Three problems related to alternator/generator/regulator have been reported for the 1998 Buick Regal. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Just as the current gm recall my Buick Regal suddenly loses all power while driving. The 1st time this occurred I was on the interstate going 60 mph at night, 1st all the dash lights flashed on, then my headlights, power steering, all electronics and engine died! luckily I was able to make it to the emergency lane! once, I was able to pull my frightened self together, the car started right back up and I was able to get off the interstate and make it home very cautiously. In the days following, I tested it just driving very close to home and continuously had the same problem, somewhat seeming to occur more often when I used my turn signal, these incidences of total power failure occurred @ speeds of 0-35 mph, since I was unwilling to put it back on the interstate. When performing a simple internet search for a solution to this problem, I quickly found that I was not the only to have this problem, some with a 1998 Buick Regal just as myself, and others with a similar make & model (still gm) and close to the same year, well before 2003. After taking the car to a mechanic & getting a new alternator and blower motor, the car died yet again before I even made it out of the parking lot. It was suggested to me to try the new alternator before replacing the ignition and related parts which are quite pricey on this vehicle which has 1 of those chips in the key. This problem has yet to be solved and I wonder if the current recall is even more overdue than thought. Please help! do not wait until myself, my children or others suffer fatal consequences! this vehicle is new to me, has very low mileage and is in otherwise in great condition and also has a satisfactory carfax report. My sincerest thanks!.
The contact owns a 1998 Buick Regal. While driving 1-5 mph, the vehicle would constantly stall. In addition, the vehicle stalled while driving in reverse. The contact stated that the vehicle would shut off when the check engine light illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after it stalled. The failure mileage was 92,900 and current mileage was 92,988. Updated 02/15/08. The consumer has experienced other problems with the vehicle such as steering gear failure, which the rack and pinion was replaced. Air condition failure, transmission torque converter, which the entire transmission was overhauled. The ignition switch shorted out. The right front window regulator was replaced. Updated.
Engine failed while driving down the street. It cut off numerous times while trying to get to my destination each time I turned on the turn signals. Replaced battery & tested alternator before taking to dealership for repair. They diagnosed ignition switch failure & replaced. No longer have problem with it cutting off but the security light now goes on & off on a regular basis. Also sluggish when making left turns.