☰
GET A QUOTE

My 2007 Buick Lucerne RPM drops to zero and then loses th...


My 2007 Buick Lucerne RPM drops to zero and then loses the ability to steer. This happened Saturday. I had the car towed and they said it was the battery which was replaced. Then it happened again today. Mechanic's Assistant:<...

My 2007 Buick Lucerne RPM drops to zero and then loses the ability to steer. This happened Saturday. I had the car towed and they said it was the battery which was replaced. Then it happened again today. Mechanic's Assistant: Have you tested the battery with a voltmeter? And can you see if it's leaking or not? The battery was changed on Saturday The mechanic said it was "dead dead" Mechanic's Assistant: Are you fixing your Lucerne yourself? What have you tried so far? So far the mechanic said he ran a diagnostic and the issue was the battery. The battery was replaced. I drove the car home and it worked fine but then did the same thing again today. Just lost power at the stoplight in the midst of acceleration, dropped to zero RPMs then lost ability to steer Mechanic's Assistant: Anything else you want the Mechanic to know before I connect you? It had a full diagnostic back in October and the only thing that needed to be repaired was the oil pan which the dealer replaced. I had it winterized and transmission flush back in December

Read More

Responses

Automotive Expert
Hello, my name is \*\*\*\*\* \*\*\*\*\* to just answer! I will be assisting you with all of your vehicle questions today. I’m really sorry that you’re having this issue and I’m going to help you through it, but please understand that I (respectfully) don't know your skill level or tools you have to assist us to diagnose/repair your vehicle. Also, understand that I can't see, smell, hear or touch the vehicle either, so your patience/understanding is appreciated. Please allow me up to 10 minutes to gather schematics and other pertinent information for this issue. I do not know anything about the fees or charge so please if you have any concerns, direct them to customer service. My aim is to give you the best service possible and to help you. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to let me know. I appreciate your patience and will provide responses as soon as possible. Thank you. are you able to start the engine?

NoThe engine didn't immediately cut off but once I cut the car off it won't restart
Automotive Expert
ok even though its a new battery, you need a multimeter to check the voltage at the battery. the alternator may not be charging it.

If it is the alternator would that cause the car to lose the ability to steer?Could it possibly be the transmission or on board computer?I am just trying to "worst case scenario" to prepare my wallet
Automotive Expert
it could be the computer because the computer actually control the internal voltage regulator for the alternator. when you lose power you lose the abilities to steer.

The on board computer is a major cost, correct? Can you ball park the expense to repair?
Automotive Expert
I will not ball park anything until I know what the voltage is at the battery, can you get a multimeter? an you have someone try jumping the battery with jumper cables? this could be the computer, the alternator, the wiring, etc...

I did not have the battery jumped. I replaced the battery on Saturday. I just had it towed back to the shop that replaced the batteryGot it. I guess I just thought that a diagnostic would have identified thatThey allegedly ran a diagnostic on Saturday, found that the issue was the battery, replaced the battery and then road tested the vehicle and it was fine. I drove it the 5 miles home and parked it then had this happen again today. This was the first time driving it since Saturday
Automotive Expert
**it should have done if the mechanic know what he was doing. there are certain tests that need to be done to verify the alternator is working and the computer is controlling the voltage**

Got it! I will push for those tests this time specifically. Just to be clear I need to ask for them to check the alternator and the computer?
Automotive Expert
yes. first have thme check the battery voltage with the engine off. then have them check the voltage once they get the engine running. if its not 14.4 volts, then the alternator isn't charging it.

Thanks so much! Have a great evening
Automotive Expert
you are very welcome. please stay well

You do the same!
Automotive Expert
ty

Still not sure what you need?

Have a certified mobile mechanic diagnose what's wrong with your car, at your home or office.

Get a Diagnostic

Top Questions

Trending Topics

What others are asking

What is the Belt-Minder® system?
Your car has a lot of advanced features. One of those is the Belt-Minder® system. Basically, it’s designed to track seat belt use in your car and alert you to potential problems, keeping you and your passengers safer. The Belt-Minder®...
Read more
My car has a little shake to it.
You may have a bad tire or something that is loose on the front end. I would suggest having a mechanic lift and inspect the tires (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-do-a-tire-safety-inspection-by-jason-unrau) and front end to see if there is a front tire or axle...
Read more
Bell ringing noise, stalling and then dies - 1995 Ford E-350 Econoline Club Wagon
These bells indicate a problem that the built-in diagnostic system is unable to indicate on the dash (usually a burned out fault indication bulb). Replace the burned out indicator bulb on the dash, then check out the original problem by...
Read more
My steering has to move freely. What can be the issue? , 2008 Suzuki Swift
Hello - you don't mention a power interruption to the vehicle (such as changing the battery), but it sounds as though the battery may have been disconnected, and the steering angle sensor (part of the EPS system) needs to be...
Read more
Shuddering and check engine lights blink so
This may be a sign of a dirty or failing mass air flow sensor. The mass air flow sensor is a unit in the intake system that monitors air intake as it is mixed with fuel prior to being injected...
Read more
My 2003 BMW 330Xi recently started taching much higher than usual while driving.
This may indicate a failing speed sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/transmission-speed-sensor-replacement). The transmission speed sensor is a magnetic sensor that provides information related to the speed of the input and output shafts in the transmission, allowing the transmission to shift smoothly. The sensor...
Read more
Have a 2008 Hyundai Sante Fe and it starts when the key is in position II instead of III and makes a click sound when turning off
Hi There, It sounds like you may have a faulty ignition switch that may be causing the ignition to send power to the starter inadvertently rather than kill the power to the ignition like it is supposed to when turning...
Read more
What Jeep is compatible with the 2002 Jeep liberty for parts as in grills
Hello.Most Liberty's that are 2002-2005 are interchangeable with these parts.
Read more
is there a spout connector on a 85 lincoln town car and if so where's the location
The spout connector is within about 6 inches from the electrical connection of the TFI module on the distributor. Pull out plug to set base timing.
Read more

Browse other content

Estimates
Services
Cars
Maintenance