Oldsmobile 88 problems
The Oldsmobile 88 (marketed from 1989 on as the Eighty Eight) is a full-size car that was sold and produced by Oldsmobile from 1949 until 1999. From 1950 until 1974, the 88 was the division's most profitable line, particularly the entry level models such as the 88 and Dynamic 88. The 88 series was also an image leader for Oldsmobile, particularly in the early years (1949–51), when it was one of the best performing automobiles, thanks to its relatively small size, light weight, and advanced overhead-valve high-compression V8 engine. This engine, originally designed for the larger C-bodied and more luxurious 98 series, also replaced the straight-8 on the smaller B-bodied 78. With the large, high performance V8, the Oldsmobile 88 is considered by some to be the first muscle car, although this title is disputed.
Naming conventions used by GM since the 1910s for all divisions used alphanumeric designations that changed every year. Starting after the war, Oldsmobile changed their designations and standardized them so that the first number signified the chassis platform, while the second number signified how many cylinders. A large number of variations in nomenclature were seen over this long model run — Super, Golden Rocket, Dynamic, Jetstar, Delta, Delmont, Starfire, Holiday, LS, LSS, Celebrity, and Royale were used at various times with the 88 badge, and Fiesta appeared on some station wagons in the 1950s and 1960s. The name was more commonly shown as numerals in the earlier years ("Delta 88", for example) and was changed to spell out "Eighty Eight" starting in 1989.
First generation (1949–1953)
Oldsmobile introduced the 88 badge in 1949. It was named to complement the already-existing 76 and 98, and took the place of the straight-8 engined 78 in the model lineup. The new car used the same new A-body platform as the straight-6 engined 76 but paired it with the new 303 cu in (5.0 L) Rocket V8 engine producing 135 horsepower (101 kW). This combination of a relatively small light body and large, powerful engine made it widely considered to be the first muscle car. The Rocket 88 vaulted Oldsmobile from a somewhat staid, conservative car to a performer that became the one to beat on the NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) circuits.
It won six of the nine NASCAR late-model division races in 1949, 10 of 19 in 1950, 20 of 41 in 1952, and was eventually eclipsed by the low-slung, powerful Hudson Hornet, but it was still the first real "King of NASCAR." This led to increased sales to the public. There was a pent up demand for new cars in the fast-expanding post-World War II economy, and the 88 appealed to many ex-military personnel who were young and had operated powerful military equipment.
The 88 enjoyed great success, inspiring a popular 1950s slogan, "Make a Date with a Rocket 88", and also a song, "Rocket 88", often considered the first rock and roll record. Starting with the trunk-lid emblem of the 1950 model, Oldsmobile would adopt the rocket as its logo, and the 88 name would remain in the Olds lineup until the late 1990s, almost until the end of Oldsmobile itself.
The 1949 model was equipped with an ignition key and a starter push-button to engage the starter. Pushing the starter button would engage the starter, but if the ignition key was not inserted, unlocking the ignition, the car would not start. The car was equipped with an oil bath air cleaner. At the bottom edge of the front fender directly behind the front wheel was a badge that said "Futuramic" which identified an Oldsmobile approach to simplified driving, and the presence of an automatic transmission. V8 Oldsmobiles were automatic-only in 1949 as Oldsmobile lacked a manual gearbox that could handle the torque of the new engine.1948 Oldsmobile Futuramic introduction In 1950, Oldsmobile offered a modified Cadillac manual gearbox for V8 models. The 88 now outsold the six-cylinder 76 lineup, which was dropped entirely after the 1950 model year. It had a 40 ft. turning circle. Hershel McGriff and Ray Elliot with the 1950 model won the 1950 Carrera Panamericana.
For 1951, the 88 became the entry-level Olds with the discontinuation of the six-cylinder 76 line, which meant that all Oldsmobiles were powered by Rocket V8s. An in-house manual transmission replaced the modified Cadillac gearbox, but as the 1950s progressed, manual shift became increasingly rare in Oldsmobiles and normally could only be obtained by special order. New this year was the more upscale Super 88 line on the new GM B-body which included restyled rear body panels, a more luxurious interior, and a slightly longer 120 in (3,048 mm) wheelbase as opposed to the 119.5 in (3,035 mm) wheelbase which had been standard since the 88's introduction. The station wagon was discontinued and would not reappear until the 1957 model year. New was an I-beam frame. Hydraulic power windows and seats were optional.
In 1952, the base 88 shared the Super 88's rear body panels and wheelbase, and came with a Rocket V8 and two-barrel carburetor while Super 88s came with a new four-barrel carburetor upping the output to 160 hp (119 kW). Other mechanical features were unchanged with styling changes amounting to new grilles, taillights, and interior revisions. New was the optional automatic headlight control.
