Died this am

[Ted Davenport]

Haven't driven in about 6 months...this weekend I replaced the battery because the old one (about 6 months old) would not hold a charge. This morning I got about 3 miles from home an the whole dash began to blink on and off...it was also a sound that seemed to be coming out of the glove box that sounded like the blinker switch...then, dead. Any suggestions? Alternator? Short?

[manikmekanik]

My first suggestion would be to verify your battery cables are good.

There are multiple battery terminal connectors inside each "sandwich" at the end of the cable which connects to the battery. If these short, due to corrosion, it can present the flickering you described.

[Shelby]

The battery terminal that bolt to the side of the battery are likely corodided on BOTH sides of the copper plate that connects to the battery.

Clean both sides by pelling back the plastic cover and replacing the bolts with the right length bolts. Don't put terminal bolts in that are to long or they will pierce the battery.

It also might be your alternator. If you jump a car with a completly dead battery it will smoke the diodes.

[Ted Davenport]

You guys were right on....

Corroded battery cable. Thanks for your help!

[manikmekanik]

We're always glad to be of service, Ted!

Now you can share your experiences with others, helping them in areas you understand, as you learn more about your Reatta!

Be sure to apply for membership to the Buick club of America, and the BCA/Reatta division, which is among the most exclusive auto clubs around!

I'd be proud to sponsor your BCA application, as I'm sure the club(s) would be happy to approve your membership application.