Rick's Free Auto Repair Advice » Oldsmobile

Won’t shift out of park

Rick — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 19:23:52 +0000

Most vehicles now come with a shift interlock device to prevent you from shifting into or out of gear without having your foot on the brake pedal. The switch is built into the brake light switch and when it determines your foot is on the pedal, it energizes a shift interlock solenoid. The solenoid pulls a locking pin out of the way so you can shift. When the system fails, it’s either the brake light switch of the solenoid. In the past you’ve had to buy the solenoid from the dealer. Now Dorman makes an aftermarket solenoid to fit

Dorman 924-705

Want more more information on this repair or any others for your vehicle, buy an online subscription to either Alldatadiy.com or eautorepair.net. Click on this link to compare the two services: Compare Alldata and Eautorepair.

If you just need information for a single repair and want to save money,eautorepair offers a lower price 1-week subscription for only $11.99. Or, if you’ll be working on this vehicle in the future, you can buy a 1-year subscription (Alldatadiy.com for $26.99, or eautorepair.net $29.99)

Alldatadiy.com

eautorepair.net

Both Alldata and Eautorepair offer professional grade shop manuals at a price you can afford. Check them out!

Intermittent problems on GM vehicles

Rick — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 21:23:07 +0000

GM vehicles from the mid ’90′s to the present are known for faulty ignition switches. The problems are almost always intermittent. Intermittent starting, dying while driving, A/C to start blowing warm air or for the blower fan to stop (depending on which GM model we’re talking about), along with an ABS light. In fact, any time you see erratic or intermittent problems that could be electtrical in nature on a GM vehicle, you should immediately suspect the ignition switch. Always test the igntion switch during an intermittent problem to see if the switch is providing power (use a meter).Or, wiggle the wires going to the switch. GM techs replace so many of these that it’s almost automatic for them to head there first

In the case of the A/C the problem is usually the ignition switch heating up and not providing power to the A/C clutch and the ABS computer. If you want to diagnose the problem, buy a wiring diagram for your vehicle form eautorepair.net or alldata.com (there are way to many GM models to list their wiring diagrams here) and test for power at the switched terminals when the problem happens. Or, just replace the ignition switch.

For more information on this repair or any others for your vehicle, buy an online subscription to either Alldatadiy.com or eautorepair.net. Click on this link to compare the two services: Compare Alldata and Eautorepair.

Alldatadiy.com

eautorepair.net

Both Alldata and Eautorepair offer professional grade shop manuals at a price you can afford. Check them out!.

P0332, Circuit Low Input (Bank 2) on GM products

Rick — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 04:10:36 +0000

Also P0335 and P0340

If you think you should replace the knock sensor after getting this code, think again. This is a perfect example of where a sensor can be telling the truth and the root cause of the problem is somewhere else. Here’s the scoop. Most late model engine use variable valve timing to change the opening and closing timing of the valves. The device that actually changes the valve timing is called the cam phaser (yeah, like on Star Treck). Some cam phasers use oil pressure to rotate the camshaft slightly to change the timing. That’s great when it’s working well. But if you’ve changed your own oil and used a viscosity that’s different from the manufacturer’s recommendations, you can screw up the phaser. For example, some people don’t believe the manufacturer’s recommendation to use 5W-30. So they change their oil with 10W-30. The slightly thicker oil can cause the phaser to respond more slowly to computer commands. And when the cam is out of phase from the commanded position, you can get pre-ignition, or pinging. Yup, if you used this oil and now have this trouble code, point your finger right at yourself.

The same holds true if you think you can get away with not changing your oil on time. Think sludge buildup isn’t a problem? Well guess what, sludge in a cam phaser can also cause trouble codes.

If you’re getting these codes and think it might be caused by oil, change your oil and filter and drive the vehicle first. Perhaps the clean oil can clear out the passages.

Here are a few other things that can cause this trouble code:

Check the electrical connector on the cam phaser. If you see oily buildup, disconnect the connector and check inside. Oil can sometimes seep into the connector and that would give false readings.

Alldatadiy.com

eautorepair.net

Both Alldata and Eautorepair offer professional grade shop manuals at a price you can afford. Check them out!.

A/C doesn’t work and ABS light on

Rick — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 17:53:39 +0000

GM vehicles are known for faulty ignition switches. The problems are almost always intermittent. One common symptom is for the A/C to start blowing warm air or for the blower fan to stop (depending on which GM model we’re talking about), along with an ABS light. The problem is usually the ignition switch heating up and not providing power to the A/C clutch and the ABS computer. If you want to diagnose the problem, buy a wiring diagram for your vehicle form eautorepair.net or alldata.com (there are way to many GM models to list their wiring diagrams here) and test for power at the switched terminals when the problem happens. Or, just replace the ignition switch.

