Automobile / Oldsmobile / Achieva

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Question: 1995 Olds Achieva mileage: 150,000. Recently replaced a cracked cylinder head. All temperature and fan functions were normal. Now I have an abnormal temperature indication (220 degrees) at idle which returns to normal at road speeds at about 2000 RPM. A dealership coolant change used only one gallon (orange coolant) without flushing. Some time after the coolant change, I drove in a 107 degree heat wave. The engine temperature went up to 240 degrees but never did go into the danger or "red zone". I now suspect a problem with the water pump. No coolant loss observed and the weep hole looks OK. Could the impeller be spinning loose or corroded away making it ineffective? To date I have over $3000.00 in repair costs and I'm looking at another $500 if the pump is replaced. The vehicle was an absolute GEM prior to this problem and I wish GM still made them!

Answer: Check for a partially plugged radiator. When the engine overheated sludge or debris may have been dislodged and plugged the radiator.

Question:  1993 Oldsmobile Achieva  mileage: 175,634.  I am having some problems with my right turn signal; it will come on, but it will not flash.  I went to the auto parts store and they told me that I needed a flasher, but I don't know where to install the flasher. The left signal is working fine.  Can you tell me where to install the flasher because I have looked under the panel on the inside of the car and the only thing I see there is the fuse section

Answer:  If the left turn signal functions properly, the turn signal flasher is not at fault.  Check the bulbs on the right side as you probably have one that is burned out.

Question:  1994 Oldsmobile Achieva  mileage: 108,000.  I am having problems with starting my car.  I have been to the dealership 4 times and am getting frustrated!  The car will turn over (crank) but not start.  The instrument Panel will not light up.  The abs, battery, seatbelt and other idiot lights will not light up as well.  The first time I kept trying to start the car and it eventual did (10 attempts).  The instrument panel lights suddenly light up and the car started without hesitation.  Took it to the dealer and they find no computer fault codes.  Two weeks later, second time same exact problem so I didn't keep trying to start it but instead had it towed to the dealer.  The car of course started fine for them.  They replaced the ignition switch but gave no reason why they did this.  Three weeks later, third time it wouldn't start, I kept trying to start it, it eventually did (after the instruments panel lights relight) and then the car quit running.  It didn't sputter or stall in just quit the battery light didn't even come on.  The dealer decides that this problem might be similar to another car (grand am) in which they replaced the car's computer.  So, they replace it.  Eleven days later I started the car fine drove for 15 minutes came to a stop light at a busy intersection and the car silently died.  The tachometer went to zero, the oil pressure diminished on the gauge and nothing.  None of the idiot lights came on, battery, oil light, check engine nothing!  I tried to restart it to no avail had it towed to the dealership.  They went out to start it, it wouldn't.  They got their fault code checker, fuel pressure gauge, and they pulled a spark plug wire inserted a device and then grounded it to the engine.  The car started fine and showed no faults.  I think they thought I was lying about the no start but put my car near a shop, mechanic, or diagnostic equipment and it starts without hesitation.  The battery is fairly new, the alternator is about a year old, I had a sticking egr valve last summer that caused stalling but they freed that up, the transmission fluid has been recently changed.  I maintain my car well.  Can you please help me!

Answer:  We think that you are having problems with the main power supply (12 volts) that supplies the entire car.  Check the main fuse panel and the main power wire from the battery.  It is possible you have an internal short in the battery that occasionally disconnects.  This problem may or may not show up with a battery load test.

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Question:  1993 Olds Achieva .  it is showing engine code 43. Could you tell me what that is?  It has a new engine with 0 miles.

Answer:  Code 43 is map signal, voltage low.  Check the catalytic converter to make sure it is not plugged as it may be causing your code 43.

Question:  1994 Olds Achieva  mileage: 85,000. My 94 Olds Achieva isn't firing on cylinders one and three. I have tested the injector electrical connectors with a neon light and they all flashed. I swapped number one injector with number two and number one cylinder still didn't fire so I don't think it is the injector system. I have changed the spark plugs and the fuel filter also. I have taken the ignition coils and swapped them and the same two cylinders are not working. This engine has the integrated direct ignition so I am not too familiar with the ignition system. I’m trying to avoid the cost of taking it to a dealer. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Answer: Try replacing the spark plugs wires.

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