Check a VIN

1997 Buick Skylark electrical problems

13 complaints (16% of all complaints for this car).

owner complaints
13
of this car's complaints
16%
crashes
0
recalls
2

Which part fails

  • Ignition: switch
    6
  • Ignition
    2
  • Horn
    2
  • Alternator/generator/regulator
    2
  • Wiring
    1
  • 12v/24v/48v battery
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Buick Skylark electrical problems in other years

1990199119921993199419951996199719982000

Related recalls

Electrical system: ignition: switchReported March 6, 2002 · 1,589,948 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain passenger vehicles. If the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch, and sometimes produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts.
Risk
If the switch is damaged, a fire could occur in the steering column, even with the engine off and the key removed.
Remedy
Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch. Owner notification began march 27, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑222‑1020, pontiac at 1‑800‑762‑2737, buick at 1‑800‑521‑7300, or oldsmobile at 1‑800‑442‑6537.

Recall number 02V070000 · Recall details

Electrical system: wiring: front underhoodReported April 8, 1997 · 3,464 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The protective cover for the underhood fuse center was omitted. Without this cover, the positive terminal bolt on the fuse block is exposed and can contact the insulated negative battery cable. If the insulation on the negative cable becomes sufficiently worn, an electrical short circuit can occur between the positive terminal and negative cable resulting in extremely high current flow.
Risk
This high current flow can cause arcing and result in an underhood fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect these vehicles for the presence of the protective cover and, if necessary, install a protective cover to the underhood fuse center.

Recall number 97V059000 · Recall details

What 1997 Buick Skylark owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Apr 2, 2014 · Electrical · 54,000 miles · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 buick skylark. The contact stated that the anti-theft system would activate independently, causing the vehicle to stall without warning. The failure was recurring with the illumination of the anti-theft warning light. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start with the key in the ignition. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic, who diagnosed that the instrument panel cluster or central computer would need to be replaced. The contact was then referred to an authorized dealer for possible repairs. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 54000.

Filed Nov 1, 2011 · Electrical · FL

1997 buick skylark. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle recall *tgw the consumer was informed there was a short in the wiring system which was causing the battery to die. The consumer referenced recall # 02v070000.

Filed Nov 5, 2009 · Electrical · 155,000 miles · TN

The car had been stalling for more than a year but not as frequent. The most dangerous time it stalled was in the middle of interstate 240n. My wife and child was with me. It was rush hour and there were lots of traffic. We were terrified! Once I merged over to the side of the highway, we had to wait for about 20 minutes before the car started again. Mind you, we are on the side of a busy and dangerous interstate highway. I noticed when I tried to start the car after it had stalled, the theft system light was flashing. I had no idea why the theft system light was flashing or if it had anything to do with the car not starting. I called a technician I know and explained to him that the car sounded like it was to start but keep stalling. He asked me to look at the dash and tell him what I saw. The theft system light was flashing, it remained on for a while, then it went out after about 15 minutes. He told me to try to start the car again. It started. This (the car stalls, wait awhile, then it starts) went on for awhile. On september 15, 2009, I went out to start the car to take my child to school and the car would not start. To this day, I can not get my car to start and the theft system light is still flashing. There are several people I know who own buick skylarks and are having similar problems with the theft system. Some have gotten several things replaced such as the key, the switch, etc and have yet to have this problem corrected. It seems to be a problem with the buick skylarks theft system manufactured around 1997! Is there anything being done or will there be something done to correct this problem? This could cause serious injuries and/or deaths!

Filed Mar 28, 2003 · Electrical · 7,082 miles · FL

The horn activates by itself. *jb...

Filed Jul 16, 2002 · Electrical · TX

While waiting for parts to recall 02v070000 concerning ignition switch failure. Problem stated in the recall happened.

Filed Jul 10, 2002 · Electrical · NC

Vehicle was serviced for the federal safety agency recall 02-v-070-000 / manufacturer's recall 02008 concerning ignition system. Two months later, after recall was serviced problem reoccurred. When key is turned in on position engine makes a clicking sound but doesn't start. Also. Each time after repairs / before leaving dealer or once vehicle is turned off it will not restart. Foger buick; 5701 e independence blvd, chalotte, nc. 28212 added an ignition module. Please provide more information.

Filed Jul 9, 2002 · Body, Electrical · OH

After recall notification the consumer vehicle would not start, the vehicle was towed to the dealer where the battery was replaced and recall 02v‑070 was performed on the ingnition switch, the next day the battery was dead again, the consumer took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who found that the door lock switch was sticking causing a draw which drained the new battery. Nlm

Filed Jun 4, 2002 · Electrical, Engine · NJ

The federal safety agency recall 02 v 9070 000/ manufacturer's recall 02008 concerning ignition switch failure. After dealer: lester glenn buick pontiac gmc, toms river, nj, phone# 732/349-4200, made recall repairs, vehicle would stall intermittently. Vehicle has been back to dealer on two occasions, and problem reoccurring. *ak vehicle also experienced a faulty alternator and two bad batteries. Right rear tail light failed, dealer replaced 2 bulbs.

Filed Nov 17, 2001 · Airbags, Electrical · FL

Horn button is under airbag in order to fix airbag must be replaced at a cost of $800 or I remove the fuse, I can't afford to replace airbag for a simple button so this becomes a safety issue. Since I have no horn am deeply concerned for my and my kids safety in case of an emergency (need to alert someone who is going to run into me ) please help.

Filed Dec 11, 2000 · Brakes, Electrical · NC

Abs light would flash while traveling. When making turns vehicle would also stall. Also, when depressing brakes vehicle would go into extended stopping distance. Please provide further information.

Questions about the 1997 Buick Skylark electrical

Does the 1997 Buick Skylark have electrical problems?

Owners have filed 13 complaints about the electrical of the 1997 Buick Skylark, 16% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1997 Buick Skylark electrical problems start?

Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.

Was there a recall on the 1997 Buick Skylark electrical?

Yes, 2 recalls: 02V070000, 97V059000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Buick Skylark have the most electrical problems?

The Buick Skylark model years with the most electrical complaints are 1995 (31 complaints), 1996 (15 complaints) and 1997 (13 complaints).

Other 1997 Buick Skylark problems

Brakes 16Airbags 12Engine 10Acceleration 6Suspension 6Transmission 6Body 5Visibility 5Seat belts 4Lights 3Steering 3Seats 2Fuel system 1Locks 1Tires 1Wheels 1

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 1997 Buick Skylark?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history