Alldatadiy.com

eautorepair.net

Both Alldata and Eautorepair offer professional grade shop manuals at a price you can afford. Check them out!.

A/C leak in Chevrolet Venture, Olds Silhouette, Pontiac Aztek, Pontiac Montana, and Buick Rendezvous

Rick — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 16:12:08 +0000

A/C leak in Chevrolet Venture, Olds Silhouette, Pontiac Aztek, Pontiac Montana, and Buick Rendezvous

Many owners of the 2001-02 GM minivans above are complaining of poor A/C operation. The cause is often a leak in the condenser (the finned unit in front of the conventional radiator). Due to poor design, the condenser cracks right near the lower right hand attaching bracket. The only solution is a new condenser (thanks GM). GM has issued a new improved part to solve future cracking problems. The part number is 10339103 (black), or 10339104 (unpainted). Replace the old unit with the new, but don’t install a bolt in the lower right attachment bracket—it stays blank.

Here’s an aftermarket version of the GM part

Alldatadiy.com

eautorepair.net

Both Alldata and Eautorepair offer professional grade shop manuals at a price you can afford. Check them out!.

Electronic Fan Clutch Failures on Rainier, Trailblazer, S10, Isuzu Ascender, Oldmobile Bravada, Saab 9-7X, and S15 GMC Envoy

Rick — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 05:16:03 +0000

Electronic Fan Clutch Failures on Rainier, Trailblazer, S10, Isuzu Ascender, Oldmobile Bravada, Saab 9-7X, and S15 GMC Envoy

The electronic fan clutch in the above vehicles experiences almost a 100% failure rate. The purpose of the fan is to reduce drag on the engine at highway speeds where “ram-air” is enough to cool the radiator. At highway speeds, a fully engaged clutch actually spins slower than the air coming through the radiator. So it reduces gas mileage. Thermostatically controlled viscous fan clutches have been around for decades to solve the problem. Those clutches are made from two halves with concentric circles that mesh. The gaps are filled with a silicone fluid. As the engine temperature rises, a thermostatically controlled valve closes off the flow of fluid and the concentric circles lock together under the pressure, transmitting the full torque to the fan blade. However, at higher speeds, the rush of aid past the thermostatic coil opens the valve, allowing the circles to disengage. At that point the fan blade “free-wheels” with the ram air.
Starting in 2002 GM replace the thermostatic coil with an electronically controlled “duty cycle” solenoid and an RPM indicator. The powertrain control module monitors engine and road speed and calculates how fast the fast should turn to properly cool the engine. To adjust fluid pressure in the clutch, the PCM pulses the solenoid on and off in short burst. This is called “duty-cycle.” For example, GM may divide each second into to pulses. If the PCM commands the solenoid on five times every other 1/10 of a second, the fan has a 50% duty cycle. The see how well things are working, the PCM compares the actual fan RPM to the RPM it expected when it calculated duty cycle. If the two speeds don’t match, the PCM makes further adjustments.
When the electronic fan clutches fail, they can lock on full time or free-wheel full time. Free-wheeling causes overheating and lock up reduces gas mileage and causes a howling noise at highway speeds.
To replace the fan clutch you’ll have to remove the fan shroud and fan blade. Mark the orientation of the fan blade before unbolting it completely. It must go back on in the same way. Then unbolt the old electronic fan clutch and swap it out.
The list price on a new fan clutch from the dealer is around $234. But Dorman Products makes an aftermarket replacement for $130. This is a new (not rebuilt part).

Alldatadiy.com

eautorepair.net

Both Alldata and Eautorepair offer professional grade shop manuals at a price you can afford. Check them out!.

Turn Signals Problems on Malibu, Impala, Alero, Cutlass, Grand Am, Monte Carlo, Saturn Vue, Chevy S Trucks, Chevy T Trucks, Corvette

Rick — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 18:14:29 +0000

Turn Signals Problems on Malibu, Impala, Alero, Cutlass, Grand Am, Monte Carlo, Saturn Vue, Chevy S Trucks, Chevy T Trucks, Corvette

The GM vehicles above all seem to have a common problem with turn signals. The problem may show up as the following symptoms:

No turn signal operation
Rapid flash even though no bulbs are burned out
Flasher clicks even though turn signal isn’t on
Intermittent turn signal or flasher operation

The source of the problem is usually a faulty Hazard Warning Switch. Yes, you read that correctly. All turn signal operations flow through that switch and it seems GM may have under-engineered the electrical contacts in that switch. Some shops report that even after swapping out the switch, the problem remains and they must replace the entire turn signal mechanism (called the Multifunction Switch). However, dealers report extremely high sales of these Hazard Warning Switches. The dealer list price on the Hazard Switch is about $30. However, Dorman Products makes aftermarket replacements that are half the price of the GM part and are a direct fit for the factory switch. But, if you shop on Amazon you may find AC Delco parts (made by GM) for the same price as Dorman.
To replace the switch you’ll have to remove the bezels and trim panels. I suggest a subscription to Alldata because they show much better interior trim removal diagrams than eautorepair.net.
I’m listing some applications, part numbers, and links. But please double check before you buy to make the part is for your vehicle

1997-2005 Chevrolet Malibu

2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala

1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero and Cutlass

1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am

2000-2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

1997-2004 Corvette

Alldatadiy.com

eautorepair.net

Both Alldata and Eautorepair offer professional grade shop manuals at a price you can afford. Check them out!.

