everything quit all at once while driving?

2000 BUICK CENTURY
190,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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JONCHRIST
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Hi, I was driving the other day and the brakes locked up and the power steering went out at the same time while I was going around a corner. I pulled over, parked, and shut off the car. When i turned it back on the battery light was on. I went around the block and parked it at home. I have been experiencing other nuisances my car will tell me I am low on anti-freeze when I am not. It will overheat while I have plenty in the radiator and in the reservoir. I want to fix it. It's a really good car. How much am I looking at to fix my car?
Oct 18, 2022 at 4:27 PM
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STRAILER
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,267 POSTS
It sounds like you lost the serpentine belt. I would lift the hood and check the drive belt. here is a guide to help walk you through and images below for your car:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-serpentine-belt

If the belt is okay, we need to run the codes.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

The bet should cost about $35.00 from the parts store or about $140.00 for a shop to fix. Check out the images (below). Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem.


Oct 19, 2022 at 3:10 AM
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JONCHRIST
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
The serpentine belt is in fact in good condition. It's still on the motor. I was talking to a friend of mine who said he had a similar problem and his turned out to be a bad alternator. Could it be the same?
Oct 19, 2022 at 3:40 AM
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STRAILER
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,267 POSTS
If the alternator is locking up yes, this can cause it. You could be able to tell if the alternator pulley is overheated, if you upload an image of the pulley I can tell for sure if that is the problem.
Oct 20, 2022 at 4:11 AM
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