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Pontiac Bonneville Repair Questions and Answers

Question:  2000 Pontiac Bonneville  3800  mileage: 60,000. I recently, 4 days ago, had rotors turned and brake pads replaced on the front and rotors replaced on the rear. I noticed a major squeak or chirp in the brakes when I applied the brake the squeal or chirp would go away. Also when I turned to the left the noise would go away. If I drive straight or turn to the right it is a loud squeal or chirp chirp chirp chirp chirp. I also hear something rubbing at very low speeds. I called the place that did the brake job and they said the new rotors needed to seat themselves and that I should drive it for awhile. I know I am female but I am not stupid, I know when something is wrong with my vehicle. I need some advice please. Thanks  

Answer:   The brake pads that were installed were probably aftermarket pads; in other words, not from the original manufacturer of your car.  As to the intermittent chirping sound, have the brake rotors checked to make sure that they are running true...that they were machined properly. You can buy OEM parts online at www.eautopartstore.com and save yourself money and get factory parts.

Question:  1995 Pontiac Bonneville 3.8_mileage: 134,000. The fuel pump never turns off.  From the time you start the motor you hear the buzz until you turn off the motor.  The fuel pump was replaced prior to my buying this used car.  Is the sensor that senses the fuel rail pressure part of the pump assembly in the tank or some where in line?  I have looked at the fuel line - under the hood - to the fuel rail and only see the injectors, no other in line sensors.

Answer:   The fuel pump should be running all the time that the engine in your car is started and running.  You should not be hearing a buzz from the fuel pump.  You may have a faulty fuel pump or a partially plugged fuel filter.  There is no fuel pressure sensor in the fuel line...the fuel pressure is controlled by a regulator.      

Question: 1987 Pontiac Bonneville  3.8 L, V-6  type 1 DIS / non turbo: Cold start every time, idle sometimes lopes and/or erratic, but performance is beautiful, good power, good pick up, will run all day long, no over heating. Fuel efficiency good, but turn engine off and a complete NO SPARK situation to all cylinders if try to restart. Once engine sets for a period. Starts right back up and performs as stated above. Most obvious conclusion, thermal problem. Which part of the (Brick), top (Coils) or bottom (Module) has been most commonly diagnosed for this problem, in the vehicle described above? Remember, I am not asking what's causing the problem with my car, but to the best of your knowledge, what has been the most common diagnosis and repair of this problem, with vehicle described above? One connection where wire from module plugs into coil pack, connection was green and corroded, cleaned, it helped, but didn't cure. Coil module, affectionately known as "the brick." Its top section contains three ignition coils, each with two the bottom section of the coil module contains the electronic circuitry, neatly potted in bulletproof epoxy.

Answer: From what you described, you problem could be the coil module, the cam angle sensor or the crank angle sensor.

Question: 1997 Pontiac Bonneville 3800 mileage: 60,000. My 1997 Pontiac Bonneville SE surges between 1700 and 2500 Rpms only when the car is completely warmed up and going between speeds of 30-35 then 55-60 or anytime uphill at those low Rpms. The car seems to loose power then immediately afterwards will surge back to the RPM it should be. The dealer has replaced the fuel filter, plugs, coils, wires, and air filter, serviced the fuel injectors and replaced the torque converter. They said they now want to replace the transmission to see if that fixes the problem. My guess is the engine is next. No error codes are displayed in their diagnostics. So, they are "experimenting" until they find it or I run out of money. I have already spent over $2,000 for these "services". I noticed someone else with a similar question to you with same car and you suggested EGR valve. Any ideas?

Answer: We would first check the fuel pump to make sure the pressure is within range. If this is okay, try replacing the oxygen and coolant sensors. Sometimes, computers do not set error codes unless components totally fail. In other words, these sensors could be out of range for proper operation of your car without setting a code.

Question: 1992 Pontiac Bonneville SSEI 3.8 supercharge mileage: 104k. Symptoms only occur when high ambient temperature (above 90 degrees). After driving for a while, especially on the highway, I experience the following symptoms 1. Engine will idle fine, 2. Car will not accelerate past idle and will occasionally stall when trying to accelerate, 3. Has OBDI but no check engine light comes on, 4. Have replaced fuel filter, 5. If it occurs while moving you can retain speed at partial throttle but acceleration causes stumbling and feeling of lost fuel pressure.