For 1953, the base 88 was renamed the DeLuxe 88 for only this one year while the Super 88 continued as a more upscale version. Engines and transmission offerings were the same as 1952. Late in the 1953 model year, a fire destroyed GM's Hydra-Matic plant in Livonia, Michigan, which was then the only source for Hydra-Matic transmissions. The temporary loss of Hydra-Matic production led Oldsmobile to build thousands of its 1953 models with Buick's two-speed Dynaflow automatic transmissions until GM pressed its Willow Run Transmission plant into service to resume Hydra-Matic production. New options this year included Frigidaire air conditioning, power steering, and power brakes.
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Oldsmobile 88 model years
Common Oldsmobile 88 problems
Based on the complaints from owners of Oldsmobile 88 cars, several common problems have been identified:
- Engine Overheating due to Coolant Loss: One of the most common issues reported by Oldsmobile 88 owners is engine overheating caused by coolant loss. This problem can lead to serious engine damage if not addressed promptly. It is crucial to regularly check the coolant levels and address any leaks to prevent overheating and potential engine failure.
- Transmission Problems: Oldsmobile 88 cars are known to experience transmission issues such as slipping gears, delayed shifting, and difficulty shifting into reverse. These problems can be attributed to various factors like a malfunctioning transmission fluid pump, torque converter, or transmission control module. Prompt attention to transmission issues is essential to avoid further damage and ensure safe driving.
- Electrical Faults: Electrical system malfunctions are another common complaint among Oldsmobile 88 owners. Issues with exterior lights, faulty electrical systems, and malfunctioning power steering can affect the overall performance and safety of the vehicle. Regular inspection and maintenance of the electrical components are necessary to prevent potential hazards and ensure proper functioning.
- Steering Trouble: Steering issues, often related to leaking power steering fluid, have been reported by owners of Oldsmobile 88 cars. Problems with steering can compromise the vehicle's handling and safety. Addressing leaks and maintaining the power steering system are essential to prevent accidents and maintain optimal steering functionality.
- Suspension Problems: Suspension issues, including worn-out shocks and struts, can lead to a bouncy ride and uneven tire wear in Oldsmobile 88 cars. Proper maintenance of the suspension system is crucial to ensure a smooth and stable driving experience. Addressing suspension problems promptly can help prevent further damage and ensure vehicle safety.
These common problems with Oldsmobile 88 cars highlight the importance of regular maintenance, timely repairs, and thorough inspections to address issues before they escalate. By staying vigilant and addressing these common complaints promptly, owners can ensure the longevity and reliability of their Oldsmobile 88 vehicles.
How much is an Oldsmobile 88 worth?
Q: What was the lowest recorded sale price for a Oldsmobile 88? A: The lowest recorded sale price was $770 for a 1950 Oldsmobile 88 Coupe on Oct 14 2022. Q: What is the average sale price of a Oldsmobile 88? A: The average price of a Oldsmobile 88 is $33,899.
When was the last Oldsmobile 88 made?
1999
The Oldsmobile 88 (marketed from 1989 on as the Eighty Eight) is a full-size car that was sold and produced by Oldsmobile from 1949 until 1999. From 1950 until 1974, the 88 was the division's most profitable line, particularly the entry level models such as the 88 and Dynamic 88.
Why won't my Oldsmobile Delta 88 start?
The most common reasons an Oldsmobile 88 won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
What years did Oldsmobile make the Delta 88?
Interesting Fact: The Oldsmobile Delta 88 was a part of the Oldsmobile 88 automobile line that was in production from 1949 to 1999.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Oldsmobile 88 years
We have researched Oldsmobile problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Oldsmobile 88 cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Oldsmobile 88 model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Oldsmobile 88 model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Oldsmobile 88 years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Oldsmobile 88 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Oldsmobile 88 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Electrical system problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Oldsmobile 88 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by 88 model years
A total of 62 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by 88 model years
There were a total of 84 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by 88 model years
There were a total of 77 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by 88 model years
There were a total of 2 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 784 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Oldsmobile 88 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Oldsmobile 88 vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Oldsmobile 88 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2022-05-14
- Date Complaint: 2022-05-16
- VIN: 1g3hn52k7x4
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 1999 Oldsmobile 88. The contact stated that while reversing out of a driveway, the front end of the vehicle lowered without warning. Due to the failure, the contact lost power steering assist as the steering wheel would spin with no control. The vehicle had yet to be diagnosed or repaired for the failure. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,300.
