1986 Chevrolet Spectrum problems

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The Isuzu Gemini is a subcompact car produced by the Japanese automaker Isuzu from 1974 until 2000. The same basic product was built and/or sold under several other names, sometimes by other General Motors brands, in various markets around the world. While the first generation was of a rear-wheel drive design, later versions were all front-wheel-drive, and the last two generations were no more than badge-engineered Honda Domani until the name was retired in 2000.

First generation (1974)

The first Gemini was the Bellett Gemini, first seen in November 1974. It was based on the third-generation Opel Kadett C on the General Motors T-car platform and came in four-door sedan and two-door coupe body styles. The chassis code was PF50, although the later 1.8-liter versions were called PF60 and the diesels PFD60.

In June 1977 the Gemini received its first, light, facelift. The bigger 1817 cc G180 series engine became available, fitted with rectangular headlights rather than the round units used on the 1600. This model offered 110 PS (81 kW), although this output dropped to 105 PS (77 kW) if an automatic transmission was fitted. In November of the same year the 1600 was updated, now with square headlights and an engine with the I·CAS oxidation catalyst ("Isuzu Clean Air System") which could manage the 1978 emissions standards. One year later the Gemini 1800's engine was also upgraded to meet the 1978 emissions standards. Power remained unchanged, and the automatic now offered the same power as cars with manual transmission. The ignition system was now of a transistor less type, and the trunk lid was now opened remotely (not added to the Gemini 1600 until the end of December). The Gemini Black and 1800 Minx were also added, the Minx with a two-tone paintjob and the Black with black paintwork and more sporty yet comfortable equipment including alloy wheels.

In June 1979, the Gemini received a new slant nose with rectangular headlights and a redesigned rear end. The changes were actually more comprehensive than that, also including a redesigned (longer) engine bay and a wider radiator opening for two new engines added in November (the twin cam G180W and the new 4FB1 diesel) which both required wider radiators for more air for cooling.

In Japan, sports models were available originally with the "ZZ" name. Later, ZZ/L (1980), ZZ/R (1981), ZZ/T, and ZZ/E models were added. These were equipped with an Isuzu G180W 8-valve DOHC 1.8-liter engine, most commonly fuel-injected, producing 130 PS (96 kW) at 6400 rpm. These models also came with a shortened remote throw manual shift lever and optional factory LSD differential. There was also a mildly sporting model of the OHC 1800, called the LS/G.

In October 1982 a version of the diesel with Bosch VE electronic fuel injection was also added; this provided 8% more power than the regular version (66 versus 61 PS) and was fitted to the LT-E and LJ-E models. For those who wanted more, a 73 PS (54 kW) turbo diesel appeared a month later. Also featuring electronic fuel injection, this model also received a standard rear anti-roll bar. Counterintuitively, the two more powerful diesels were never available with the coupé bodywork.

The Gemini was complemented in 1981 by the Giugiaro-designed coupé Isuzu Piazza, based on the Gemini's platform, which was introduced in the United States in 1983 as the Isuzu Impulse and in Australia in 1986 as the Holden Piazza. After the front-wheel-drive second generation Gemini appeared in early 1985, the old rear-wheel drive version nonetheless continued to be built. The coupé model was discontinued, and a slimmed down sedan range (including the ZZ and diesel models) continued to be available. This diminished range was produced until February 1987, when the rear-wheel drive Gemini was laid to rest after 768,537 had been built.

1986 Chevrolet Spectrum

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Common 1986 Chevrolet Spectrum problems

The 1986 Chevrolet Spectrum, a compact car produced by General Motors, has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners.

One of the most frequently reported issues is the engine choking out while driving. This problem typically occurs at an average mileage of 130,000 miles, suggesting that it may be related to wear and tear on the engine over time.

Another common issue with the 1986 Chevrolet Spectrum is steering and suspension problems. These issues can range from worn-out shocks to damaged ball joints, and they can significantly affect the car's handling and ride quality.

The engine and car itself also tend to get very hot, which can be uncomfortable for drivers and passengers and may indicate a problem with the cooling system.

Additionally, the Spectrum has been reported to leak transmission fluid and possibly oil, which can be a sign of worn-out seals or other mechanical issues.

Finally, some owners have reported that the car is not worth its price, with one owner paying $500 for the car originally and noting that it was not worth its money.

It's important to note that these issues may not affect all 1986 Chevrolet Spectrums, and some owners may not experience any of these problems. However, these are common issues that have been reported by Spectrum owners, and potential buyers should be aware of them before purchasing a used Spectrum from this year.

1986 Chevrolet Spectrum engine

What year did the Chevy Spectrum come out?

The Chevrolet/Geo Spectrum was available as a four-door sedan and as a three-door hatchback, from the 1985 through 1989 model years. For 1988 only, a Spectrum Sport Coupe package, featuring some trim upgrades and these rad decals, could be had on the hatchback.

What is a spectrum car?

The Chevrolet Spectrum was a compact car sold by Chevrolet in North America from the mid-1980s to the early 1990s. The Spectrum was a rebadged version of the Isuzu I-Mark. It was the result of a collaboration between General Motors (GM) and Isuzu, with GM owning a stake in the Japanese automaker during this period.

