2003 Buick Regal Consumer Discussions

Buick Regal Electrical Problems

• Re: Buick Regal '03 shutting off while driving [gfal1704]

  Written by: cartommy1 on Jul 10, 2011 10:05:06 AM

  hi i have the same problem with my 2003 buick, what tool did you use to remove the two bolts from the top ignation switch, i tred to remove the two little bolts but all the socke tand nut drivers i have are to big.

• Re: Buick Regal '03 shutting off while driving [djpeterdee]

  Written by: gfal1704 on Oct 12, 2010 4:34:23 AM

  HELPFUL! Had the same issue with our '03 Buick Regal. Car started acting up by intermittently flickering the Service Engine Soon, ABS, and one other light. I took it out for a test drive after my girlfriend told be about it. Aside from the flickering, everything seemed fine until I got it on the freeway and decided to switch lanes. When I turned the left signal on, the car literally shut ... Read More

2011 Buick Regal

• Re: Regal vs. Sonata [gregg_vw]

  Written by: overbrook on Oct 5, 2010 6:19:04 AM

  The first gen TSX debuted as a 2004 model in 2003. One of my friends actually had one. The 2004 TSX was the first car with that nameplate in the US. Prior to that the entry acuras were the Integra and RSX. Well I read that Buick dealers have close to 6k in stock so there are plenty of Regal's out there. I have seen numerous billboards and TV ads but ... Read More

Buick Regal Electrical Problems

• Re: Buick Regal '03 shutting off while driving [matthewkorte1]

  Written by: smorrison2 on May 26, 2010 6:47:08 PM

  Matthew, I am having the same problems as you were having April 9, 2010 post #271 2003 Buick Regal shutting down. Any solutions? Thanks, Scott

• Kenbeggy

  Written by: kenbeggy on Dec 22, 2009 11:56:16 AM

  After replacing the catalytic converter on my daughter's 2003 Buick Regal, the car would stall whenever the left turn was on. We went to a local dealer and their answer after putting it on the computer was to replace the battery. The problem continued and another dealer finally solved it by finding a shorted wire in the fuse box where all the wire connect. We also had to replace the ignition ... Read More

• Re: 2003 Buick Regal Suddenly Loses Power [hoodlatch]

  Written by: twilder2003 on Nov 3, 2009 11:27:58 AM

  It turned over but wouldn't start. After it sat about 30 minutes it did crank.

• Re: 2003 Buick Regal Suddenly Loses Power [twilder2003]

  Written by: regal99 on Nov 3, 2009 9:35:02 AM

  on my 1999 buick regal..it sat at the dealership for a whole month..they couldn't figure outwhat was going..bit FINALLY...its running now..they replaced the relay switch ...it ran a lil..then would continue to cut off..then BINGO...they replaced the ignition switch...i have gotten rid of the car now...it needed a trans....hope this helped...and i had the car brand new..so im been thru some of everything with that car..it was my BABY!!!

• Re: 2003 Buick Regal Suddenly Loses Power [twilder2003]

  Written by: hoodlatch on Nov 3, 2009 9:32:42 AM

  When you say "it wouldn't crank" do you mean when you turn the key the engine would turn over but it wouldn't start or when you hit the key there wasn't any response like the battery was dead?

• 2003 Buick Regal Suddenly Loses Power

  Written by: twilder2003 on Nov 3, 2009 9:12:15 AM

  All the warning lights came on and then the car died. I was able to crank it right away. Took to the garage and nothing was found when they scanned the computer. I did get a much needed tune up and the wheel bearings were replaced. Drove the car yesterday and the same thing happened again. Only this time it wouldn't crank right away. I looked through the posts but didn;t ... Read More

Buick Regal Transmission Problems

• I THOUGHT it was the trannie

  Written by: taomerni on Oct 22, 2009 8:35:17 PM

  I had the Same symptoms you had .... And my first guess was the trannie .... 115k miles ... No power ... Bogging down , and changing gears at high rmp .... Well I read every post on here including the guy who told me to put new plugs , wires , vacuum hoses, fuel filter ..Etc ... So I spent 150 bucks at Napa and and was just as bad ... Read More

Buick Regal Electrical Problems

• 2003 buick regal entire instrument cluster out

  Written by: al3x on Sep 21, 2009 12:42:54 PM

  Whilst installing a custom cd deck, I had to take off the dash panel. During the installation, there may or may not have been a spark but currently neither my air conditioning control deck or the entire instrument panel works (no fuel, odometer, spedometer, rpm, etc...) but the dimmer, blinker lights do work on the dash. All of these things stopped working even after I had finished the deck install. Any ... Read More

