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Oldsmobile Bravada Repair Questions and Answers

Question: 1997 Oldsmobile Bravada  mileage 121,000. Last year, my husband took my SUV on a hunting trip. He drove four hours (all highway miles). He exited the highway (and came to a complete stop). He pressed the accelerator to go... well when it shifted from first to second gear, there was this real hard shift (Like there was some sort of transmission problem). After the truck sat for a few days, it drove like nothing was wrong with the transmission. When he exited the highway to our home from the four hour trip from hunting, the truck shifted very hard again from first gear to second gear. Only, this time, the "check engine" light came on. Now, if I drive half an hour (on the highway) this hard shifting from first to second gear sometimes happens and sometimes doesn't happen. The "check engine" light hasn’t come on in a while. I have spent $$$ and it still happens. If I shut the car off for a few minutes, then restart the truck, it's usually okay. Is it a sensor or what!?

Answer: From what you have described it sounds like the transmission control solenoid pack is hanging up and needs to be replaced.

Question: 1997 Oldsmobile Bravada  mileage: 152,000. My 1997 Oldsmobile Bravada has been running perfectly, but one day my wife went out to start it and it wouldn't start. It cranks, but doesn't actually start. Also, none of the engine warning lights and gauges seem to be working, but everything else (radio, bright light indicator, hazard lights indicator) does. I've checked all the fuses and they're fine. I have even put in a new battery. Yes, there is gas in the Bravada, a half tank. My handheld diagnostic tool that hooks up to the module under the dash flashed all 8's, which means that it can't even get a reading to troubleshoot the problem. I hope it is something that can easily be fixed. What's the problem?

Answer: With a test light, check for 12 volts on all the fuses in the fuse panel while the key is on. If half the fuse panel is dead, you probably have a faulty ignition switch. If the panel tests okay, most likely you have a bad connection in the power distribution center.

Question:  1993 Oldsmobile Bravada   mileage: 133,000.  About 20% of the time, the car will not start properly.  It may start but very rough for 3-5 seconds, or not start at all until cranked over for about 10-15 seconds, when it finally catches.  Once running it is fine.  I had it to the dealers, where they did a complete tune up, plugs, wire, distributor cap, rotor, fuel filter, and several sensors, which did not help at all.  Then they replaced the fuel pump, and dampener, which did not help.  It makes no difference whether the car is parked uphill, downhill, or level, or how much gas in tank?   It makes no difference whether the car is warm or cold.  Sometimes it starts fine, and other times it doesn't.  Any helpful suggestions.  The dealer’s methods of replacing parts is getting expensive, with no results.  Thanks

Answer:  Check for leaky fuel injectors.  Check fuel pump pressure, if possible, when it will not start.  Also, check for spark when it will not start.  If the computer has not been scanned, do so now.

Question:  1988 Oldsmobile Bravada  mileage: 125,000.  I can't get the engine to turn over.  I replaced the starter to no avail.  I checked the battery cables for corrosion and re-charged the battery overnight.  All it is doing is the solenoid is clicking.  I have checked trouble codes and none are registering.   Any ideas?

Answer:   Have the battery load tested or substitute for a known good battery from another car.

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