98 Buick Regal

I got to work this AM, and the car was just fine until I put it into reverse to back into a car stall. Everything was still fine until I put the car back into drive to adjust the placement of the car. Once the car was back into drive, the vent started blowing stronger and the car responded sluggishly when I applied the gas. I looked down and the check gauges light was on, and the volt meter was in the (top)red. The car still moved when in drive, so I could still park, but the engine sounded like it was working harder than normal: almost gunning but not really going anywhere. Reverse was perfectly fine; no strange sounds and no sluggishness.

I stopped the car, turned off the engine, and waited for about 5 minutes. When I tuned the engine on again the volts meter shot up to the red again.

I have no idea if it's a battery problem, electrical problem, or something else. I know some problems are easy to fix (battery!), but others aren't. I'm trying not to hyperventilate at the possible cost of this. Any help or advice would be wonderful.

Kate
P.S. BTW the car has very low mileage...like 50,000. It was used by an elderly person for grocery runs until he couldn't drive anymore, so the engine has not been turned over and went through regular service checks.

Welcome to AF.

When the volts gauge reads high it indicates a problem with the charging system most likely the voltage regulator not regulating properly. It is located in the alternator but normally you replace the alternator if found bad. If you have an Autozone nearby they can test the alternator and battery for you for free. Also, make sure the battery positive and negative cables to include battery terminals are clean and tight.