Questions and Answers

Buick Regal Battery Light Comes On Q. Hi, We just spent a small fortune on fixing our 1991 Buick Regal. One problem remains that no one can figure out. The battery light comes on every so often. The mechanic has seen it, but the light will not stay on so that the cause can be diagnosed. They replaced the alternator and the battery.

They want to change the alternator again. I asked a few people and someone said it may be a bad ground cable either between the motor and body of the car or the cable from the battery to the motor. The light most often comes on when accelerating or accelerating up a hill. Could a bad ground be the cause? It makes sense because the engine does move a little during acceleration doesn't it? Thanks for any advise you can give.

Cynthia

A. It could be a bad alternator again if it's not a GM alternator. A lot of aftermarket ones show up as bad. If you think it's a bad ground, try running a separate ground wire from the negative battery cable to the case of the alternator to see if it helps.

Any wire that goes to the alternator should be checked for being broken or chaffed. Also make sure the belt isn't slipping an the pulley or the pulley slipping on the alternator.