Questions and Answers

Buick Regal Alternator Repair Q. Hello, I have a 1998 Buick Regal, 2.8 liter 6 cylinder. Recently, there was an incident where I was driving home, and the car "died" while in motion. There was no juice when I tried to restart it. Lucky, I was not far from home and was able to push it back. I replaced the battery and terminals, figuring that might be the culprit.

Everything was fine until about a week later when the same thing happened. I made it home this time before the car "died" again, but now the battery is drained (I think) because the dash does not light up and the engine does not crank. I hear a click, so I think the starter is okay. My guess is the alternator. If so, what is involved with repairing it? It seems like only two bolts and a plug. There does not appear to be any way to loosen or tighten the belts.

However, there is a small cover over the belts in front of one of the pulleys that shows how to route the belts on the pulleys. Is there a tensioner in this bracket or some kind of a roller? I think I can replace it as long as I can figure out how to get the belts on and off and the right tension. I just need to know what I'm missing.

Thanks for your help,
Greg

A. One pulley is mounted on a swing arm with a spring loaded tensioner. A 15 mm box end wrench on this arm will swing the pulley back so you can get the belt off. Replace the alternator and then wrap the belt on everything but the alternator. Swing the tensioner and put the belt on the alternator pulley.