Oldsmobile 88 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2019-06-03
- Date Complaint: 2019-06-03
- VIN: 1G3HC52KXX4
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: BODY IS BROKEN WHERE THE FRONT SUB-FRAME BOLTS TO. CUSTOMER WAS TOLD THAT THERE IS PERMANENT BODY DAMAGE TO THE BODY FRAME. THEY THEN SOLD THE VEHICLE UNDISCLOSED THE FACT THAT THE VEHICLE IS TOO DAMAGED TO DRIVE ON THE ROAD SAFELY.
Oldsmobile 88 1998
- Date Of Incident: 2018-01-31
- Date Complaint: 2018-02-01
- VIN: 1G3WH52K0WF
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: IGNITION IS MESSED UP THE PREVIOUS OWNER SAID THERE IS A RECALL BUT NEVER SHOW ME PAPERS AND I WAS WANT TO MAKE SURE THERE IS ONE
Oldsmobile 88 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2017-04-15
- Date Complaint: 2017-04-15
- VIN: 1G3HN52K6X4
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: I CONTACTED GM BC THE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR SAYS THE FUEL RAIL ALSO NEEDS REPLACED IF IT IS A DELPHI FUEL RAIL. THE REGULATOR ON THIS CAR HAS BEEN CHANGED BUT STILL HAS THE SAME DELPHI FUEL RAIL. THE CAR CURRENTLY HAS A GAS LEAK. WHEN I SEARCH THE VIN IT DOESN'T SHOW ANY RECALLS CURRENTLY BUT BASED ON THE TSB. THE RAIL SHOULD'VE BEEN REPLACED WITH A BOSCH. I AM A SERVICE TECH AT A PRIVATE SHOP. IF I WEREN'T A TECH I WOULDN'T HAVE KNOWN THE RAIL WASN'T REPLACED AND I MAY NOT HAVE NOTICED THE LEAK UNTIL I BURNT TO DEATH IN A FIREY CRASH. GM HAS NO ANSWER EXCEPT TO TAKE IT TO A DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME A RIDICULOUS DIAGNOSTICS FEE WHICH I REFUSE TO PAY, ESPECIALLY FOR A RECALL REPAIR THAT WASN'T DONE PROPERLY THE FIRST TIME.
Oldsmobile 88 1997
- Date Of Incident: 2016-10-09
- Date Complaint: 2016-10-14
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILURE( PLASTIC PART) ON HIGHWAY . ENGINE OVERHEATED FROM COOLANT LEAKING INSIDE ENGINE FOR THE 3RD TIME . FIRST LEAK COOLANT OUTSIDE ENGINE. 2ND TIME BAD OIL LEAK. 3RD TIME THIS.
Oldsmobile 88 1998
- Date Of Incident: 2015-10-13
- Date Complaint: 2016-10-13
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 OLDSMOBILE 88. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, SMOKE APPEARED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT OBSERVED OIL ON THE MANIFOLD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000.
Oldsmobile 88 1998
- Date Of Incident: 2016-09-01
- Date Complaint: 2016-10-02
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: ENGINE USING COOLANT BUT NO EVIDENT LEAK. AFTER A WEEK OF ADDING A LITTLE COOLANT TO RESERVOIR ENGINE RAN HOT AND HYDRO-LOCKED DUE TO CYLINDERS FLOODED WITH COOLANT. DISCOVERED PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD HAD HOLE IN IT WHERE THE EGR TUBE ENTERED PLASTIC MANIFOLD ALLOWING COOLANT TO FLOOD INTAKE. THIS ENGINE HAD 84K MILES. ALSO DISCOVERED INTAKE GASKETS WERE REPLACED AT 45K MILES BY DEALER. DEFINITELY AN ENGINEERING DEFECT.
