1997 Buick Riviera battery?

WINDSWEPTCB

MEMBER
1997 BUICK RIVIERA
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
17,000 MILES

I have been driving my car for years and this has never happened before: car died when I turned engine off (no previous symptoms). Stopped and turned engine off to run into a store. Came out--no power--nothing. It took a charge, immediately. Came to another store, went in, came out and turned car ignition--nothing, again. It drives wonderful. It took a charge.

Service tech said it's my battery. Tow truck guy said it's my alternator or something draining my battery.

What is wrong?

4 Replies

DOCFIXIT

MECHANIC
18,828 POSTS

Seems like battery. How old is Batt? If over three years then very likely a cell shorted. Taking a surface charge is no indication of battery condition.

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Monday, October 5th, 2009 AT 3:28 PM

WINDSWEPTCB

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Took your advice. Battery was 12yrs old. :) Replaced it and so far, so good. It cost a fortune, though--DELCO was $160!

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Tuesday, October 6th, 2009 AT 11:40 AM

DOCFIXIT

MECHANIC
18,828 POSTS

Yes batteries have gone up in price last few years I paid $148 for batt in my Chevy. Guess the days of $40 batts is over. 12 yrs on batt you must be living right

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Tuesday, October 6th, 2009 AT 12:30 PM

WINDSWEPTCB

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3 POSTS

Yes, the guy said 12yrs is REMARKABLE for a battery to last! I love my Riv--it's in EXCELLENT shape and condition, but with 170,000, it's costing me more and more to keep it going. They just don't build cars like they use to. But HOPE this battery lasts as long! HAHAHHA!

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Tuesday, October 6th, 2009 AT 2:29 PM