1985 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 1985 Cadillac Fleetwood problems
The 1985 Cadillac Fleetwood is known for several problems, with the most common issue being engine problems, specifically blown head gaskets. This issue is often attributed to the vehicle's aluminum block and heads, which are prone to overheating and warping, leading to head gasket failure. This problem is often accompanied by engine misfires, poor performance, and coolant leaks.
Another common problem with the 1985 Cadillac Fleetwood is handling issues. The vehicle's downsized design and front-wheel-drive layout resulted in a car that was difficult to handle, with slow steering response and poor grip. The tires were also known to have issues with peeling off the rims at low speeds, further exacerbating the handling problems.
The 1985 Cadillac Fleetwood also had issues with its anti-theft system, which could prevent the car from starting. This problem was caused by the vehicle's raised-chip key, which could fail to communicate with the car's anti-theft system, resulting in the engine not starting.
The vehicle's auto level ride compressor was also known to fail, causing the car to sag or bottom out. This problem was often accompanied by a loud noise coming from the suspension, making it difficult to drive the car.
Finally, the 1985 Cadillac Fleetwood had performance issues, with the engine struggling to provide enough power for the car's size and weight. This problem was often attributed to the vehicle's pushrod V-8 engine, which was not powerful enough to move the car with ease.
In conclusion, the 1985 Cadillac Fleetwood had several common problems, including engine issues, handling problems, anti-theft system failures, suspension issues, and performance problems. These issues were often caused by the vehicle's design and engineering, and could make driving the car a frustrating and difficult experience.
What engine is in a 1985 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham?
The engine is a 4.1L V8 and is mated to a 4 speed automatic transmission with overdrive.
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.
What year did Cadillac stop making Fleetwood?
1996
Following the 1996 model year, Cadillac retired its Fleetwood line as GM ended production of its full-size sedan lines in North America.
What engine is in a 1985 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham?
The engine is a 4.1L V8 and is mated to a 4 speed automatic transmission with overdrive.
Is a 1985 Cadillac front wheel drive?
In 1985, Fleetwood models used a new front wheel drive C-body platform, sharing the 110.8 inches (2,810 mm) wheelbase with GM's other C-body cars, the DeVille, Buick Electra, and Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight.
What engine is in a 1986 Cadillac Fleetwood?
Engines
Years | Displacement | Power |
---|---|---|
1986 | 307 cu in (5.0 L) Oldsmobile 307 V8 | 140 hp (100 kW) |
1979–1985 | 350 cu in (5.7 L) LF9 Diesel V8 | 105 hp (78 kW) |
1980–1981 | 368 cu in (6.0 L) L62 V8-6-4 V8 | 145 hp (108 kW) |
1977–1979 | 425 cu in (7.0 L) L33 V8 | 180 hp (130 kW) |
How long is a 1985 Cadillac Fleetwood?
All four de Ville and Fleetwood models had a 110.8-inch wheelbase, with an overall length of 195 inches and 71.7 inches width. To put that in perspective, the unchanged Fleetwood Brougham's dimensions were 221 inches long and 75.4 inches wide, and it rode a 121.5-inch wheelbase.
1985 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:
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
- Wheels problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Equipment problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Cadillac Fleetwood vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1985 Cadillac Fleetwood complaints
The NHTSA has received 17 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Cadillac Fleetwood.
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-08-31
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: WHEEL FELL OFF OF VEHICLE CAUSING DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT).
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G6DW6981F9
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE GEAR ,WITH NO ACCELERATION, VEHICLE SHOT BACKWARDS AND CAUSED ACCIDENT.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1987-05-20
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION FAILED, CAUSING VEHICLE VIBRATION.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1984-10-26
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: DRIVESHAFT BENT.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-25
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THROTTLE PEDAL LOCKS UP. *SD
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-25
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: STEERING WHEEL/COLUMN LOCKS UP. *SD
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-25
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ABS BRAKES LOCKS UP. *SD
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-02-06
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: AIR CONDITIONER EVAPORATOR LEAKED/REPLACED. *SD
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-10
- VIN: 1G6CB6987F4
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: LEFT FRONT WHEEL MAKES NOISE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-10
- VIN: 1G6CB6987F4
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE REPLACED DUE TO NOISE AND CONSTANT OVERHEATING.
