1985 Cadillac Eldorado problems
The Cadillac Eldorado is a luxury car manufactured and marketed by Cadillac from 1952 until 2002 over twelve generations.
The Eldorado was at or near the top of the Cadillac line. The original 1953 Eldorado convertible and the Eldorado Brougham models of 1957–1960 had distinct bodyshells and were the most expensive models that Cadillac offered those years. The Eldorado was never less than second in price after the Cadillac Series 75 limousine until 1966. Starting in 1967 the Eldorado retained its premium position in the Cadillac price structure, but was manufactured in high volumes on a unique, two-door personal luxury car platform.
The Eldorado carried the Fleetwood designation from 1965 through 1972, and was a modern revival of the pre-war Cadillac V-12 and Cadillac V-16 roadsters and convertibles.
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Common 1985 Cadillac Eldorado problems
The 1985 Cadillac Eldorado is known for several common problems, primarily related to its engine and electrical systems.
Firstly, the Eldorado's engine, specifically the 4.1L aluminum block engine, was notoriously unreliable. This engine was prone to issues, particularly in earlier models, and the 1985 Eldorado was the last year it was used in this car. The HT4100 engine, which was used in the Eldorado, had numerous problems, including electronic issues. If the Eldorado has this engine, it is advisable to avoid it due to its unreliability.
Another engine-related issue is the DFI fuel system, which can cause starting problems. For instance, one owner of a 1985 Eldorado with a 250 V8 engine and DFI fuel system reported that after replacing the cap, rotor, spark plugs, and spark plug wires, the car would not start and emitted white smoke from the tailpipe.
In addition to engine issues, the 1985 Eldorado had problems with its electrical systems, particularly the dashboard. The electrical systems in this car were known to fail with alarming regularity, and the dashboard was particularly problematic. If the Eldorado has a carbureted Oldsmobile V8 like the 307, it may not be a bad car to have, but if it has the HT4100 engine, it is best to avoid it due to the numerous electronic issues associated with this engine.
Finally, the 1985 Eldorado had issues with its automatic transmission, which had a very short life expectancy, even shorter than the non-repairable aluminum engine. This can cause problems with the car's overall performance and reliability.
In summary, the 1985 Cadillac Eldorado is known for several common problems, primarily related to its engine and electrical systems. The 4.1L aluminum block engine was notoriously unreliable, particularly in earlier models, and the HT4100 engine had numerous electronic issues. The DFI fuel system can cause starting problems, and the electrical systems, particularly the dashboard, were known to fail with alarming regularity. Finally, the automatic transmission had a very short life expectancy, which can cause problems with the car's overall performance and reliability.
What years of Eldorado to avoid?
Worst Issues
- rear oil seal leak in the 1994 Eldorado. 1 complaints.
- ac went out in the 1998 Eldorado. 1 complaints.
- dead battery in the 2002 Eldorado. 1 complaints.
- engine uses excessive oil in the 2001 Eldorado. 1 complaints.
- engine runs rough in the 1993 Eldorado. 1 complaints.
How many miles per gallon does a 1985 Cadillac Eldorado get?
Fuel Economy of 1985 Cadillac Vehicles
| EPA MPG | Owner MPG Estimates |
|---|---|
| 1985 Cadillac Cimarron 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Automatic 3-spd | |
| 1985 Cadillac Eldorado 8 cyl, 4.1 L, Automatic 4-spd | |
| Regular Gasoline | View Estimates How can I share my MPG? |
| 17 combined city/highway MPG 15 city 21 highway 5.9 gals/100 miles |
How much did a Cadillac Eldorado cost in 1985?
Priced at $31,286, 3,300 were sold. The 1985 model year was again largely unchanged as Cadillac braced for a drastic redesign for the 1986 model. All Cadillac Eldorados of this generation had well-equipped interiors, with plush leather seats, climate control, and more.
Is a 1985 Cadillac Eldorado fuel injected?
Here is the top of the line 1985 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz convertible. Powered by the fuel injected 4.1 Liter gasoline V8 and backed by the 4 speed automatic transmission. Stopping power comes from the 4 wheel power disc brakes, and ease of driving is enhanced by the power steering.
What years of Eldorado to avoid?
Worst Issues
- rear oil seal leak in the 1994 Eldorado. 1 complaints.
- ac went out in the 1998 Eldorado. 1 complaints.
- dead battery in the 2002 Eldorado. 1 complaints.
- engine uses excessive oil in the 2001 Eldorado. 1 complaints.
- engine runs rough in the 1993 Eldorado. 1 complaints.
Is a 1985 Cadillac Eldorado fuel injected?
Here is the top of the line 1985 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz convertible. Powered by the fuel injected 4.1 Liter gasoline V8 and backed by the 4 speed automatic transmission. Stopping power comes from the 4 wheel power disc brakes, and ease of driving is enhanced by the power steering.
How many miles per gallon does a 1985 Cadillac Eldorado get?
