2000 Buick Regal Lungeing after driving fast/Now Won't star

MAROCO

MEMBER
2000 BUICK REGAL

Engine Mechanical problem
2000 Buick Regal 6 cyl All Wheel Drive Automatic 90K miles

My car has had things going wrong lately - it is all electric - the electric door locks went out, my battery has had to have a jump twice in the past 6 months, but it has otherwise always started right up and performed fine - except lately after I've been driving upwards of 60 mph on the highway and I slow to turn and then accelerate, it starts lungeing like it's not getting gas. That is problem one. Problem two is today I ran an errand - all was fine. I went back to my car and it would not start - engine would not turn over - made a clicking at first, lights/radio were on but soon went out. A 20 minute jump/charge did not help. Lights will come on the dash, then go out, or one will come on and stay on long after the others went off; making clicking noises, etc when I turn the key. Is this electrical, probably? I will have to have it towed to a garage in the morning and would like to know if you have a "good" idea if it is electrical, the starter, the battery, the alternator. Thanks much.

2 Replies

ZACKMAN

MECHANIC
4,202 POSTS

Even though it seems like you have two separate problems, let's tackle the main problem first. As it may also be the cause for your problem.

Your battery has no charge at all in it. The clicking sounds that you hear is the electrical system trying to start, but getting no electrical current form the battery. "20 minute jump/charge" that you mentioned is like trying to put out a bonfire with a glass of water. Before they tow your car tomorrow, just open the hood and look at the condition of the battery and the cables connected to it. If they are corroded, you may want to clean them off first. Before they replace your battery, have them test it first. If it is low on charge, they may be able to charge it. Regardless, once you have a good working battery installed (be it the new battery or your old but fully-charged one), have them test the electrical system. They will test the starter and alternator, just to make sure nothing else is faulty, besides the battery.