99 Regal antilock break light on, left signal kills engine

[RickRegal]

My problems started a couple of weeks ago when I pulled the Regal into my driveway and put it in park. The anti-lock brake light and service engine soon light came on. I pulled the key and tried to start the car and it seemed fine. This didn't happen again. But yesterday I took the care out and noticed that the trip meter reset itself while I was driving, then when I got home the anti lock brake light came on. I also noticed that when I used the left turn signal it killed the engine. Then it would no longer shift into gear, it was locked in park. After messing with it further it started sometimes, but not often. I would try maybe 3 -5 times to get it to turn over. I looked through the internet and figured the problem was the ignition switch, but today when I checked the battery it was only 50% charged. I put my charger on it and got it fully charged, but when I tried it still did nothing. And still when I put on the left turn signal it made the dash lights go out and made a funny beeping sound. So I figured it wasn't the battery, until I noticed it was now only 75% charged. I only tried to start it once, so can't figure out why it lost 25% of it's charge. Do you think the battery is the problem? I am going to try switching a battery from my old car, but the problem with that is it has been sitting for 6 months. However, when I put the charger on the other battery it reads fully charged. Any help would be appreciated. I ordered a new ignition switch that will probably come on Monday, but do not look forward to tearing apart the steering wheel to get to it. I would be much happier if it were the battery. Anyone else have problems like this from a bad battery?

[richtazz]

Welcome to AF.

From what you describe, I would say the battery is the culprit. There is no reason other than a bad battery for it to lose 25% charge on one start up. I would also check the charging system to be sure voltage is at 13.8-16.2 volts while running to ensure the electrical system is charging the battery before digging into the ignition switch.

[RickRegal]

Originally Posted by richtazz

Welcome to AF.

From what you describe, I would say the battery is the culprit. There is no reason other than a bad battery for it to lose 25% charge on one start up. I would also check the charging system to be sure voltage is at 13.8-16.2 volts while running to ensure the electrical system is charging the battery before digging into the ignition switch.

Thanks richtazz. How would I go about checking the charging system?

[RickRegal]

Ok, so I installed a new battery, but same problems. I took off the top and bottom steering covers, but am now confused. It looks like I need female torx sockets to remove the ignition switch. Problem is, nobody has them that small. I am not sure if they are the same as the one to remove the top cover, since the small socket I used to remove those bolts won't work on them. Also, one of them is inaccessible due to the plastic part in the ignition socket. it gets right in the way of using a nut driver. The instructions I have say I just need a nut driver and a male torx, but that is not the case with my 99 Regal. Am I looking in the wrong place. I am looking at the black box just below the key ignition. I wanted to have the old ignition switch out before I receive my new one tomorrow, but I am now worried I won't be able to do it. Can someone give me some advice if they have done a 99 Regal ignition switch. Thanks.

[Marnav1]

Hey Rick the socket you need is made by Lisle, about $5. I bought one for our 98 Regal, works great. Get on Lisle's site. GM ignition switch socket. #27490

[RickRegal]

Originally Posted by Marnav1

Hey Rick the socket you need is made by Lisle, about $5. I bought one for our 98 Regal, works great. Get on Lisle's site. GM ignition switch socket. #27490

I got it off, now the problem is I have the wrong ignition switch. It didn't come with the key alarm switch component. It is getting really frustrating. But I am getting there. I think I found the right one finally.