Electrical / Lighting Systems Malfunction When starting Not applicable
Q: I was turning the ignition key off & decided just as the engine was shutting down to turn the car back on. Then would not start. Only got clicking noise.
When I had the car jumped to start it, the interior panel lights were all flashing, the speedometer was going up and down. Was told by a technician that my alternator was only putting out 11 volts instead of 15 and that the battery was dead.
I did not have them perform service. Just didn't sound right. When I drove the car home (20 miles) after leaving the shop, everything returned to normal.
I have started the car approximately 20 times since then & have experienced no problems. Is there perhaps a safety feature that shut my car down because I tried to restart it too soon?
A: Kathy, this may have been as simple as the car not being completly in "park" or "nuetral".
You know the old saying.. 'Don't fix what ain't broken'...... Ed
A: I believe your car has DIS ignition...... if 4 cyl, then it is behind and down low on the engine...
If a V-6 then it is mounted as 3 coils on the top of the engine....
Follow the wires from the spark plugs back to the coil packs, which are triggered by the computer.... Ed
Q: The front power windows don't work for the second time. Instead of having the dealer fix it (not) again, I want to do it myself.
How hard is it to do, where do I start and where do I get information on it?
A: Check the fuses first. Then check the wiring for breaks where the harness passes from the body to the door. If nothing found wrong check the voltage at the switches. If it is not present then there is a break in the cicuit.
Drive Train / Driveline Malfunction When driving When warm
Q: When I accelerate either from a stop or turning a corner, the engine dies almost out. The engine speed drops way off. When I let up on the accelerator the engine most of the time regains its speed other times it dies completely.
There is a also whining noise coming form under the hood. Maybe related? I can't seem to locate that either.
A: Sounds like a vaccuum leak... now to start looking for it...
Q: I have a 3800 type L engine in my car which should be the original 3800 engine instead of the series models. My question is do you know of any other years or models this engine came with? Curious question that I can't find an answer to anywhere.
A: Regals are the "Corvettes of Buick", and I would guess it might be just an option that came with the car not normally available on anything else.
Just look at the early 80's regals pushing 240 horses and running as the fastest production vehicle of its year.
Drive Train / Driveline Vibration When driving Always
Q: The sound originates from the passenger side front wheel area. There's a low humming sound associated with the vibration and becomes more intense when accelerating to a speed of more than 30 mph. I noticed the outer CV boot was torn.
A: CV could be the problem but also the wheel bearing. Especially if it gets louder on left turns. Ed
Chassis / Suspension & Steering Other Happens always Always
Q: The back end of my Regal sags about one inch lower on the drivers side than on the passenger side.
I just had the struts replaced thinking this would fix the sag.
Could the composite spring be broken?
A: Yes it could...... did it sag before the strut replacement or immediatly after???....
Did they perhaps install a shorter strut on one side??.... Ed
Q: The car has no spark. I replaced the Ignition Module. Then the car started and ran that evening, and to work the next day. Then the same thing occurred and it has no spark again.
A: So if something wiped out the first one. Ditto. Or maybe you got a defective one (you did buy a new one, right?). Ed
Q: Been having ignition problems with my 1988 Buick Regal.
Could you tell me where the crankshaft sensor is located on my 2.8, 173cid, distibutorless v6?
Thanks for the help!
A: The camshaft sensor is the big problem on these cars..... just below the water pump on the forward side of the timing cover... Ed
All Part Groups Malfunction Happens sometimes Not applicable
Q: Part 1: When sitting at a stop light my car tends to lunge forward, with my foot on brake.
Part 2: When accelerating I push the gas pedal down and the car speed will increase to about 45, then as the gas pedal continues to be pushed the car speed stops accelerating and remains at 45, as gas pedal is pushed further the car lurches forward and almost comes to a quick stop. (brake has not been touched and car is in Drive)
I've taken the car in to a mechanic who says it's running fine notices nothing but said it may be a problem with the intermittent coils about to go. What do you think?
A: I think it's a problem in the throttle position sensor. Ed
Drive Train / Driveline Malfunction When driving When warm
Q: Will any other Buick crossover from that year work? Transmission size may be called Overdrive 200. Please respond to automnf@hotmail.com
thank you for your prompt reply
Craig Fargo
A: What part of the buick do you wish to cross over????.
Exhaust System Upgrade Not applicable Not applicable
Q: I had a 3.8 in my car; I am putting a chevy 305 in it. What would I need for the old exhaust to hook up to the new?
A: A good shop with pipe bending equipment and a good imagination. You might also try the All-Parts system by clicking on the appropriate Blue "Buyers" Button to the left of this screen. Ed
This way to the live technicians