1978 Cadillac Fleetwood problems

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The Cadillac Fleetwood was a full-size luxury sedan that was marketed by Cadillac from the 1976 to 1996 model years. Taking its nameplate from a coachbuilder historically associated with the General Motors division, the Cadillac Fleetwood became a stand-alone model line in 1985.

The first generation of the Fleetwood was introduced as Cadillac converted its C-body platform to front-wheel drive. Serving between the Sedan deVille and the Sixty Special in the front-wheel drive Cadillac line, the Fleetwood also filled the gap between the deVille and the rear-wheel drive Fleetwood Brougham (Cadillac Brougham from 1987-1992). The second generation moved to the D-body platform, serving as the replacement of the Brougham (the Fleetwood Brougham returned as a trim option).

Following the 1996 model year, Cadillac retired its Fleetwood line as GM ended production of its full-size sedan lines in North America. Within Cadillac, its large sedan lines were consolidated solely to the deVille series (later the Cadillac DTS).

1978 Cadillac Fleetwood

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Common 1978 Cadillac Fleetwood problems

The 1978 Cadillac Fleetwood is a car that has garnered some complaints from its owners, particularly regarding its engine and air conditioning system.

One common problem with the 1978 Cadillac Fleetwood is related to its engine. The car was initially equipped with a 425 cubic inch V8 engine, which provided plenty of performance. However, after 1980, Cadillacs were saddled with anemic engines until the NorthStar, which had some teething pains. This issue could be caused by a faulty torque converter or a problem with the transmission itself.

Another common problem with the 1978 Cadillac Fleetwood is related to its air conditioning system. The blower in the car is known to operate only in defrost mode, which can be a significant inconvenience for drivers. This issue can be caused by a problem with the blower motor, the blower relay, or the wiring between the two. The blower relay, in particular, is known to be a problematic component in the 1978 Fleetwood. The car uses a 5-pin Bosch relay, which is responsible for controlling the blower motor. If this relay fails, it can prevent the blower motor from operating properly, causing the blower to only work in defrost mode.

In addition to these issues, some owners of the 1978 Cadillac Fleetwood have reported problems with the car's electrical system. The car's shop manual identifies a problem with the A/C system as an electrical problem, but does not provide any further details. This issue can be caused by a problem with the wiring, the blower motor, or the relay, and can be difficult to diagnose without further information.

In summary, the 1978 Cadillac Fleetwood is known to have some common problems, particularly with its engine and air conditioning system. The car's 425 V8 engine can experience issues with the transmission, particularly with the torque converter. The car's blower is known to operate only in defrost mode, which can be caused by a problem with the blower motor, the blower relay, or the wiring. Finally, some owners of the 1978 Fleetwood have reported problems with the car's electrical system, which can be difficult to diagnose without further information.

1978 Cadillac Fleetwood engine

Are Cadillac Fleetwoods reliable?

The 1996 Cadillac Fleetwood receives an average consumer rating of 4.9 overall and a 4.9 for reliability, which means owners consider its reliability to be above average.

How much was a new Cadillac in 1978?

As usual, Cadillac's volume seller for 1978 was the deVille series, available in a Coupe deVille base priced at $10,584 and Sedan deVille priced from $10,924. Both models rode a sizeable 121.5-inch wheelbase and stretched out 221.2 inches in length.

What's the difference between a Brougham & A Fleetwood?

Cadillac used the "Fleetwood" name as a prefix between 1934 and 1976 on several of its most expensive models, always designating an elevated level of luxury. Between 1958 and 1961, Cadillac used the "Brougham" sub-designation for its exclusive four-door Eldorado models.

How much is a Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham worth?

Q: What was the lowest recorded sale price for a Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham? A: The lowest recorded sale price was $2,200 for a 1979 Cadillac Limousine on Aug 12 2021. Q: What is the average sale price of a Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham? A: The average price of a Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham is $15,041.

Are Cadillac Fleetwoods reliable?

The 1996 Cadillac Fleetwood receives an average consumer rating of 4.9 overall and a 4.9 for reliability, which means owners consider its reliability to be above average.

What motor was in a 1978 Cadillac?

425ci V8

The Coupe Deville is powered by Cadillac's 425ci V8 that outputs 180hp/320lb/ft and delivers power through a THM400 3-speed automatic transmission and factory differential with 2.28:1 gearing.

How much was a new Cadillac in 1978?

