Hi all;

First off, let me apologize if this is in the wrong area; I didn't see any more appropriate thread. Please correct me/move to proper location if need be.

Secondly, I'll pose my question: yesterday, while replacing the plugs and wires on my son'* Buick Regal Series I (hand-me-down from grandfather; 123K miles), I noticed on the firewall side of the engine, back behind the altenator, and power steering reservoir, there is a loose electrical connector I mean, it'* just hanging free

It'* just a 2-wire clip, the male end. I looked all around as best I could within the radius of the length of wire (about 8"), but can't see any empty female ends. The male end looks dusty, kind of 'dry' and it'* possible that it'* been hanging loose for some time. I just can't be sure I didn't knock it loose while I was accessing the firewall side plugs. It has that locking tab you have to lift to remove from the female end, and that WASN"T.

The car starts, runs like a champ, check engine light no longer on, idling smooth with no stalling. This loose clip has me wondering, though. Are there any diagrams showing what/where all the clips go to? Is it possble this is for a piece of equip that the car doesn't have? I can post pics later (when my camera charges).

FInally, just a big hats off to all who post, both the queries, and those who take the time to reply. I've picked p repair advice to repair coolant leak on my '99 Intrigue Series II (byass elbows through the pullley tensioner), and more recently, correcting the above mentioned rough idle/stalling on my newly acquired '95 Buick Regal, Series I (plugs/wires, cleaning EGR valve and MAF sensor). Both are back on the road, and running smoothly, thanks to you all.

Joe

A wild guess is a Tach option wire. Most cars have one, two and more of these that don't go anywhere for the particular model or trim level. The automakers have these harnesses made for a variety of applications and it'* common the have what you descrice. If all is well and no SES light, I wouldn't worry about it.

On Grand Prix'* there'* an unused connector that was for sensatrack or some other option that was never available for the Grand Prix. But the connector is there for other models of cars that did have that option available. Basically if it'* a dirty connector, chances are good that it was never plugged into anything.

Also, a picture of the connector would make it easier to identify.

Just tossing this out. Look at the alternator. Has it been replaced? Some years have a 2 wire plug, others have a 3 wire. On my car I cut off the 2 wire and soldered in a 3 wire. It'* possible someone did this and simply left the old plug there.