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Oldsmobile Silhouette
Repair Questions and Answers
Question: 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette
Premiere mileage: 79,000. Both my brother and I
have 1999 Olds Silhouette Premiere Vans. He lives in
Virginia and I live in Florida. His Olds mechanic told
him his rear tires had some coupling and it is happening
because a rear-end alignment has NOT been performed. My
mechanic today said I have some coupling in my rear
tires but they are wearing evenly. He said our model
only has a front-end alignment- NO REAR-END ALIGNMENT.
I'm completely confused. I didn't think a rear-end
alignment was necessary unless it has 4 wheel drive or
AWD. Our vans do have traction control but I don't see
how that would matter.
Answer: There is a way to adjust the
rear alignment. It must be done with an aftermarket
adjustable shim kit.
Question: 1997 Oldsmobile Silhouette
mileage: 148,000. If been having a problem with my
minivan that at first appeared to be cv joint problems,
at about 35-40 mph when accelerating the van vibrates a
little and makes a knock or clonking sound but stops if
I let off the accelerate or press down harder, I took it
in to the shop but was told the cv joints were fine and
possibly had torque converter problems. At the tran shop
apparently after driving the vehicle I was told the
would have to pull the trans and check it out the damage
or repairs could be minimal but can run up to $1500. I
wont say I don't trust the shop but the van really
doesn't seem that bad to me and maybe I can do something
to prolong the life of the transmission instead of
spending so much at this time to fix it. Questions: do
you think I need to get this check as soon as possible
or can it wait? (2) My van has a computer that tells me
when something is wrong and I haven't been alerted to
any problems. (3) If need be what can I expect to pay
for labor and rebuilding of my transmission (worst case)
Answer: With 148000 miles, if the CV
joints or the transmission has not been replaced, your
problem could be either one. Although you had the CV
joints inspected and found them to be okay, we would
suggest taking a real close look at the CV joints again
as it sure sounds like CV problems to us.
Question:
1996 Oldsmobile Silhouette mileage: 135,000.
We're in the UK running a number of American vehicles
between us. We have a problem with the Olds at idle and
low speed running in top gear. It's a 3.1 3-speed
auto and it appears to drop out 1 or 2 cylinders at
idle. We've done all the standard stuff and
think we've eliminated ignition problems. We also
think we've traced it to cylinders at the belt end of
the engine. Certainly the front one and maybe the
rear too. If you allow the engine to idle, too
long you get a fault code for rich exhaust presumably
because the cylinders that are out are dumping fuel down
the exhaust. Then other notable symptom is when
you drive on a light throttle, if the van gets into top
gear below 2000 rpm the thing judders and shakes
violently, again we assume this is because it's running
on less than all six? We did have a problem twice
where the EGR valve jammed fully open which gave a very
exaggerated version of similar symptoms but after
cleaning and checking we think this is ok. Any
ideas - because we're really beaten so far?
Answer:
Assuming you have done a compression check and it is
okay, then the next thing would be a new set of plug
wires. If this does not cure the problem, check to
see that all of the injectors are working properly.
Question:
1995 Oldsmobile Silhouette mileage: 124,000.
A rod went through the engine destroying the engine.
The last mechanic that worked on the oil gaskets said it
was a "coincidence" it happened, it’s a GM product, and
no one's fault. This is just not acceptable to me.
Can you tell me what would cause this to happen? I
have to have a rebuilt engine, and have paid this
mechanic a lot of money. I need answers.
Thanks
Answer:
Normally an engine will “throw a rod” if it gets low on
oil. Just replacing gaskets should have nothing to
do with your problem. Whether or not it is the
mechanic’s fault depends on which gasket was replaced
and when the problem occurred. If the oil pan
gasket was the one replaced and the mechanic failed to
refill the crankcase with oil, the engine would fail
within a very short distance (under 2 miles).
Question: 1994 Oldsmobile Silhouette
van mileage:
144,000. When I make a turn through a
puddle of water, the steering gets very stiff. Now, as I
drive I can feel a shake in the steering wheel. Any
ideas?
Answer: Check the drive belt
for the power steering pump. It may need replacing.
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