1979 Cadillac Deville problems
The Cadillac DeVille is a model name used by Cadillac over eight generations, originally used to designate a trim level of the 1949 Cadillac Series 62 and later to designate a standalone model in the brand range. The last model marketed specifically as a DeVille was the 2005 full-size sedan, at the time, Cadillac's largest model.
For 2006, the Deville nameplate was retired, when the model line was carried forward (with minor revisions) as the Cadillac DTS, using a nomenclature adopted by the Cadillac STS and CTS.
Early history
The name "DeVille" is derived from the French de la ville or de ville meaning "of the town". In French coach building parlance, a coupé de ville, from the French couper (to cut) i.e. shorten or reduce, was a short four-wheeled closed carriage with an inside seat for two and an outside seat for the driver and this smaller vehicle was intended for use in the town or city (de ville). An (unshortened) limousine or (in the United States) town car has a division between the passenger and driver compartments and if the driver's seat is outside it may be called a sedanca de ville or town car.
The first Cadillac "Coupe de Ville" was shown during the 1949 Motorama. It was built on a Cadillac Sixty Special chassis and featured a dummy air-scoop, chrome trim around front wheel openings, and a one-piece windshield and rear glass. The interior was black and trimmed in gray leather, including the headliner, to match the roof color. It was equipped with a telephone in the glove compartment, a vanity case and a secretarial pad in the rear armrest, power windows and highly decorative chrome interior trim. The prototype "Coupe de Ville" was used by GM President Charles E. Wilson until 1957 when he presented it to his secretary. At some time during this period it acquired a dark Vicodec roof. The prototype "Coupe de Ville" was found and restored in the 2010s; it was in a private collection in London, Ontario, Canada as of 2017.
The Cadillac Series 62 Coupe de Ville was introduced late in the 1949 model year. Along with the Buick Roadmaster Riviera, and the Oldsmobile 98 Holiday, it was among the first pillarless hardtop coupes ever produced. At US$3,496 ($44,768 in 2023 dollars ) it was only a dollar less than the Series 62 convertible, and like the convertible, it came with power windows standard. It was luxuriously trimmed, with leather upholstery and chrome 'bows' in the headliner to simulate the ribs of a convertible top. In its first year the Series 62 Coupe de Ville only sold 2,150 units. But 1950 sales more than doubled to 4507, and in 1951 sales more than doubled again to 10,241 exceeding the sales for the Series 62 Club Coupe that year. Also, in 1951, Coupe de Ville chrome script appeared on the rear roof pillar for the first time, to further distinguish it from the Series 62 Club Coupe.
In 1956 the Series 62 Coupe de Ville was joined by the Series 62 Sedan de Ville, Cadillac's first standard production 4-door hardtop. Similarly to the Coupe de Ville, it was also more expensive and more luxuriously trimmed than the standard 4-door Series 62. With 41,732 sold, it also easily outsold the Series 62 sedan in its very first year. Given their sales success, it was only natural that the Coupe de Ville and Sedan de Ville were moved to their own separate series in 1959, the Series 6300, being joined by a DeVille convertible in 1964.
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Common 1979 Cadillac Deville problems
The 1979 Cadillac DeVille is known for several common problems, primarily related to its engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- Leaking Water Pump May Cause Coolant Loss and Overheating: The water pump in the 1979 Cadillac DeVille is prone to leaking, which can result in coolant loss and overheating. This issue can be resolved by replacing the water pump and ensuring the cooling system is properly maintained.
- Fuel Injectors Can Short-Circuit: Another common problem with the 1979 Cadillac DeVille is that the fuel injectors can short-circuit, leading to starting difficulties and poor engine performance. This issue requires immediate attention, as it can lead to severe engine damage if left unattended.
- Power Window Regulators May Fail: The power window regulators in the 1979 Cadillac DeVille are known to fail, causing inconvenience and safety concerns. This issue can be resolved by replacing the faulty regulator with a new one.
- Heater Control Valve Replacement: The heater control valve in the 1979 Cadillac DeVille is prone to failure, leading to issues with the heating and cooling system. Replacing the faulty valve with a new one can resolve this issue.
- Powertrain Control Module Replacement: The powertrain control module in the 1979 Cadillac DeVille can fail, leading to various transmission-related issues. Replacing the faulty module with a new one can resolve this issue.
- Vehicle Speed Sensor Replacement: The vehicle speed sensor in the 1979 Cadillac DeVille can fail, leading to issues with the speedometer and other vehicle functions. Replacing the faulty sensor with a new one can resolve this issue.
- Wheel Alignment: The wheel alignment in the 1979 Cadillac DeVille can become misaligned, leading to uneven tire wear and decreased fuel efficiency. Regular wheel alignments can prevent this issue.
- Headlamp Alignment Adjust: The headlamps in the 1979 Cadillac DeVille can become misaligned, leading to decreased visibility and safety concerns. Regular headlamp alignments can prevent this issue.
- MAP Sensor Replacement: The MAP sensor in the 1979 Cadillac DeVille can fail, leading to issues with the engine's fuel and ignition systems. Replacing the faulty sensor with a new one can resolve this issue.
- Radiator Hose Replacement: The radiator hoses in the 1979 Cadillac DeVille can become worn and brittle, leading to leaks and overheating. Regular inspections and replacement of worn hoses can prevent this issue.