Oldsmobile 88 1998
- Date Of Incident: 2016-02-26
- Date Complaint: 2016-03-02
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 OLDSMOBILE 88. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN TURNING ON THE VEHICLE, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PROCEEDED TO CHECK THE COOLANT IN THE VEHICLE FINDING THAT THERE WAS NO COOLANT IN THE RESERVOIR. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO TURN ON THE VEHICLE, THE EXHAUST PIPE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE RELEASED LARGE AMOUNTS OF WHITE SMOKE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WHEN HAVING THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Oldsmobile 88 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2016-01-04
- Date Complaint: 2016-01-18
- VIN: 1G3HN52K8X4
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: 1999 OLDSMOBILE 4.8L ENGINE WILL SHUT COMPLETELY OFF UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE DRIVING. THIS OCCURS BOTH AT HIGHWAYS SPEEDS OF 65 MPH OR AT SLOWER SPEEDS OF 35 OR 35 MPH. ALL OF THE POWER ASSISTED FEATURES SUCH AS POWER BRAKES AND STEERING ALSO STOP WORKING WHEN THE ENGINE STOPS. THE ENGINE SHUTTING DEFECT DOES NOT OCCUR DAILY AND IS UNPREDICTABLE. THE ONLY CHECK ENGINE CODE PRESENT WAS A "EGR VALVE" CODE. THE EGR VALVE WAS REPLACED AT THE COST OF $344.00. THE ENGINE SHUTTING OFF UNEXPECTEDLY DEFECT HAS CONTINUED TO OCCUR AFTER THE CHECK ENGINE REPAIR WAS COMPLETED. THIS IS AN EXTREME SAFETY ISSUE THAT APPEARS TO REPLICATE THE GM IGNITION SWITCH RECALL THAT THIS VIN IS NOT INCLUDED IN. FROM "GOOGLING" THIS DEFECT IT APPEARS TO AFFECT A LARGE NUMBER OF SIMILAR VEHICLES WITH 3.8L GM ENGINES AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS.
Oldsmobile 88 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2015-09-19
- Date Complaint: 2015-09-19
- VIN: 1G3HN52KXX4
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WE BOUGHT THIS CAR IN DECEMBER, 2012 AND THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE CARFAX REPORT AT THAT TIME. TODAY, THERE IS A RECALL # 1999011 DATED 3/13/1999 FOR POWER TRAIN (TRANSMISSION 4T65E MANUAL VALVE LINK REPLACEMENT) NHTSA 99V089000. THIS OWNER NOR THE PREVIOUS OWNER DID NOT RECEIVE ANY KIND OF NOTICE FOR THIS RECALL. WAS THE SERVICE PERFORMED? WHAT HAPPENED? THANK YOU & HAVE A GREAT DAY !!! *TR
Oldsmobile 88 1998
- Date Of Incident: 2015-07-31
- Date Complaint: 2015-09-17
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G3CS52K3S4
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE SHORTLY AFTER SHUTDOWN. INCIDENT 2015-00005013
Oldsmobile 88 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2014-04-15
- Date Complaint: 2014-08-06
- VIN: 1G3HN52K7X4
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE WILL RANDOMLY "KILL" AND IT HAPPENS SPORADICALLY - ALSO POSSIBLY SOMETHING IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS FAILING - MANY DIFFERENT ISSUES WITH REFERENCE TO ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. *TR
Oldsmobile 88 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2014-06-16
- Date Complaint: 2014-06-19
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G3HN52KOX4
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TRIED TO START CAR TO GO TO WORK IN THE MORNING OF 6-16-14. HEARD LOUD BOOM AND SMOKE STARTED POURING OUT FROM UNDER HOOD. OPENED HOOD AND ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. EXTINGUISHED FLAMES AND FOUND THE INTAKE MAINIFOLD HAD LITTERALLY BLOWN APART. THERE WAS A RECALL THAT SHOULD HAVE DEALT WITH THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Oldsmobile 88 1998
- Date Of Incident: 2014-06-10
- Date Complaint: 2014-06-16
- VIN: 1G3HN52K6W4
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: BRAKES FAILED UPON EXITING ON RAMP FROM RTE. 95..DEPRESSED BRAKE PEDAL, BUT WENT RIGHT DOWN TO THE FLOOR BOARD..NO BRAKES...DOWNSHIFT/ PARKING BRAKE INTO THE BREAKDOWN LANE..JUST LUCKY NO CAR COLLISION OCCURRED ...WAS FRIGHTENING !...I THINK GM VEHICLES SHOULD NOT BE SO BADLY FAULTY..I'M JUST LUCKY I WASN'T HURT OR KILLED IN AN ACCIDENT ! *TR
Oldsmobile 88 1998
- Date Of Incident: 2014-04-24
- Date Complaint: 2014-05-27
- VIN: 1G3HN52K0W4
