem

[twistedmooch]

when i go to start my reatta it sounds like its going to start but it just sits there cranking but dosent turn over, if i do that for about 3 seconds then stop then turn the key again it starts up fine, so im thinking its the starter, just curious how much a starter goes for, or any ideas on repair.

[2seater]

Perhaps you could define the term, "cranking but doesn't turn over"? Is the starter spinning but not turning the engine? Is the engine actually going 'round and 'round but not actually starting? If the second is the case, it sounds like fuel pump relay failure. There isn't enough residual fuel pressure for the priming shot from the injectors to do any good and cranking the engine for a few seconds activates the oil pressure switch to turn the pump on. The second try has fuel pressure for the priming shot to work and the engine starts. Can you hear the fuel pump run when you turn the key on?

[twistedmooch]

its hard to describe what it sounds like it just sounds like its gonna start but the noise before it turns over "is prolonged"

when i turn the key i can hear something making noise, i always thought it was the brake pump but it could be the fuel pump, really not sure

[padgett]

The "on-off-on-start" routine gives two priming shots from the injectors instead of one. There was a Technical Service Bulletin from Buick - think it was in 1989 - about a revised PROM to be used if the engine required this to start.

[twistedmooch]

so im guessing my prom was never replaced and now needs to be replaced perhaps?