Electrical Issues:

[Goodwrench358]

*1995 Buick Regal Custom (3800 Series 1 V6)
*90,568 mi

Car ran beautifully until last night. Just before I went to shut 'er down, just about every electrical component decides to go on the fritz. The rear door locks lock and unlock themselves, the radio cuts in and out, the clock starts speeding up, the HVAC control lights start forming a disco pattern and I can't shut off the vent, the headlights go dim, just about every warning signal and idiot light on the instrument cluster panel comes on, and the speedometer starts climbing up to 100. However, the engine was only idling and the tachometer readout was still a normal 1000 RPM.

I quickly shut off the engine and let it sit for a few minutes before attempting a restart. Now, the engine won't crank and there's a clicking sound under the hood (starter solenoid). If the headlights are off, it only fails to turn over. As soon as I try and go for the headlights, not only does it fail to turn, but the wacky electronics show starts all over again. I tried it again after 4 hours, and the same thing happened. I should also mention that the serpentine drive belt (a Goodyear Gatorback) and the battery (Interstate) are in perfect working order and remain undamaged.

My guess is that the alternator went South and decided to take the ECM with it. I can hear the starter solenoid try and kick in (the clicking sound from under the hood), but I'm stumped as to why the electronics are--for lack of a better term--demonically possessed.

What do you think? Is it the alternator, the computer command module, a combination of both, or some other electrical failure?

If anyone can help me out here, I'd appreciate it.

[Big Dan58]

It sounds like you’re on the right track with the alternator. The computer doesn’t like when it starves for power, and starts to act wacky. Try checking if the car runs on alternator power only, (disconnect the negative while running). If it dies, then the alternator isn’t generating any electrical charge. It doesn’t sound too serious, but all of the symptoms sound like an alternator.