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1986-08-18
- VIN: 1G6CB6987F4
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: AIR CONDITIONER RUNS HOT.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1986-10-06
- VIN: 1G6CB6987F4
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WINDSHIELD WASHER FAILED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-11-16
- VIN: 1G6CB6987F4
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: BATTERY CABLES CLEANED/TIGHTENED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1989-10-09
- VIN: 1G6CB6987F4
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: BATTERY FAILED, PREVENTING VEHICLE FROM STARTING.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-10
- VIN: 1G6CB6987F4
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: ELECTRONIC LEVELING GEAR PROBLEMS.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1989-10-09
- VIN: 1G6CB6987F4
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ALTERNATOR REPLACED.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-13
- VIN: 1G6CB6987F4
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION REPLACED DUE TO NOISE/SLIPPING. *SKD
1985 Cadillac Fleetwood recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1985 Cadillac Fleetwood.
- Manufacturer: PUROLATOR PRODUCTS, INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
- Summary: THE FUEL FILTERS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN INCORRECT THREADED FITTING. THE INCORRECT FITTING IS SIMILIAR ENOUGH IN SIZE THAT THE FUEL FILTER MAY APPEAR TO BE CORRECTLY THREADED ONTO THE FUEL LINE.
- Consequence: REPLACE THE FILTERS WITH THE CORRECT FILTERS.
- Remedy: THE IMPROPER THREADING COULD CAUSE A GASOLINE LEAK WHICH MAY RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE WHEN EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
- Manufacturer: EMPIRE COACH COMPANY
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIMOUSINES BUILT BY EMPIRE COACH. VEHICLE ALTERERS LABEL MAY BE MISSING OR INCOMPLETE.
- Consequence: VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH PART 567.
- Remedy: ADD COMPLIANCE LABEL.
- Manufacturer: ROYALE LIMOUSINE MFRS.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
- Summary: SAFETY BELTS (TYPE 1 LAP BELTS) FOR REAR FACING SEATS WERE NOT INSTALLED.
- Consequence: LACK OF RESTRAINTS COULD CONTRIBUTE TO OTHERWISE PREVENTABLE INJURY AND WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 209 AND 210.
- Remedy: INSTALL SAFETY BELTS FOR REAR FACING SEATS.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1985 Cadillac Fleetwood problems:
1985 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham problem | Cadillac Owners Forum
May 29, 2009 ... Most common issue is not changing the coolant every 2 years without fail and adding the sealant mentioned on the decal by the radiator. Failure ...
1985 Cadillac Fleetwood Reviews - Carsurvey.org
Nov 24, 2014 ... The HT4100 is known for the following major failures: camshaft, timing chain, main rod bearing, intake manifold gasket, head gasket, and oil ...
1985-87 FWD Deville/Fleetwood Check in! | Cadillac Owners Forum
Jul 10, 2005 ... IAC problems... common, mostly fixed, but still some problems which we believe are electrical. And at this very moment my mechanic is trying ...
Cadillac HT4100 In Depth Problems and Reliability. | Bob Is The Oil ...
Jun 10, 2010 ... ... common with GM engines in that era) added to the coolant as well. Mom's '83 (I think?) shorter wheelbase Coupe deVille (the Tobaccolac) got ...
2005 deville,head gasket problems, how common | Cadillac Owners ...
Mar 1, 2010 ... 2005 deville,head gasket problems, how common ... Cadillac should help with repairs if it is ... FWD DeVille 1985-2005, Fleetwood, and 60 Special.
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