Fuel Economy of 1985 Cadillac Vehicles
| EPA MPG | Owner MPG Estimates |
|---|---|
| 1985 Cadillac Cimarron 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Automatic 3-spd | |
| 1985 Cadillac Eldorado 8 cyl, 4.1 L, Automatic 4-spd | |
| Regular Gasoline | View Estimates How can I share my MPG? |
| 17 combined city/highway MPG 15 city 21 highway 5.9 gals/100 miles |
How many 1985 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz were made?
ONE OF ONLY 2,300 BUILT!
1985 Cadillac Eldorado car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Cadillac Eldorado problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Structure problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Power train problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Cadillac Eldorado vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1985 Cadillac Eldorado complaints
The NHTSA has received 10 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Cadillac Eldorado.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-08-19
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1985 CADILLAC ELDORADO. HE STATED THE PAINT ON BOTH THE HOOD AND TRUNK AREAS WERE BEGINNING TO PEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR A REPAIR SHOP. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,000.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-04-15
- VIN: PROVIDE
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: THE VEHICLE CONSUMED TOO MUCH FUEL WHICH CRYSTALLIZE IN THE ENGINE. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *NLM
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-04-15
- VIN: PROVIDE
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *NLM
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-01-02
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: VEHICLE WILL START TO ACCELERATE WITHOUT ANY NOTICE. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK.*JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Crash: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: ENGINE ALLUMINUM BLOCK OVERHEATS& KNOCKS VALVE&CRANK SHAFT TRAN.LEAKS. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-21
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: CADILLAC DEALER ADVISED THAT ALL CADILLACS EQUIPPED WITH REAR DISKS BRAKES AND EMERGENCY BRAKE ASSEMPLY ARE DEFECTIVE AND THEY HAVE REPAIR KITS AVAILABLE. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF 1979 THROUGH 1985 CADILLACS ON THE ROAD CONTAINING THESE DEFECTIVE BRAKES.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-03-16
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE OVERHEATED. ALSO, DURING VEHICLE INSPECTION RADIATOR CAP BLEW COMPLETELY OFF, CAUSING BOILING HOT ANTI-FREEZE TO SPLASH ONTO THE PASSENGER. THE RADIATOR CAP WAS THE ORIGINAL ONE WHICH WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO REMOVE OR PUT ON. RADIATOR CAP REPLACED. *AK *ML
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-26
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE THE ROOF CAME OFF . *AK REPAIRSHOP STATED THAT THE ROOF WAS ONLY HELD BY RIVETS, IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN SILICONED FIRST AND THEN TACKED ON. *SLC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES SURGES WHEN APPLIED. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-04-01
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS DOORS WILL NOT OPEN FROM EN FROM THE INSIDE, THUS TRAPPING PEOPLE. *AK
1985 Cadillac Eldorado recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1985 Cadillac Eldorado.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: A SMALL NYLON BUSHING IN THE CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL MAY SLIP OUT OF PLACE, CAUSING INTERMITTENT AND UNEXPECTED INCREASES IN ENGINE SPEED OR DIESELING (ENGINE RUN ON WITH IGNITION OFF).
- Consequence: SERVO ROD ASSEMBLY COULD CATCH ON ENGINE COMPONENTS ANDRESULT IN A STUCK THROTTLE WITH POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: INSTALL A NEW BUSHING IN CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
- Summary: WATER OR SNOW DRIPPING ONTO DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW SWITCH ASSEMBLIES MAY CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT AND SWITCHES TO OVERHEAT.
- Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE IN THE DOOR PANEL AREA.
- Remedy: INSTALL NEWLY DESIGNED WINDOW SWITCHES. (1984 MODELS WILL RECEIVE NEW CONNECTORS ALSO).
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1985 Cadillac Eldorado problems:
1985 Eldorado with engine and stalling problems | Cadillac Owners ...
Apr 15, 2020 ... -What prompted you to suspect the alt. for anything? Is it putting out 14v. or not? So far, it's narrowed down to 10 things involving air (ex: ...
Q&A: Troubleshooting 1985 Cadillac Eldorado Engine Hesitation ...
Feb 28, 2008 ... That is the only thing that will cause this problem. If your gauge says it's full (or not low) when it does this, it is a liar. Be CAREFUL of ...
Cadillac Eldorado Problems and Complaints - 37 Issues
Problem with your Cadillac Eldorado? Our list of 37 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your Cadillac Eldorado.
Common Problems with Cadillac HT 4100 Engine - JustAnswer
Jan 5, 2011 ... MY HT 4100 MOTOR. I JUST BOUGHT A 1984 ELDORADO BARRITZ WITH 48000 MILES FROM A COLLECTOR. I'BVE HEARD THAT THAT HT - Answered by a verified ...
Cadillac 4100 Engine — Car Forums at Edmunds.com
Oct 26, 2000 ... The Oldsmobile Toronado and Buick Riviera, cousins to the Eldorado, had Olds 307's in them from 1981 to 1985, and that is a pretty good engine.
Other years of Cadillac Eldorado
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