Answer: Check to see that the catalytic converters are not partially plugged. Also, check the boost pressure on the super charger.

Question: 1987 Pontiac Bonneville V-6 3.8 mileage: 74,000. My question is short - can I check and clean fuel injectors myself without special instruments? If yes, how can I do this?

Answer: Special equipment is required for proper cleaning. You might want to try a gasoline additive for cleaning fuel injectors. However, make sure it is compatible with the catalytic converter.

Question: 1987 Pontiac Bonneville  mileage: 72,000. Hello, I am writing from Vilnius (Lithuania). I have a problem in my car. The oil pressure gauge always shows maximum (right side position), when the engine is running and shows 0 (zero), when the engine is not running. I changed the sending unit, but the gauge shows the same. Then I verified oil pressure with another mechanical gauge. The oil pressure is about 24 psi at idle, about 35 psi at 2400 rpm and about 40 psi at 3400 rpm, when the engine is warm. I think that oil pressure is normally. What happened with oil pressure gauge? Can you answer me? Thank you. Virgis

Answer: From what you have told us, it appears that the gauge on the dash is faulty. Also, check to make sure there is no damage in the wiring loom.

Question:  1997 Pontiac Bonneville  mileage: 68,000.  Please help. My car has been to the local GM dealer 8 times.  When traveling at highway speeds 55-65 mph.  With the A/C on.  Ambient temp at 60 Degrees or above and going uphill.  The car surges.  You can see the tach go up from 2000 to 2200 rpm and back.  As soon as your on level ground car runs fine.  The dealer has replaced Plugs, Wires, air filter, fuel filter and it hasn't changed.   Also, it shows no fault codes.  Please tell me what you think it could be.  Thanks!

Answer:  We think that your problem may be caused by the EGR valve opening too quickly, which is probably caused by a weak spring in the valve.

Question:  1990 Pontiac Bonneville  _mileage: 113,000.  Starting problem when ambient temperature below 0 degrees C. Error code 43 (ESC).   This module replaced.  OK for couple of days.  Then again, code 43 (ESC).  What should be done next?

Answer:    Code 43 is knock sensor – replacing it should fix your problem.

Question:  1995 Pontiac Bonneville  mileage: 88,129.  My car rides like it needs a tune up.  It starts easy and there is no stalling it just wont pick up speed fast between 60 mph to 70 mph; it kind of misses a little.  Someone told me it could be bad gas.  This has been going on when ever it gets cold below 25 degrees. Could it be a clogged fuel filter?

Answer:  Check the catalytic converter to make sure it is not “plugged” or restricted.  Your car may be ready for a major tune-up including spark plugs, plug wires, distributor cap, rotor, fuel filter and air filter.  Also, perform a fuel pump pressure test.  Clean fuel injection system including throttle bore, idle speed control motor and passages.  If problem still exists, scan computer for trouble codes.

Question:  1990 Pontiac Bonneville  mileage: 114,000.  I have an error code 41 (camshaft sensor) that we cannot find the cause of.  Only 4 volts are present on one side of the cam sensor (8 on the other side) The wiring is good between the Ignition Module and the Camshaft Sensor.   We have replaced the ECM, Ignition Module, Coil Pack, Crankshaft Sensor, and Cam Sensor.  Same symptoms.  Correct Voltage at Computer.  Bad voltage (4 volts on one side of sensor with it unplugged).  Interestingly, when you pull the connection to the Crankshaft Sensor, then you have the correct voltage to the Cam Sensor (8 volts on both sides to Ground (middle wire to Cam Sensor).  However, replacing the Crank Sensor does not solve problem.  Any suggestions?

Answer:   Your problem is one that generally takes days to identify and repair.  Moreover, from here, it is really difficult to diagnosis your problem, but here is a suggestion of something you might try.  Unplug the wiring loom from the PCM and check the resistance of all the ground wires in that wiring loom.   You may have a bad ground causing your problem.

Question:  1996 Pontiac Bonneville  mileage: 60,000.  My 1996 Bonneville has a coolant leak at a gasket under the throttle body assembly. I am told that the gasket and throttle body are a unit and have to be replaced as such costing approximately $350 parts and labor at a Pontiac dealership.  Is this a reasonable and correct diagnosis?

Answer:   Your coolant leak may be caused by a small by-pass hose under the throttle body.  Replacing it should fix your problem.  The throttle body should not have to be replaced.

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