1996 Regal Problems

[96RegalHeadache]

We bought this car about 8 years ago for my son with about 30k miles on it. At night the horn began going off during the summer. Our shop said airbag was expanding then contracting and pressing on horn. They disconnected horn and set up another horn button on the dash. A year or two later my son noticed the battery would die during the winter so he began disconnecting the battery at night. That's what he has been doing for several years. Recently he tried starting the car and it wouldn't start and out of frustration he punched the center of the steering wheel and the car started. We brought to our mechanic and they don't want to be bothered with it. I will bring to another but was wondering if anyone has had this experience. Also, passenger door won't open so can't get to the fuses on that side.
Thanks,
Chris

 

[Noah the Buick man]

Check for a faulty Wiring harness as mid to late 90's Buick had Wiring issues as they age. Also check the alternator. The alternator may not be recharging the battery while its running and driving. Good Luck!, Noah

 

[KramersBuick]

We bought this car about 8 years ago for my son with about 30k miles on it. At night the horn began going off during the summer. Our shop said airbag was expanding then contracting and pressing on horn. They disconnected horn and set up another horn button on the dash. A year or two later my son noticed the battery would die during the winter so he began disconnecting the battery at night. That's what he has been doing for several years. Recently he tried starting the car and it wouldn't start and out of frustration he punched the center of the steering wheel and the car started. We brought to our mechanic and they don't want to be bothered with it. I will bring to another but was wondering if anyone has had this experience. Also, passenger door won't open so can't get to the fuses on that side.
Thanks,
Chris

You had any progress with these issues? As for the Passenger door - I would crawl over to the passenger side from inside... Then try to push open that door while holding the handle in open position. Be firm, but careful so as not to brake the handle or smash up the old door panel. Mine is so brittle everything is disintegrating now

 

[G-995228]

Kramer,
We finally were able to get a mechanic to spend some time with the car. He said the main issue was that the wire from the battery to the fuse box was in horrible shape. I will try the door when I get a minute. Meanwhile the serpentine belt came off yesterday while my son was driving it. I am going to get it towed to a mechanic and as soon as I can.
Have a good night.
Chris

 

[KramersBuick]

Hey, glad you're making some progress. Your belt may not be difficult to replace. I have not changed mine yet but I don't think there is a lot to it. Do you have that lower Engine Mount Bracket in the way on the bottom, behind the Passenger wheel well? If not, it's not difficult to change the belt. There is a Tensioner Pulley on the left beneath the Alternator (15mm? ) - then the belt slides on. Be sure to sketch a drawing of the Belt Configuration but that should be on a sticker somewhere in your engine compartment.
I cannot find a 96' Regal Specific video but here's a good one with the 3.8 liter series 2 engine without that mount bracket at the bottom -

 

[02LTD2.0]

Kramer,
We finally were able to get a mechanic to spend some time with the car. He said the main issue was that the wire from the battery to the fuse box was in horrible shape. I will try the door when I get a minute. Meanwhile the serpentine belt came off yesterday while my son was driving it. I am going to get it towed to a mechanic and as soon as I can.
Have a good night.
Chris

If it tossed the belt you probably should replace the tensioner idler pulley as well. If it's the original it's probably shot.

 

[02LTD2.0]

Hey, glad you're making some progress. Your belt may not be difficult to replace. I have not changed mine yet but I don't think there is a lot to it. Do you have that lower Engine Mount Bracket in the way on the bottom, behind the Passenger wheel well? If not, it's not difficult to change the belt. There is a Tensioner Pulley on the left beneath the Alternator (15mm? ) - then the belt slides on. Be sure to sketch a drawing of the Belt Configuration but that should be on a sticker somewhere in your engine compartment.
I cannot find a 96' Regal Specific video but here's a good one with the 3.8 liter series 2 engine without that mount bracket at the bottom -

That video is for a full size car. It's a bit tighter working area for the Regal.

 

[KramersBuick]

That video is for a full size car. It's a bit tighter working area for the Regal.

Ah good call on both points. I can't find a Regal specific vid. I'm gonna have to make one. I have quite a bit of room in my engine bay in the belt area. We need to know more about his belt, why it came off etc.

 

[02LTD2.0]

We need to know more about his belt, why it came off etc.
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Good luck with that!!!