Buick Regal

• Re: 2003 & 2004 Regal GS vs the 97-02 models [bsamstag]

  Written by: bsamstag on May 12, 2009 2:40:37 PM

  After all the problems I've had with my 2000 Buick Regal, I should mention that I lucked into the problem: The MAF sensor! After replacing the Crank Shaft sensor and the Low Speed Idle motor/sensor, I got lucky. Fortunately, the Regal started running really badly as the mechanic drove it into his shop. The computer was throwing error codes like crazy, and they all pointed to the MAF. Replacement @ $250+ ... Read More

Buick Regal Electrical Problems

• Re: my 2000 buick regal shuts off [mminshell]

  Written by: hstande on Mar 3, 2008 9:12:14 PM

  Did you ever find out what the problem was? I have a 2003 Buick Regal that is doing the same thing. Only mine is doing it now as soon as you start the car and you can even but it in gear because it won't stay running the engine lunges and then dies.

Buick Regal

• ENGINE ROAR

  Written by: nschehl on Jul 12, 2007 12:31:53 PM

  Suddenly noticed the engine has a roaring sound, gets higher as you increase the speed -- sounds almost as if you had snow tires. (Edited message per my husband after he drove it.) This is a 2003 Buick Regal. Nicki.

• Re: 2003 & 2004 Regal GS vs the 97-02 models [bigunit67]

  Written by: tsu670 on Dec 17, 2006 11:00:15 AM

  "Not wanting to run afoul of the moderators, but was the Regal the only Buick de-contented as it approached its final run?" The Century is another example of Buick's decontenting. I believe in 2003 the previously standard antilock brakes were made optional. That was a biggy.

• Re: 2003 & 2004 Regal GS vs the 97-02 models [bigunit67]

  Written by: yurakm on Dec 11, 2006 1:36:40 PM

  I believe that not only Buicks and other GM cars, but most of other cars are decontented, as well as of other goods. This is a routine way, described in standard American university marketing textbooks. I read it in mid 1980-ths, in the fourths edition of textbook by Philip Kotler. I lived then in the Soviet Union, but was interested in American economics.

• Re: 2003 & 2004 Regal GS vs the 97-02 models [yurakm]

  Written by: bigunit67 on Dec 11, 2006 7:50:42 AM

  I also had some of the fluid drained out a few weeks back as it had been overfilled at a dealership last Dec. At this same time, I also found out the tranny flush I had last December didn't also include a requested filter change. The previous service mgr informed me then that it typically didn't, but my request stood. Well, he didn't give a flying phooey about my request, as ... Read More

• Re: 2003 & 2004 Regal GS vs the 97-02 models [yurakm]

  Written by: bigunit67 on Dec 10, 2006 7:23:48 PM

  Thanks for the replies bushwack and yurakm. I have no right to expect anyone to write as much as yurakm did...thanks a million. Of all things, why would they delete a strut tower brace...can they? I didn't think a STB is an optional piece of equipment. I've sat in a 2004, not driven it, and thought my hind end was picking up on a stiffer, thinner seat. Glad (yet sad) to ... Read More

• Re: 2003 & 2004 Regal GS vs the 97-02 models [bigunit67]

  Written by: yurakm on Dec 9, 2006 10:50:25 PM

  We have a 2000 GS and 2004 GS in our family. The both have sunroof, heated front seats, passenger power seat (driver's too, but it is standard, not a option). 2004 is Abboud(?) edition, with two color interior and beige lower exterior. 2004 has Monsoon radio with eight speakers, 2000 Concert 2(?) radio with 6 speakers. What the 2000 has that was deleted from 2004? 1. Performance shift mode: a button ... Read More

• Re: 2003 & 2004 Regal GS vs the 97-02 models

  Written by: Bushwack on Dec 9, 2006 7:16:07 PM

  The 2001 - 2004 models were not as well equipped with 'standard' items. I believe items such as drivers side air bag and traction control became options. Then for 2002 the traction control went back to becoming a standard feature. IMO, the best year for the car was 2000 of the 1997.5 - 2004 model years. I say that not because I once owned a 2000 GS. But because it was ... Read More

• Re: Heater Issues 96 Buick Regal [erwisneski]

  Written by: imidazol97 on Nov 16, 2006 5:14:07 AM

  Is the vacuum line under the hood that supplies vacuum to the storage tank and to the interior AC controls working? Is the blower motor blowing? Is air coming out the defrost vents (default when no vacuum or control is available)? Is it an automatic digital temperature control unit? I'm familiar with H body (leSabre/PAve) operation up to 99 and have a 2003 but haven't worked on it--just read lots of ... Read More