- Air Pump Replacement: The air pump in the 1979 Cadillac DeVille can fail, leading to issues with the emission system. Replacing the faulty pump with a new one can resolve this issue.
- Antitheft System Control Module Replacement: The antitheft system control module in the 1979 Cadillac DeVille can fail, leading to issues with the antitheft system. Replacing the faulty module with a new one can resolve this issue.
- Engine Oil Filter Adapter Replacement: The engine oil filter adapter in the 1979 Cadillac DeVille can fail, leading to issues with the engine's oil system. Replacing the faulty adapter with a new one can resolve this issue.
- Ignition Lock Cylinder Concern: The 1979 Cadillac DeVille has a known recall for ignition lock cylinder concerns, which can lead to issues with the ignition system. This issue can be resolved by replacing the faulty ignition lock cylinder with a new one.
In summary, the 1979 Cadillac DeVille has several common problems related to its engine, transmission, electrical systems, and other components. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent these issues, but prompt attention and replacement of faulty parts are essential to avoid further damage and ensure the vehicle's safe and reliable operation.
What years of DeVille to avoid?
Overheating and cracked engine blocks in Cadillac DeVilles
The popular 2000 and 2002 Cadillac DeVilles are prime casualties, with the engine tending to overheat due to a leaking head gasket. Alternatively, a water pump leak could be preventing your coolant circulating freely through your engine.
How many miles per gallon does a 1979 Cadillac get?
Based on data from 3 vehicles, 52 fuel-ups and 10,055 miles of driving, the 1979 Cadillac DeVille gets a combined Avg MPG of 9.85 with a 0.53 MPG margin of error. Below you can see a distribution of the fuel-ups with 10 outliers (16.13%) removed.
Are vintage Cadillacs reliable?
A premium American brand, Cadillacs are built to last, as proven by these classic models that will practically run forever. One of the most famous American luxury car brands on the planet has to be Cadillac.
How long can a Cadillac DeVille last?
How Many Miles Does a Cadillac Last? A new Cadillac typically drives between 150,000 and 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. This translates to about 10 to 13 years for an average driver clocking 15,000 miles per year.
What years of DeVille to avoid?
Overheating and cracked engine blocks in Cadillac DeVilles
The popular 2000 and 2002 Cadillac DeVilles are prime casualties, with the engine tending to overheat due to a leaking head gasket. Alternatively, a water pump leak could be preventing your coolant circulating freely through your engine.
How many miles per gallon does a 1979 Cadillac get?
Based on data from 3 vehicles, 52 fuel-ups and 10,055 miles of driving, the 1979 Cadillac DeVille gets a combined Avg MPG of 9.85 with a 0.53 MPG margin of error. Below you can see a distribution of the fuel-ups with 10 outliers (16.13%) removed.
Are vintage Cadillacs reliable?
A premium American brand, Cadillacs are built to last, as proven by these classic models that will practically run forever. One of the most famous American luxury car brands on the planet has to be Cadillac.
How long can a Cadillac DeVille last?
How Many Miles Does a Cadillac Last? A new Cadillac typically drives between 150,000 and 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. This translates to about 10 to 13 years for an average driver clocking 15,000 miles per year.
1979 Cadillac Deville car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Cadillac Deville problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1979 Cadillac Deville vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1979 Cadillac Deville complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1979 Cadillac Deville.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-03-10
- Crash: 1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: POOR PERFORMANCE OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM CAUSED CONSUMER TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. TT
1979 Cadillac Deville recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1979 Cadillac Deville.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
- Summary: THE HEADS MAY BREAK OFF THE FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT ANCHOR BOLTS DURING NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION EVEN UNDER NO LOAD CONDITIONS. THIS IS DUE TO THE COMBINATION OF BOLTS USED, HIGH INSTALLATION TORQUE AND ARRANGEMENT OF THE BODY ANCHORAGE.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE ALL ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT ANCHOR BOLTS ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES AT NO COST TO OWNER.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1979 Cadillac Deville problems:
Opinion wanted on purchase of 1978 or 1979 Coupe DeVille ...
Sep 4, 2012 ... These were quite a reliability issue, but they can be fixed. I have been working on beating down the most common problems, not finished yet.
Q&A: 1979 Cadillac Coupe DeVille - Car Running Fine
Aug 17, 2023 ... Less common causes are a faulty throttle position sensor (TPS), bad ignition coils, dirty fuel injectors, clogged engine oil filter, ...
1979 deville 425 | Cadillac Owners Forum
Apr 14, 2004 ... I have little to no experince with cadillacs specificly and was wondering if there is anything that might be a common problem with these engines ...
1979 Coupe DeVille - Rough Idle on Cold Start
Mar 13, 2021 ... Hello, gentlemen! Haven't posted for a while. My '79 Coupe DeVille has a (severe, by my reckoning) rough idle on cold starts problem.
79 Cadillac Electrical Issues - Maintenance/Repairs - Car Talk ...
Jun 1, 2010 ... 1979 Cadillac Fleetwood, 74000 Miles, 425 engine. My headlights keep dimming down, there may be a short somewhere? I replaced the alternator ...
Other years of Cadillac Deville
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