I'm new to this but I have a 1993 Bonneville and am having some issues. It died on me last week so I replaced the battery and alternator. After that was done, the car started but now there is this horribly loud clicking/banging sound coming from the alternator/engine area. Could it be the starter? Any advice??
Kelly

Kelly, is the problem only at idle, and goes away when accellerating? If so, it'* probably your harmonic balancer/dampener/crank pulley.

Not much else under that hood will clang and bang. A few more specifics of when the problem does/doesn't occur would help us a ton here.

We also have a ton of members in your area that can help if need be. We're folksy folks. And you're smack in the middle of our highest membership density area.

It makes the sound when idleing and accelerating. Actually, after putting the new battery in it, it died a couple of times but started back up again. It still made that sound though. It almost sounds like something is loose and it'* spinning and hitting something. I know this is hard to explain here but it'* like a fast "click click click click". Could it be the engine? There is oil in the car, everything else seems to be running fine. No engine lights or anything have gone on either.
Kelly

It just died? Like it lost spark to all cylinders? The harmonic balancer when it starts to seperate will make that sound, and coincidentally, has interruptor rings the crank sensor uses to determine when to fire each cylinder mounted inside it.

Sounds very much like your problem.

There'* a procedure in Techinfo (link at the top of the page) Tech-know-how titled '87-93 ECM code retrieval'.

Can you try that and tell us what codes you get?

Highest concentration of members? Willwren has magic powers to tell where people are. Bill...(aka willwren) is she in the northeast? That would be my guess.

If so, there are plenty of great members around that would willingly help out. (gotta be better than changing a fuel pump)

Off topic: Oh come on man, the fuel pump wasn't THAT bad! You had the pleasure of my company for 3 days!

On topic: If she'* anywhere near me, I'd be more than willing to help in anyway I can. I'm in Sleepy Hollow, NY (Westchester County).

She'* in MN.

Kelly, now that I'm sober, a little further troubleshooting for you.

Grab a serpentine belt and pull on it. Do you see the harmonic balancer move? Is the rubber face of the balancer cracked or split?

Might I also suggest a better location? There'* bunches of us in MN, so if we knew what city you're in (or near), we should be able to make some sort of arrangements to help out.

Hey guys! Well, I took the car in just for someone just to listen to it and they said it'* probably a rod in the engine!! Guess I'm screwed. Anyone know someone looking to sell a car? I'm a single mom of two with limited income. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Oh yea, I"m in Eagan, MN.

Kelly

Kelly..the harmonic balancer is frequently mistaken, sound wise for engine problems. Look into the info Willwren posted and see if there isn't something wrong with the balancer.