• Key Code

  Written by: petrohd on May 31, 2006 10:22:14 AM

  :D Question....my mom lost her keys to her 2003 Buick Regal...I know of a local place that can make keys for it (not the dealership) but they need the key code....is there anywhere in the car I can find it? I did find in the trunk a sticker with several parts numbers on it and at the top there are three letters followed by a number, 2 letters, and two numbers. ... Read More

• Speaking of Coolant Leak

  Written by: jipster on Apr 23, 2006 11:18:34 AM

  In doing a "search" in this discussion I've noticed many Regal owners to have had problems with coolant leak and problems with lower and upper intake gaskets. One post mentions that there was a recall for all 2000-2003 Regals with the 3800 Series 2 engine. Under the recall GM would replace the engine throttle body fastners with redesigned fastners and add cooling system sealant to the radiator. A few questions please: ... Read More

Buick Regal Electrical Problems

• heated seats problems

  Written by: bluejeans on Mar 19, 2006 1:49:30 PM

  i have a 2003 buick regal and today the heated seat went on high and wouldn't turn off even after engine was turned off. only way to turn it off was disconnect the battery because when i bought the car it didn't have owners manual which was supose to be sent to me in the mail....... burning and not only on bottom!!!

Buick Regal

• Re: 2003 Buick Regal trunk leak [wisspurr]

  Written by: jpmiller99 on Apr 23, 2005 8:57:28 PM

  Yes, I had the same Right Side leak in my 99 Regal, and did nothing with it. Have not done anything, and it's gone way. Weird. Hey, how many gallons will your cars take when the gas light is one. Thanks, J.M.

• 2003 Buick Regal trunk leak

  Written by: wisspurr on Apr 23, 2005 8:30:44 PM

  Was wondering if anyone else has experienced a leak in the trunk. It's on the right side, just above the wheel well. The weatherstripping around the trunk looks good, so I am wondering where else it could possibly be coming from. Thanks!

• Help with 2003 w/ auto climate control -

  Written by: foxglove on Feb 28, 2005 7:02:34 PM

  I just purchased a 2003 Buick Regal LS about 1.5 months ago. I have a question about the auto climate control. Does the "pure" front defrost mode supposed to be remembered by the system to that when you start it the next morning it will come on to this ?? Mine remembers the defrost mode for about 20 + min. it seems and then defaults back to auto/floor mode - this ... Read More

• 2003 Buick Regal Side Mirror replacement

  Written by: jpstax1 on Aug 24, 2004 9:02:33 AM

  Maybe "serz" broke it driving into or backing out of his/her garage. It happened to me 2 years ago. I broke the right mirror of my '98 Regal while backing out. Sometimes you just don't think of watching door clearances when you're in a hurry. It cost me about $200 to have it replaced.

• 2003 Buick Regal Side Mirror replacement by serz

  Written by: Jack44 on Aug 24, 2004 7:49:05 AM

  A 2003...Not under warranty???...

• 2003 Buick Regal Side Mirror replacement

  Written by: serz on Aug 23, 2004 11:12:29 AM

  Can anyone provide me some information that would show me how to change a RH side mirror assembly on a 2003 Buick Regal? The mirror assembly is powered but not heated and is non-foldable. Is it possible to just change the guts out on the assembly and still use the existing painted fairing?

• Re: Dan1 & his Explorer [Jack44 #2639]

  Written by: dan1 on Jun 23, 2004 2:22:59 PM

  The point is that the explorer has outsold Buicks entire line let alone Regals in 2003 about 370,000 Explorers to 336,000 Buicks. So there are going to be more posts about them good and bad because more poeple buy them. The Explorer has been a best seller for years. The Regal is best at getting you on a first name basis with the service manager. But your right Jack the Regal ... Read More

• fredvh - tsu670- jbm

  Written by: regalluvr2 on Feb 23, 2004 10:11:14 PM

  I'm sitting here looking at the recall notice for our 2000 LS Regal.Its for all 2000-2003 3800 Series II engines and of course mine says Buick since thats what we have.It says some engines have developed coolant leaks at the upper intake manifold to throttle body gasket or at the lower intake to upper intake gasket. What GM will do is replace the engine throttle body fasteners with redesigned fasteners and ... Read More

• tsu670

  Written by: regalluvr2 on Feb 23, 2004 12:05:55 PM

  I was just on a website last night where a 76 yr old woman said her 99 Century 3.1 had an intake gasket leak at 44,000 miles that cost her $800 and she wasnt happy.I think Buick owners tend to be a little older and are less vocal about their problems.The 3.1 and 3.4 gaskets are all the same.Plastic intake manifolds are alot of the problem.Some will leak and lots never ... Read More

• RE: go buick

  Written by: grssrac on Nov 4, 2003 2:43:14 PM

  This article is also in the 11/4/2003 edition of the Wall Street Jorunal...the fourth section, which is "Personal Journal" on page D5. The Regal is rated as more reliable than Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mitsubishi and Mazda. I hope the "Regal replacement" car in 2005 will be as reliable...it would be a shame to lapse behind the Japanese tin cans.

