Cadillac Repair: 1995 Cadillac Sedan Deville 4.9L, negative battery cable, spark plug wires

Question
My 4.9L 1995 Cadillac Sedan Deville with 125K miles has a problem that sounds similar to some other questions you have answered.

The issue:  The car starts fine and runs fine for any length of time until it is turned off.  Once turned off the car usually will not start back up for at least 20 to 30 minutes.

The starter sounds weak at this point, barely turning over.  The car won't start until the engine cools back down.  Two years ago we asked a dealership to troubleshoot and fix the problem, whatever it turned out to be.  However, they could not determine what it was at that time.  I don't believe they really thought there was a problem as they didn't get the car to not start while it was in their shop.  However, after heavy driving the car most definitely and reliably exhibits the problem.  As the car was a secondary vehicle, it wasn't often an issue, and with a short memory, everything seems good.  However, my tolerance of late is running short...

Previously you have indicated a couple potential causes and their solutions:

1) The intank fuel pump wiring may be melted and causing loss of voltage.
2) The negative battery cable may be loose where it bolts to the engine.
3) The start enable relay may be going bad.
4) The ignition from the spark plug wires to the spark plugs may not be passing juice when the engine is hot.

I don't have the means to test almost any of these, but I am ready to take it to a new independent mechanic and wanted to have a reasonable range of possibilites to have looked into...and barring these, I might break down and buy a new or used car.

Answer
First off these answers were not MINE as I wuld NEVER refer battery voltage as JUICE.

Your most likely problem is either the battery or the starter. Have the battery amperage load tested as well as the amperage draw of the starter when the engine is hot as one of these is more likely to be your problem.

I have seen many batteries test OK when COLD and some times even test good when they are hot. But an intermittent short in thhe battery between cells can definately cause your symptoms.



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