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TRAVELING SOUTH ON HWY 67 IN MISSISSIPPI. CRUISE CONTROL SET AT 65. VEHICLE SPEED SUDDENLY STARTED TO INCREASE. APPLIED BRAKES LIGHTLY TO TURN OFF CRUISE CONTROL. NO EFFECT. TURNED OFF CRUISE CONTROL ON STEERING COLUMN. NO EFFECT. REPEATEDLY TRIED BRAKES AND OFF SWITCH TO NO AVAIL. FINALLY TURNED OFF IGNITION AND COASTED FOR ABOUT 15 SECONDS. RESTARTED ENGINE AND COULD RESUME SPEED NORMALLY WITH ACCELERATOR. DID NOT USE CRUISE CONTROL UNTIL HEADED BACK NORTH ON 67 LATER IN THE DAY. SET CRUISE CONTROL TO 65 AGAIN AND AFTER A FEW MINUTES VEHICLE SPEED BEGAN TO INCREASE. I TRIED BRAKES AND OFF SWITCH AGAIN TO NO AVAIL. TURNED VEHICLE IGNITION OFF AND RESTARTED ENGINE. DID NOT USE CRUISE CONTROL AGAIN. AFTER ARRIVING HOME DISCONNECT BATTERY OVERNIGHT. APPARENTLY CORRECTED WHATEVER "GLITCH" HAD OCCURRED SINCE I HAVE USED CRUISE CONTROL SINCE WITH NO PROBLEMS. *TR
Latest 5 recalls Oldsmobile 88
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 33 recalls for different components of the Oldsmobile 88.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Oldsmobile 88 1991
- Report Received Date: 2006-05-19
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
- Model: Oldsmobile 88 1999
- Report Received Date: 2004-02-24
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
- Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3800 V6 (L36) ENGINES AND CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, THE REGULATORS HAVE A MUCH HIGHER THAN USUAL RATE OF FUEL LEAKS. A LEAK CAN ALLOW FUEL TO ENTER THE INTAKE MANIFOLD THROUGH A VACUUM LINE. IF THE ENGINE DOES NOT START WHEN CRANKED, THE FUEL FROM THE LEAKING REGULATOR AND A MISTIMED SPARK CAN CAUSE A BACKFIRE.
- Consequence: THE BACKFIRE CAN RUPTURE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE RUPTURE OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD CAN DISPLACE A FUEL LINE, PULLING AN INJECTOR OUT OF PLACE, AND CAUSING A FUEL LEAK AND POSSIBLE FIRE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH IMPROVED DIAPHRAGMS. THE RECALL WILL BE CONDUCTED IN PHASED MAILINGS. PHASE 1 BEGAN ON JUNE 30, 2004, AND PHASE 2 BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.
- Model: Oldsmobile 88 1998
- Report Received Date: 2004-02-24
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
- Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3800 V6 (L36) ENGINES AND CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, THE REGULATORS HAVE A MUCH HIGHER THAN USUAL RATE OF FUEL LEAKS. A LEAK CAN ALLOW FUEL TO ENTER THE INTAKE MANIFOLD THROUGH A VACUUM LINE. IF THE ENGINE DOES NOT START WHEN CRANKED, THE FUEL FROM THE LEAKING REGULATOR AND A MISTIMED SPARK CAN CAUSE A BACKFIRE.
- Consequence: THE BACKFIRE CAN RUPTURE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE RUPTURE OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD CAN DISPLACE A FUEL LINE, PULLING AN INJECTOR OUT OF PLACE, AND CAUSING A FUEL LEAK AND POSSIBLE FIRE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH IMPROVED DIAPHRAGMS. THE RECALL WILL BE CONDUCTED IN PHASED MAILINGS. PHASE 1 BEGAN ON JUNE 30, 2004, AND PHASE 2 BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.
- Model: Oldsmobile 88 1999
- Report Received Date: 1999-04-26
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4T65E AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE." A RETAINING CLIP, WHICH SECURES THE MANUAL VALVE TO THE LINKAGE OF THE TRANSMISSION DETENT LEVER, CAN BECOME LOOSE UNDER A COMBINATION OF POSSIBLE DRIVER SHIFTING MANEUVERS AND ALLOW THE LINK TO BECOME DISCONNECTED FROM THE MANUAL VALVE.
- Consequence: IF THE LINK DISCONNECTS, THE DRIVER'S INDICATED PRNDL STATE MAY DIFFER FROM THE HYDRAULIC STATE OF THE TRANSMISSION. IF THE DRIVER SELECTS 'DRIVE' AND THE TRANSMISSION IS ACTUALLY IN 'REVERSE', A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE MANUAL VALVE/LINK ASSEMBLY WITH A REPLACEMENT MANUAL VALVE/LINK KIT, FEATURING A SPRING-TYPE FASTENER.
- Model: Oldsmobile 88 1996
- Report Received Date: 1996-07-01
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
- Summary: A BACKFIRE DURING ENGINE STARTING CAN CAUSE BREAKAGE OF THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A NO-START CONDITION AND POSSIBLY AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING. UNTIL THE CAMPAIGN REPAIR IS MADE, THE VEHICLE HOOD SHOULD BE SHUT WHENEVER STARTING THE VEHICLE TO REDUCE THE CHANCE OF PERSONAL INJURY.