As usual, Cadillac's volume seller for 1978 was the deVille series, available in a Coupe deVille base priced at $10,584 and Sedan deVille priced from $10,924. Both models rode a sizeable 121.5-inch wheelbase and stretched out 221.2 inches in length.

What's the difference between a Brougham & A Fleetwood?

Cadillac used the "Fleetwood" name as a prefix between 1934 and 1976 on several of its most expensive models, always designating an elevated level of luxury. Between 1958 and 1961, Cadillac used the "Brougham" sub-designation for its exclusive four-door Eldorado models.

1978 Cadillac Fleetwood car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Cadillac Fleetwood problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Structure problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1978 Cadillac Fleetwood vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1978 Cadillac Fleetwood complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1978 Cadillac Fleetwood.

1995-03-09

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-03-08
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: AUTOMATIC LATCH ON TRUCK SUPPORT RELEASED AND FELL DOWN ON PLANTIFFS FINGERS. TT

1978 Cadillac Fleetwood recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1978 Cadillac Fleetwood.

1978-08-30
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: IF PAPER OR OTHER COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS ARE PLACED IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ASHTRAY RECEPTACLE, THEY COULD BECOME IGNITED AND FLAMES FROM THE FIRE MAY REACH THE INTERIOR OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL.
  • Remedy: OWNER WILL BE SENT A METAL HEAT SHIELD TO BE INSTALLED ABOVE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, EITHER BY THE OWNER OR BY THE DEALER.
1977-09-26
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
  • Summary: SOME OF THE INVOLVED VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 104, "WINDSHIELD WIPING AND WASHING SYSTEMS". THE WINDSHIELD WASHER BOTTLE ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY CRACK AND ALLOW WASHER FLUID TO DRAIN OUT.
  • Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT THE WASHER BOTTLE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1978 Cadillac Fleetwood problems:

1978 Fleetwood blower problem | Cadillac Owners Forum
1978 Fleetwood blower problem | Cadillac Owners Forum
https://www.cadillacforums.com/threads/1978-fleetwood-blower-problem.277483/

Dec 21, 2012 ... I have read that the 77-79 has blower motor relay issues, and it is common. One of those guys will be here soon to help. Like.

1978 Cadillac DeVille - Issues when starting - Maintenance/Repairs ...
1978 Cadillac DeVille - Issues when starting - Maintenance/Repairs ...
https://community.cartalk.com/t/1978-cadillac-deville-issues-when-starting/181553

Dec 30, 2021 ... I take it that is a carbureted vehicle possibly an issue with a choke or choke pull offs, if it is a general motors four barell quadrajet, ...

Opinion wanted on purchase of 1978 or 1979 Coupe DeVille ...
Opinion wanted on purchase of 1978 or 1979 Coupe DeVille ...
https://www.cadillacforums.com/threads/opinion-wanted-on-purchase-of-1978-or-1979-coupe-deville.269113/

Sep 4, 2012 ... Opinion wanted on purchase of 1978 ... the most common problems, not finished yet. ... One problem with the Cadillac settings are the engine speed ...

1978 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham D'Elegance Q&A | JustAnswer
1978 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham D'Elegance Q&A | JustAnswer
https://www.justanswer.com/cadillac/d6lxe-1978-fleetwood-brougham-d-elegance-headlights.html

Nov 21, 2019 ... I recently bought and led conversion kit thinking that would solve the problem and nothing same issues. If I leave the headlight relay overnight ...

1978 Deville BLOWER RELAY---keeps blowing out every 3 months ...
1978 Deville BLOWER RELAY---keeps blowing out every 3 months ...
https://www.cadillacforums.com/threads/1978-deville-blower-relay-keeps-blowing-out-every-3-months.201273/

May 29, 2010 ... Cadillac Owners Forum. in ... Is this a common problem for these vintage Caddy`s? ... Blower motor problems on 94 Deville! I revived my '94 Deville ...

Other years of Cadillac Fleetwood

cadillac fleetwood 1981 photo
Fleetwood 1981
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cadillac fleetwood 1983 photo
Fleetwood 1983
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cadillac fleetwood 1984 photo
Fleetwood 1984
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cadillac fleetwood 1985 photo
Fleetwood 1985
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cadillac fleetwood 1986 photo
Fleetwood 1986
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cadillac fleetwood 1987 photo
Fleetwood 1987
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1978 Cadillac Fleetwood photo