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Pontiac Bonneville Repair Questions and Answers

Question:  1997 Pontiac Bonneville 3.8v mileage 125,000. To Bob and Ken, My wife was driving our car, when at a stoplight our car stalled. She could not start it again. We had it towed because I thought I could work on it myself instead of being overpriced for car repair. The problem I am having is the car is turning over but it will not start! I've tried several different techniques such as checking battery cables and terminals, checking spark plugs for spark, I've replaced the crankshaft sensor, and I replaced the 3-pack coil that sits on top of the ignition module, but come to find out that that was not the problem, so I returned the part for my money back. Tomorrow I am going to change my spark plugs just in case, but if that does not start it, I am lost. I will probably take it to a shop for a diagnostic test if all else fails. I would praise you two if you could lead me into the right direction.

Answer:  We always scan the computer for trouble codes first. We recommend a pocket scanner that is easy to use and is very inexpensive. Here are some other things to have checked: 1. Check to see if the timing belt/chain has failed, 2. Check for ignition spark at spark plugs, 3. Check for fuel pressure. 4. Check Cylinder compression.

Question:  1993 Pontiac Bonneville 3.8 mileage: 163,000.  Dear Sirs:  My water pump has started to leak on a continual basis.  So far, it is still quiet.  I would like to replace it before the problem breaks down on the road.  I have looked at it and it looks like I may need to remove the engine support just to get to the pump.  Do I need to remove the support and if so, how do I support the engine?

Answer: Yes, you have to remove the support bracket to replace the water pump.  To remove the bracket, use a jack and a block of wood to support the engine.

Question:  1995 Pontiac Bonneville 3.8 mileage: 75,000.  The car has an intermittent hard starting problem, particularly in hot weather.  The engine cranks, however there is no spark.  The dealer replaced the ECM, however the problem still occurs.   The car will always start after sitting for about five minutes.  Crank sensor magnets have been checked and were ok.  On occasion the car has stalled while idling at a stoplight, however both times it immediately restarted.

Answer: Your car is equipped with a computer controlled engine management system.  An independent auto service center can scan your computer for fault or error codes.  The information should pinpoint the malfunctioning components.  If after scanning the computer there are no fault codes, then the ignition module may be faulty.

Question:  1996 Bonneville SE 3.8 mileage: 67,000.  In the past month and a half, my mileage has gone from 450 miles per whole tank to 300-330 per whole tank.  I believe it is a 15-16 gallon tank.  At first, I thought it was due to colder weather when I started getting about 50 miles less per tank.   But now (mid December) I am suddenly getting 100-130 less per tank.  What can I check for and what are some possible problems that might be causing this?  Thanks!

Answer:    If a major tune-up has not been done recently, this could be the cause of your problem.  Replace the spark plugs, plug wires, fuel and air filters, etc.  Also, replace the oxygen sensor.  In addition, service the fuel injection system.  Clean the carbon deposits from the throttle bore and idle passages.   Check the catalytic converter to make sure it is not plugged or restricted.

Question:  1990 Pontiac Bonneville 3.8l mileage: 98,000.  My question is similar to the person with the 88 Pontiac Grand Prix.  After I drive the car to work, 20 miles or so, I turn the engine off leave it until lunch, about 5 hours.  The engine does crank and all lights and electrical work, but it just wont turn over right away.   Whenever I take it to a mechanic, the car does fine!  When I try to start it, it cranks, a couple of times it tries to turn over.  Eventually, it will start after 45 seconds or more of cranking.  I had the fuel pump and fuel pump sensor checked and the throttle body cleaned (mechanics suggestions).  It gets good spark.  I had someone tell me there is a crankshaft-positioning sensor that was a problem on 1990 Grand Prix.  Could this be the problem?

Answer:    Your car is equipped with a computer controlled engine management system.  An independent auto service center can scan your computer for fault or error codes.  The information should pinpoint the malfunctioning components.

Question:  1995 Bonneville SSEi 3800 mileage: 75,000.  I have a question with regards to Oil and Gasoline additives.  1) What is your opinion on these types of products?  a) Oil additives b) fuel additives 2) is it a good idea to use Fuel Injector cleaners even if you use good clean gas?  3) If it is a good idea how often should you do this?  4) How often should you change the Fuel filter.

Answer:    Major oil companies have additives in their products already that are required.  We recommend changing fuel filters every 25,000 miles.

Question:  1995 Bonneville SSEi 3800 mileage: 75,000.  I have both ABS and Traction Control.  While driving, both of the dashboard indicator lights came on.  I have turned the car off and on but the indicator lights continue to come on.  My brakes (not the ABS portion) are still functional.  Also, my traction control doesn't work.  What do you think the problem could be?

Answer:   The “malfunction indicator light” will “light” when there is a malfunction in the engine management system.  The fault code is then stored in the computer.  The computer must be scanned to retrieve these stored faults to pinpoint the malfunctioning component.  Because the check engine light indicates something is wrong, a trip to you neighborhood automobile service center sooner rather than later is recommended.

Question:  1995 Pontiac Bonneville 3.8 mileage: 69,000.  My security light stays on, the car won’t start with either key I have unless you hold it just right, and then the light stays on even after that. Is there a way I could get rid of that security feature it seems like a pain; is the problem major?

Answer:    Your security system is part of your car and cannot be “disconnected.”  It will have to be repaired.

Question:   1990 Bonneville SSE 3800 mileage: 140,000.  This car has automatic door locks and both back doors will not open.  When automatic lock button is pushed the back doors click but will not open.  The front door does open with the button.  The two back doors went out about 2 weeks of each other.  When using the back door locks manually, they still will not open.  Any suggestions on how to get the doors open to fix.

Answer:    Try a “Slim Jim” the tool tow-truck drivers use to open a car door when the keys are left inside the car.

Question:  1994 Pontiac Bonneville se 3.8  mileage: 110,000.   I am in the middle of installing a new water pump on my car.  In doing so it looks like the arm off the shock has to be loosened, is this true?  I have all 3/8 bolts out.  I am kind of at a stand still on this can you help me.  Let me know what has to be removed and how to remove it.

Answer:    Your should be able to remove the water pump without loosening the shocks.  Check the old pump to be sure you did not miss a bolt.

Question:  1992 Pontiac Bonneville  mileage: 98,700.   I am unable to get my automatic door locks to work.  I checked the fuses and they look fine.  They don't work with my remote on my key chain and the don't work on the doors.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Answer:   Your car is equipped with a remote accessory control module.   Two fuses supply power to it, check both.   If the fuses are okay, the module may be at fault.

Question:  1993 Pontiac Bonneville 3.8 mileage: 125,000.  Our Pontiac is taking longer than usual to go into Drive from Neutral and it will lunge when it finally does so.  Additionally, if you leave the car in park and race the engine, you can hear a popping noise from underneath the vehicle. My husband who thinks that it may be the transmission has checked all fluids and belts.  What do you think?

Answer:   The noise may be the transmission.  Try having the transmission services (new fluid and filter) and drive it for several days to see if it clears up.

Question:  1984 Pontiac Bonneville mileage: 101,000. I have an 84 Pontiac Bonneville that has a gas smell. I have checked from the carburetor all the way back to the tank and I do not find any leaks. You do not smell it after it sits for a while. The catalytic converter seems to be good. Could I have a vacuum problem?

Answer:  Your car is equipped with a gasoline vapor canister. It collects gasoline vapor from the gas tank. That system may not be working properly, causing your problem.

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