What is the rarest Chevy ever made?

Rare as hen's teeth – the 1969 Nova Yenko SC 427 tops of our list of the rarest Chevrolet muscle cars. Yenko wanted to order the 427 engine in the compact Nova's – but Chevrolet wouldn't allow it for safety reasons.

What years did Chevy have cat eyes?

Cateye is the name given to the Silverados produced between 2003-2006 and the traditional model made in 2007. It has a 6l gas V8 engine and a diesel variant with an LBZ engine, which is reliable and robust. The car not only looks sturdy but also has features that complement the rugged look very well.

What is a spectrum car?

The Chevrolet Spectrum was a compact car sold by Chevrolet in North America from the mid-1980s to the early 1990s. The Spectrum was a rebadged version of the Isuzu I-Mark. It was the result of a collaboration between General Motors (GM) and Isuzu, with GM owning a stake in the Japanese automaker during this period.

What year did the Chevy Spectrum come out?

The Chevrolet/Geo Spectrum was available as a four-door sedan and as a three-door hatchback, from the 1985 through 1989 model years. For 1988 only, a Spectrum Sport Coupe package, featuring some trim upgrades and these rad decals, could be had on the hatchback.

What is spectrum features?

A spectrum is defined as the characteristic wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation (or a portion thereof) that is emitted or absorbed by an object or substance, atom, or molecule. Examples of a spectrum include the rainbow, the emission colors from the Sun, and the infrared absorption wavelengths from a molecule.

What is spectrum used for?

These uses include Voice of America broadcasts, weather radio services, radars and voice communication systems used to control both commercial and private aeronautical and maritime traffic, weather satellite systems, flood warning and water control systems, and time signals.

1986 Chevrolet Spectrum car problems categorized by type of issue

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

  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Seat belts problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Chevrolet Spectrum vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1986 Chevrolet Spectrum complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Chevrolet Spectrum.

1999-11-09

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-09-09
  • VIN: J81RF7771G8
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: I PURCHASED THIS 1986 CHEVROLET SPECTRUM FROM AN INLAW WHO COULDN'T GET IT TO RUN. HE PURCHASED THE CAR FROM SOMEONE ELSE WHO COULDN'T GET IT TO RUN. I PERSONALLY HAVE SPENT COUNTLESS HOURS, AND MONEY TRING TO GET THE CAR TO STAY RUNNING. WITH NO POSITIVE RESULT. I HAVE REPLACED THE FUEL FILTER, FUEL PUMP, SPAK PLUGS, WIRES, ROTOR, CAP, 2 DIFFERENT CARBERATORS, THEN A CARBORATOR KIT, DID A COMPRESSION CHECK,( FINE) NO WATER IN THE OIL , TIMING BELT FINE, TIMING EXCELLENT, HOSES IN PLACE AND GOOD. HAVE TAKEN TO MECHANICS AND NO POSITIVE END RESULT. THE CAR STALLS EVERYWHERE ANYWHERE, I HAVE BEEN STRANDED COUNTLESS TIMES. EMBARRASING AND A TOTAL HAZARD TO THE ROAD. THE CAR HAS CAUSED COUNTLESS TRAFFIC JAMS AND I PERSONALLY HAVE HAD TO RUN STOP SIGNS TO KEEP THE CAR GOING. ITS SCARY AND FRUSTRANIG. I SURE WOULDN'T TAKE MY NEICE WITH ME FOR A DRIVE. AND I SURE MISS MY NEICE. I REALLY FEEL THAT ITS A CRIME FOR THE MANUFACTURES NOT TO FIX THE DEFECTIVE PART. IF THEY KNOW IT IS DEFECTIVE THEN FIX THE PROBLEM SO THEY HAVE A GOOD NAME BEHIND THIER PRODUCTS. WHICH MEANS QUALITY INSTEAD OF CRAP. SAM RAMP
1995-02-06

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-09-07
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: J81RS7770G8
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: BOTH REAR SEAT BELTS CAME UNDONE DURING AN ACCIDENT. TT

1986 Chevrolet Spectrum recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1986 Chevrolet Spectrum.

1987-05-26
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
  • Summary: VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE PERFORATION OF THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM. EXCESSIVE ALCOHOL CONTENT IN THE FUEL PROMOTES DEGRADATION OF THE DIAPHRAGM COATING RESULTING IN RADIAL CRACKING OF THE DIAPHRAGM.
  • Consequence: A PERFORATED DIAPHRAGM CAN ALLOW FUEL TO LEAK FROM THEFUEL PUMP INTO THE UNDERHOOD AREA. THIS COULD ULTIMATELY RESULT IN ANUNDERHOOD FIRE WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. SUCH A FIRE COULD SPREAD TO THEPASSENGER COMPARTMENT.
  • Remedy: A FUEL VENTILATION HOSE KIT WILL BE INSTALLED TO PREVENT FUEL FROM ESCAPING INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT IF THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM LEAKS AND THEREBY REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
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