1998 Buick Regal Turn signals kill engine

VICLYNN39

MEMBER
1998 BUICK REGAL

Electrical problem
1998 Buick Regal V6 Front Wheel Drive Automatic 116000 miles

When I use either turn signal, sometimes it kills the engine. Other times all the lights on the dash come on and the gauges go crazy.
Then sometimes they work just fine. I never know when I will have the problem. I have had the signal lever switch replaced and it did not solve the problem. Now they say it could be the ignition switch but a few weeks ago my heater stopped working. How can that be connected to the ignition switch?
Has anyone else had this problem and had it successfully repaired? I'M SCARED TO DRIVE MY CAR!

6 Replies

MASTERTECHTIM

MECHANIC
4,749 POSTS

Its possible to be related to the ignition switch. When its acting crazy try cyclind the ignition key and see if that helps. The inside of the ignition switches get charred from constant arcing and cause wierd electrical problems

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Monday, February 16th, 2009 AT 7:29 PM

RWB1

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1 POST

I am having the same problem. Sometimes my car wont start. If I turn on the turn signal everything goes black.
They tell me its the VATS system and I need a new ignition and key or to bypass it completely by soldering in a matching resistor bypassing the resistor key altogether. Not sure what to do

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Tuesday, February 17th, 2009 AT 6:40 PM

VICLYNN39

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3 POSTS

I had new ignition switch installed. Seems to have fixed the problem and I did not have to get a new ignition key. It's only been two days so I still cringe when I turn my signal lights on.
Heater still is not working.

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Sunday, February 22nd, 2009 AT 1:05 PM

MIKIMASTER

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8 POSTS

I have identical problem w Buick 2004. It can be very scary. Why the mfg does not run recall?
Let me know if the problem has been resolved, please.
Homegalaxy@gmail. Com

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Monday, February 23rd, 2009 AT 10:44 PM

VICLYNN39

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Hello. Just letting you know that replacing the ignition switch seems to have solved my problem. Everything is working fine now - well except for the heater. I can always bundle up to stay warm.I'm just glad I can actually turn my signal lights on without worrying about killing my engine. Since the problem would not happen everytime I used my signals, it was very frustrating trying to make the mechanics understand how serious this problem was. I had to ASK the dealership to install a new switch, which was $300 parts and labor. They would not tell me that this WAS the problem. Only that it WAS POSSIBLE. I guess so they would not have to guarantee it. Anyway after spending $1000 - $700 of which was wasted (signal lever switch, alternator, and battery)- I think I am good to go!

Buick should have a recall concerning this problem.