1981 Cadillac Fleetwood problems
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).
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Common 1981 Cadillac Fleetwood problems
Based on the information provided in the search results, here is a list of common problems with the 1981 Cadillac Fleetwood based on complaints from owners:
- Fuel Mixture Issues: Owners have reported problems with a too rich fuel mixture leading to black exhaust smoke. This issue can be caused by various factors such as a malfunctioning ECM, fuel injectors, or fuel pressure regulator. Resolving this problem may involve diagnosing and replacing faulty components to achieve the correct fuel-air mixture for optimal engine performance.
- Engine Starting Problems: Some owners have experienced difficulties starting the engine, which could be attributed to issues like a broken fuel pump relay or a malfunctioning ECM. Addressing this problem may require checking and repairing the fuel pump relay, ensuring proper fuel delivery, and diagnosing any underlying electrical issues affecting engine start-up.
- Cylinder Deactivation System: The V8-6-4 engine, which featured a cylinder deactivation system, caused significant problems for owners. This system, designed to switch between 8, 6, or 4 cylinders based on power demands, suffered from flawed computer programming leading to delayed cylinder deactivation or reactivation. These issues resulted in drivability problems, engine stumbling, and poor performance, ultimately requiring extensive repairs and upgrades to rectify.
- Electronic Control Module (ECM) Malfunctions: Malfunctions in the ECM have been reported, causing various issues like difficulty in pulling trouble codes, erratic engine behavior, and poor performance. Troubleshooting ECM problems involves diagnosing sensor inputs, fuel delivery, and ignition timing to ensure proper engine management and performance.
- Idle Speed Control (ISC) Issues: Problems with the ISC, responsible for regulating engine idle speed, have been noted by owners. ISC malfunctions can lead to unstable idling, stalling, and poor acceleration. Resolving ISC issues may involve inspecting and adjusting the ISC unit, checking for vacuum leaks, and ensuring proper throttle position sensor calibration.
By addressing these common problems reported by owners of the 1981 Cadillac Fleetwood, car enthusiasts and mechanics can effectively diagnose, repair, and maintain these classic vehicles to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
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 engine is in a 1981 Cadillac Fleetwood?
At which point the de Ville and Fleetwood themselves became very Seville like. For 1981 a variable-displacement 368 V8, the infamous “V8-6-4” was added, though the 368 itself had appeared in '80 and had the same engine architecture as the giant 472/500/425 CID V8s of yore.
What kind of engine is in a Cadillac Fleetwood?
| Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham | |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 250 cu in (4.1 L) HT-4100 V8 252 cu in (4.1 L) Buick V6 307 cu in (5.0 L) Oldsmobile V8 350 cu in (5.7 L) LF9 Diesel V8 368 cu in (6.0 L) L62 V8 425 cu in (7.0 L) L33/L35 V8 |
| Transmission | 3-speed TH-400 automatic 3-speed TH-350C automatic 4-speed TH-200-4R automatic |
| Dimensions |
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 engine is in a 1981 Cadillac Fleetwood?
At which point the de Ville and Fleetwood themselves became very Seville like. For 1981 a variable-displacement 368 V8, the infamous “V8-6-4” was added, though the 368 itself had appeared in '80 and had the same engine architecture as the giant 472/500/425 CID V8s of yore.
What kind of engine is in a Cadillac Fleetwood?
| Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham | |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 250 cu in (4.1 L) HT-4100 V8 252 cu in (4.1 L) Buick V6 307 cu in (5.0 L) Oldsmobile V8 350 cu in (5.7 L) LF9 Diesel V8 368 cu in (6.0 L) L62 V8 425 cu in (7.0 L) L33/L35 V8 |
| Transmission | 3-speed TH-400 automatic 3-speed TH-350C automatic 4-speed TH-200-4R automatic |
| Dimensions |
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.
1981 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:
- Tires problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1981 Cadillac Fleetwood vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1981 Cadillac Fleetwood complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1981 Cadillac Fleetwood.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G6AB6992B9
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: I CAN E-MAIL PICTURE OF TREAD SEPERATION ON SPAIR TIRE IN TRUNK OF CAR. *AK (DOT NUMBER: VDHLV87438 TIRESIZE: P235/75R15)
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1981 Cadillac Fleetwood problems:
Several engine problems with 1981 Fleetwood DFI | Cadillac ...
Dec 4, 2016 ... The coolant temperature code is a good hint. Replace it, a bad sensor will cause this car to run rich like you describe, explains it dying when ...
Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz 1981 - Disable 8-6-4 & Common Problems
Jul 31, 2011 ... It's externally mounted, it's a simple matter of unplugging it and taping it up, and that will disable the cylinder deactivation, as the ...
1981 Fleetwood V-864 6.0 DFI | Cadillac Owners Forum
Sep 19, 2014 ... Very common problem. Many parts houses sell the rear cables. If the rear brake service history is unknown it's probably time to replace ...
1981 Cadillac Fleetwood DFI location of oxygen sensor - Technical ...
Aug 4, 2016 ... 81's had a problem with Coolant Temperature Sensor failures, two wire yellow and black wire. It could be showing that the engine is cold all the ...
1981 Fleetwood - UNSOLVABLE ISC PROBLEM! | Cadillac Owners ...
Nov 3, 2015 ... ... engine) that has an idle speed controller issue. I've read other threads talking about this issue (which seems fairly common) and I've tried ...
Other years of Cadillac Fleetwood
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