ABS light on GM vehicles

Rick — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 17:17:57 +0000

GM has issued a TSB #04-05-025-002A covering the following vehicles:
2004 Buick Rainier
2002-04 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade EXT
2003-04 Chevrolet Silverado
2000-04 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe
2003-04 Chevrolet Avalanche, Trailblazer
2003-04 Chevrolet SSR
1999-04 GMC Sierra
2000-04 GMC Yukon, Yukon Denali, Yukon XL
2002-04 GMC Envoy
2004 GMC Envoy XUV
2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada

The problem shows up as a glowing ABS light and trouble coded C0265, C0201, U1041 and a loss of communication with the brake module (EBCM). The TSB warns dealers NOT to replace the EBCM. The problem is a bad ground. Refer to a wiring diagram to find the grounding location for your vehicle. Then clean the ground area and spray it with rubberized undercoating.

For midsized utility vehicles, find the location of ground #304
For Chevrolet SSR, find the location for ground #400
For full-size trucks and utilities, find the location for ground #110

Alldatadiy.com

eautorepair.net

Both Alldata and Eautorepair offer professional grade shop manuals at a price you can afford. Check them out!.

Hover your mouse over the REPAIR ARTICLES tab at the top of the page. The click on DIAGNOSTICS to search by SYMPTOM, TROUBLE CODE, or read TECH TIPS on how to diagnose a problem

No instrument panel, HVAC controls dead, blower motor dead, flashers dead, GM vehicles

Rick — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 07:36:08 +0000

Bad ground TSB for GM vehicles

GM has issued a TSB #04-08-45-010 covering 2004-05 Buick Rainier, 2002-05 Chevrolet Trailblazer, 2002-05 GMC Envoy, and 2002-03 Oldsmobile Bravada.

The bad ground connection can cause the instrument panel lights to be inoperative, HVAC controls inoperative, blower motor inoperative, radio inoperative, flashers inoperative, and transfer case controls inoperative. The cause has been found to be a poor ground at a splice area G201 located on the right side of the front console area.

To fix the problem, you must remove the center floor console. Then remove the 4 screws that hold the instrument panel lower closeout carpet panel to the instrument panel. Next, remove the panel.

Remove the splice pack bolt. If the bolt is corroded, clean it with a wire brush. Remove any carpet that was trapped during assembly. Clean the ground surface with emery cloth. Reassemble the panel and console.

Alldatadiy.com

eautorepair.net

Both Alldata and Eautorepair offer professional grade shop manuals at a price you can afford. Check them out!.

Hover your mouse over the REPAIR ARTICLES tab at the top of the page. The click on DIAGNOSTICS to search by SYMPTOM, TROUBLE CODE, or read TECH TIPS on how to diagnose a problem

Click on MAKE an MODEL to see all the articles I’ve written for your vehicle
Click on REPAIR TOPICS to read individual articles written for specific automotive systems

If you’ve had your car scanned and know the trouble code go to TROUBLE CODES

Here are some quick links to speed up your research

Click on the link below for speedy navigation:

ABS issues, how to bleed ABS brakes

Airbag issues or SRS light on

Alternator issues or how to test

Belt diagram or serpentine belt issues

Blower motor

Blower motor resistor

Brakes, brake issues, what kind of brake parts to buy, ABS issues

Car Alarms or Antitheft systems

Cooling system, Water pump, What type of coolant to use

Engine flush

Firing order, cylinder layout, finding #1 cylinder

MAF or MAP sensor

Oxygen sensors, How they work, How to change, How to test

PassLock or Passkey

Thermostat issues

Transmission flush

Serpentine belt diagrams

Window issues, power window motor, replace window regulator, glass adhesive

ABS and TRAC OFF lights on GM vehicles

Rick — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 02:39:30 +0000

Shops are reporting huge failure rates on ABS sensors in some late model GM vehicles where the ABS sensor is integrated with the wheel bearing/hub. These sensors are in two styles. One style bolts the sensor directly on the wheel bearing. The sensor counts the notches on the ABS tone ring inside the wheel bearing. The clearance between the sensor and the tone ring is critical. The problem occurs when rust builds up between the sensor and the wheel bearing. This phenomenon is called “rust jacking,” where the rust literally pushes the sensor upwards, increasing the gap between the sensor and the tone ring to the point where it reads intermittently. If you have this style sensor, remove it and lightly sand the rust (lightly being the key word). Then apply a light coat of marine grease on the bare metal and re-assemble. You may want to try applying a thin bead of RTV silicone around the outer edge to prevent water from getting under the sensor.