• Seeking new car by junebug56

  Written by: Jack44 on Oct 15, 2003 9:00:12 AM

  If you are looking also for excitement that the Toyota didn't give you, then get a GS... There should be good buys on them as the Regal name goes away next year...And as they really haven't changed in the past couple years...The reliabilty of mine has been teriffic...Have had 3 Buicks so far, 2002GS now, but you can always get a bad one, just like the many Toyotas that go bad...Good ... Read More

• Voluntary Customer Satisfaction Program

  Written by: lotech1 on Jul 29, 2003 11:18:28 AM

  Received this in the mail the other day. Talked with another 3800 owner. Neither one of us is experiencing any problems so we're considering holding off on the proceedure. What's your opinion? Dear General Motors Customer: This notice is sent to inform you that General Motors is conducting a voluntary customer satisfaction program that affects certain 2000-2003 Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo; Pontiac Grand Prix, Bonneville; Buick Regal, LeSabre and Park Avenue ... Read More

• 2005 Regal

  Written by: Bushwack on Jul 4, 2003 8:16:29 PM

  <http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/spy_reports/2003/1/detroit_spy_report/>   Apologies to all if this link has been previously posted. The link leads to a rendering of the upcoming 2005 Buick Regal coupe.

• Mudflaps?

  Written by: rjs200240 on Apr 15, 2002 9:23:55 AM

  I think they are only called mudflaps on trucks... I believe on a Buick they would be called splashguards... :) I'm sure you can find a GM Accessory set from your local dealer (they might have to order though). Verdi942, as far as I know the Regal will be redone for 2004. Evize, my brother put a set of Dunlop SP Sport A2's on a 97 Lumina and he's pretty satisfied. ... Read More

• 2008 Regal

  Written by: ehaase on Feb 9, 2002 10:14:56 AM

  If proponents of higher corporate average fuel economy laws, like John Kerry, John McCain, and Ernest Hollings, have their way, this is what the 2008 Buick Regal will look like - http://home.lzu.edu.cn/ad/picture/car/buick/pages/Buick%20Sail%20-%2003.htm

• 2003 Regal photo

  Written by: one2one on Jun 20, 2001 7:55:27 AM

  If you look in the July issue of MotorTrend in the sidebar on page 29, you'll see a real photo of the new Regal. As much as it pains me to say, it looks terrible (depending on your perspective). The current Regal is "fly"--conservative yet aggressive looking. The new Regal looks like a Century with sport elements. So bad do I think it is that I believe that Buick will loose ... Read More

• Hmmm...

  Written by: bdreggors on Apr 10, 2001 8:10:54 AM

  Maybe bring back the T-Type for the LeSabre: supercharged engine, blacked-out grill, drop it a half inch. THAT would be the most kick-ass family on the block! You know, the Park Ave is going to be replaced by a LaCrosse-style luxury crossover around '04-05. Also, the Regal and Century are going to be redesigned for the 2004 MY and there are rumors that Buick might be producing the Blackwood concept in ... Read More

• Saile

  Written by: jackjt on Feb 10, 2001 8:46:40 PM

  I'd wait till 2003 (I believe) when the new restyled Regal is due out. Plus, Buick may also be introducing a 300HPplus GNX which has me thinking already about trading the 01 GS for an 03 GNX. Wouldn't that be something! Good luck. You know that 3800 engine is no slouch!

• REGAL GNX

  Written by: pacinpelo on Feb 5, 2001 7:41:37 PM

  Pick up the newest Motor Trend,,it has the GNX. Also Grand Prix G8 (which is a rear drive configuration of the current platform with 350 hp vette LS 1 engine). The Intrigue OSV. They said taht the only car close to production is Buick probably as Buick turns 100 in 2003, otherwise Olds is history and the Pontiac they say is far fetched.

• New Regal GNX

  Written by: barneyea on Jan 27, 2001 8:11:53 AM

  The January 29 issue of Autoweek has a very small item in the "NEWS" section that reads "sources say Buick also is considering building a 275-hp GNX to commemorate its 100thanniversary in 2003. The car's supercharged V6 will meet or beat the horsepower of the last production GNX built in 1987". With the vehicles available to Buick today, this could only be a Regal body, probably similar to the show car ... Read More