Hi,

I went out to start my 1999 Buick Regal last night and it wouldn't start. When I tried, I would get clicking for a second or two then it would crank for a second or two. Gauges would cycle up and down when I would attempt the start. Also, the clock would jump to an incorrect time.

I'm not even a shade-tree mechanic, so can anyone give me an idea on this? The car is well used, ~114,000 miles. I had driven it just a few hours before and there didn't seem to be any other symptoms.

Any help is greatly appreciated...

Sounds like an electrical problem. Either a bad battery or a bad alternator. Try jump starting the car. If it starts and your battery/low voltage light comes on while it is running then you have a bad alternator. If the light doesn't come on when the engine is running then you may have a bad battery. If the car refuses to run on it's own after jump starting it then you definitely have a bad alternator. Worst case scenario would be both a bad alternator AND a bad battery as a result the car running too long off of just the battery and draining it to the point that it cannot be charged.

I had the same problem 2 years ago. I replaced the battery bolts and have not had the problem since.