The second and more common style has the ABS sensor built into the bearing/hub. This unit CANNOT be serviced. You must replace the entire bearing/hub.

Buy a new wheel bearing with new ABS sensor already installed here

When either type of sensor goes on the fritz, it lights up the ABS light AND turns off the Traction Control System. That’s because the traction control system gets all its information from the ABS computer. No input means a shutdown of the entire system. Plus, this will set a code in the PCM.

Get a new Timken wheel bearing with hub and ABS sensor for these vehicles

CHEVROLET CLASSIC (2004 – 2005)
CHEVROLET MALIBU (1997 – 2003)
OLDSMOBILE ALERO (1999 – 2004)
OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS (1997 – 1999)
OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS GLS 1997
OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS SUPREME 1997
OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS SUPREME SL 1997
PONTIAC GRAND AM (1999 – 2004)
PONTIAC GRAND AM GT 2005
PONTIAC GRAND AM GT1 2005
PONTIAC GRAND AM SE 2005

GM is also having a huge failure rate on the wiring harness that goes from the ABS computer to the sensors. The harness can short to ground. Because the harness must flex with each movement of the lower control arm, the harness can also develop an open condition where the ABS signals never reach the ABS computer. This is such a large problem that aftermarket supplier Dorman now makes replacement wiring harnesses for about half the price of the GM version.

Get an aftermarket ABS Wiring Harness for the front left sensor on these vehicles.

2005-97 Chevrolet Malibu;
1998-97 Oldsmobile Achieva;
2003-99 Oldsmobile Alero;
2005-99 Pontiac Grand Am
Dorman Part #970-008

Get an aftermarket ABS Wiring Harness for the front right sensor on these vehicles.

2005-97 Chevrolet Malibu;
1998-97 Oldsmobile Achieva;
2003-99 Oldsmobile Alero;
2005-99 Pontiac Grand Am
Dorman Part #970-009

If you have an ABS and TRAC OFF light and want to troubleshoot the system, start by examining the connectors at each front wheel bearing. You may find that the entire connector has broken off the bearing is just hanging in mid-air. If the wiring at the sensor appears good, disconnect it. Then disconnect the main connector at the ABS computer (usually located on the driver’s side—just follow the harness back to the computer). With the wiring harness disconnected, use your meter to test each of the wires that go to the ABS sensor. Check for continuity of each wire and then check for a short between the wires. Also check for a short to ground. If you find any of those conditions, replace the harness. Do NOT attempt to fix the short/open. The system operates on such low voltage that the increased resistance of a splice may prevent communication. Also, a splice make actually break again due to the flexing required.

If the harness checks out, your problem is most likely in the ABS sensor wheel bearing/hub assembly. You can test the ABS sensor by connecting a digital multimeter to the ABS sensor connector and setting your meter to AC voltage. Then spin the wheel. You should see AC fluctuations. If you don’t then it’s safe to assume the wiring is broken. If you see fluctuation, you cannot assume that the sensor is good. The multimeter test is not considered the most reliable test. A more accurate test requires a scope.

To replace the wheel bearing/hub, you will need to remove the axle nut. That will require a large socket and a long ½” breaker bar. You can use an impact wrench to remove the axle nut, but you CANNOT use the impact wrench to install the new one. The impact can destroy the new bearing. Also, make sure you install a NEW axle nut. The old one CANNOT be reused. Find the torque value for the new nut and use a torque wrench to set it properly.

Alldatadiy.com

eautorepair.net

Both Alldata and Eautorepair offer professional grade shop manuals at a price you can afford. Check them out!.

Hover your mouse over the REPAIR ARTICLES tab at the top of the page. The click on DIAGNOSTICS to search by SYMPTOM, TROUBLE CODE, or read TECH TIPS on how to diagnose a problem

Click on MAKE an MODEL to see all the articles I’ve written for your vehicle
Click on REPAIR TOPICS to read individual articles written for specific automotive systems

If you’ve had your car scanned and know the trouble code go to TROUBLE CODES

Here are some quick links to speed up your research

Click on the link below for speedy navigation:

ABS issues, how to bleed ABS brakes

Airbag issues or SRS light on

Alternator issues or how to test

Belt diagram or serpentine belt issues

Blower motor

Blower motor resistor

Brakes, brake issues, what kind of brake parts to buy, ABS issues

Car Alarms or Antitheft systems

Cooling system, Water pump, What type of coolant to use