1997 Regal 3.8 SC voltage spikes to gauges cause engine to die won't start

Hi, my name is Bill. I recently aquired a 1997 Regal with a 3.8 L SC. The engine was running fine for over a month.While driving one day, I started getting voltage spike to gauges and warning lights causing engine to die and won't restart. I replaced the alternator and the engine started right up but while taking on short test drive the gauges spiked again and the engine died. It won't start but the gauges spike back and forth with the ignition in the run position.

Sounds like you have a bad ground or loose battery cable somewhere important. Remove all your battery cables at both ends and make sure the connections are good. Also check the ground to the PCM, it's under the airbox on that car I believe.

RegalBill wrote:

Hi, my name is Bill. I recently aquired a 1997 Regal with a 3.8 L SC. The engine was running fine for over a month.While driving one day, I started getting voltage spike to gauges and warning lights causing engine to die and won't restart. I replaced the alternator and the engine started right up but while taking on short test drive the gauges spiked again and the engine died. It won't start but the gauges spike back and forth with the ignition in the run position.

What have you checked so far?