1997 Buick Lesabre 97 Lesabre with Low Voltage and Stalling

MICHAELESPOSITO

MEMBER
1997 BUICK LESABRE

Engine Mechanical problem
1997 Buick Lesabre 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

I am a novice mechanic at best. I recently purchased a 1997 Buick LeSabre a few months ago. When I first got the vehicle I noticed the fuel pump had a loud "hum" to it. I was assured that this was not a big deal, but if I start having issues with the car sputerring I should have it replaced. I started noticing the car sputerring and when this happened I noticed the votage meter would drop lights would dim. When I tapped the gas the lights came back and the voltage went up. I had the fuel pump replaced and a few days later the voltage was dropping again and if I didn't tap the gas my car would stall as I was going down the road. I would have to put it in park and and turn the key. She starts everytime. I had the battery tested at my local parts store. They said my battery was extremely overcharged. It was reading 1495 when it is supposed to read 800. He suggested I replace the alternator as the voltage regulator inside was most likely bad, which I did. However it still hasn't resolved the problem. What could it possibly be?

1 Reply

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

If the sputtering happens at idle, the vehicle is trying to die, the voltmeter will go crazy, you can't pay attention to it. Does it do the same thing, off idle?

As far as having the battery and charging system tested, I don't recognize those numbers. I usually test the charging system with a digital multimeter, to start. I've never used the testers in the autostores. Are the cables all clean and tight?

Do you think you might have a misfire? Are there any codes? Some of the national brand autostores will read codes for free.

Got to go watch a football game, later.

The charging problems you describe, low output at idle and lites dimming, doesn't sound like overcharge. Your alternator shows to be computer controlled. There are codes listed for the charging system, if they will set or not. Again, I would get the codes checked. See if they lead anywhere.