1998 Regal electrical issue?

SkeletonBuddy11

New member
Joined
Jan 8, 2023
Messages
3
Reaction score
1
Points
3
Buick Ownership
1998 Buick Regal
Two weeks ago I went outside to start my car and upon turning the key all electrical systems shut off and I couldn't get the key out of the ignition. I thought it might be the battery so I tried jumping it and still nothing, after a few minutes (jumpers disconnected) everything came back randomly and I could get the key out again and the car started and ran fine.

Yesterday, the same issue, eventually came back and I drove it where I needed to go but when I went to leave upon starting the car the ABS light came on and a whirring noise would be heard anytime I accelerated. I also noticed the dash lights flickering more the further I pressed the gas pedal.

I just got done testing the alternator and battery
Battery when car was off read about 11.92 (I hadn't driven the car in 2 weeks so that might have something to do with it)

Battery when car was running: 14.5-14.6, with it dipping slightly when I turned on a bunch of things.

I also did a voltage drop test and the reading was 0.06.

Is it safe to assume the alternator isn't the issue?
 
The alternator is not the issue but your battery may be going bad. Have it load tested. AutoZone or O'Reilly's do it for free.
 
Disconnect battery and measure it again. This is very low. Also charge it
Hopefully, the OP did that 2-months ago, or otherwise he would be without that car to drive with a dead battery.
 
Back
Top