1997 Buick Century Many warning lights lighting up

1997 BUICK CENTURY
117,681 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
OLD_LADY_CAR
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
My "charging system" (looks like a red car battery) light came on (and has stayed on since) while I was driving a couple of days ago. Then, while I was driving it yesterday, the ABS and BRAKE lights came on and stayed on.

A mechanic friend told me this has something to do with an electrical problem in the instrument cluster...and not the alternator (as the user's manual suggests).

Any ideas what's going on?
Jul 8, 2008 at 11:41 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
3DGRAHAM
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
Have you tried disconnecting the battery for 10 minutes to see if the computer will reset everything? It might be worth a try. Perhaps one of the experts/moderators will respond with a better answer.
Jul 8, 2008 at 1:43 PM
Avatar
OLD_LADY_CAR
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
I tried disconnecting the battery. The lights still come on. I tested the battery following instructions in my maintenance/repair manual and it shows the proper voltage...as far as I can tell. I have an old analog needle-type voltmeter and I cannot tell exact voltage. Anyway, when I test the alternator it appears to show the same reading as the battery (no increase in voltage).

I'm starting to think it is the alternator.
Jul 9, 2008 at 8:06 AM
Advertisement