GMC Repair: Follow up - Buick problem, crank sensor, temp guage

Question
Pete,

Thanks for the advice the other day on the crank position sensor on my '95 Regal, however that wasn't the culprit.  No big deal, the guy did it for parts +1 hour labor, so I'm not broke or anything.  Anyway, to recap, my 95 Regal (3.8L) died the other day without any warning, no sputtering, hesitation etc.  Seemed 100% electrical or electronic and wouldn't even turn over after that.  It eventually started and that's when I saw the tachometer flucuating badly.  I guess that's what led you to the crank sensor.  That part has been replaced and the symptoms are still there.  Now the temp guage is doing the same as the tach, and my lights seem to vary in brightness as well.  I had one instance last night where I couldn't get it to turn over... but has been starting for me otherwise. Now that I can measure while running, I noticed the voltage to the battery while running is varying from 11.9 to as much as 13.5 VDC without an RPM change.  Very erradic, which leads me to the alternator/voltage regulator.  But would that cause the car to not start or turn over at all?  I know in the ignition sequence I have two switches (ign. and park/neutral) plus 3 or 4 sensors.  Could any of these failing cause the car to not start as well as cause the intermittent symptoms I'm seeing?  What about the ignition coils or spark plugs/wires?  Any of these suspect?

Thanks again for your volunteer service, I'm going to fix this myself if I can now, since that garage didn't even notice my varying voltage when trying to identify an obvious electrical problem.

Bob

Answer
hello bob
sorry about the crank senser it is a voltage reg that is the first thing to do the voltage reg is in the alt. and the starter relay is on the front of the frame rail under the hood . give them a try and let me know we will work on this together please rate my serivice pete