1983 Oldsmobile 98 problems
The Oldsmobile 98 (spelled Ninety-Eight from 1952 to 1991, and Ninety Eight from 1992 to 1996) is the full-size flagship model of Oldsmobile that was produced from 1940 until 1942, and then from 1946 to 1996. The name – reflecting a "Series 90" fitted with an 8-cylinder engine – first appeared in 1941 and was used again after American consumer automobile production resumed post-World War II. It was, as it would remain, the division's top-of-the-line model, with lesser Oldsmobiles having lower numbers such as the A-body 66 and 68, and the B-body 76 and 78. The Series 60 was retired in 1949, the same year the Oldsmobile 78 was replaced by the 88. The Oldsmobile 76 was retired after 1950. This left the two remaining number-names to carry on into the 1990s as the bread and butter of the full-size Oldsmobile lineup until the Eighty Eight-based Regency replaced the 98 in 1997.
Occasionally additional nomenclature was used with the name, such as L/S and Holiday, and the 98 Regency badge would become increasingly common in the later years of the model. The 98 shared its General Motors C-body platform with Buick and Cadillac.
Since it was the top-line Oldsmobile, the series had the most technologically advanced items available, such as the Hydramatic automatic transmission, the Autronic Eye, an automatic headlight dimmer, and Twilight Sentinel (a feature that automatically turned the headlights on and off via a light sensor and a delay timer, as controlled by the driver), and the highest-grade interior and exterior trim.
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Common 1983 Oldsmobile 98 problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 1983 Oldsmobile 98, several common problems have been identified:
- Electrical Problems: The 1983 Oldsmobile 98 has been known to have various electrical issues, such as damaged or cracked vacuum lines, worn-out wires on sensors like the temperature sensor, and potential ECM/sensor issues. These electrical problems can cause starting issues, poor engine performance, and overall reliability concerns.
- Window Mechanism Failure: Some owners have experienced problems with the car's window mechanism, leading to windows that won't go up or down. This issue can be attributed to faults in the electrical system, such as fuses, relays, or a malfunctioning window motor.
- Overheating: Complaints have surfaced regarding overheating in the 1983 Oldsmobile 98, particularly in stop-and-go traffic. Issues with components like the clutch fan can lead to overheating problems, affecting the car's performance and reliability.
- General Reliability Concerns: Owners have expressed general reliability concerns with the 1983 Oldsmobile 98, citing frequent electrical problems, engine issues, and overall maintenance challenges. These reliability issues can impact the car's performance, safety, and long-term usability.
These common problems reported by owners of the 1983 Oldsmobile 98 highlight various challenges related to the carburetor, electrical system, window mechanism, overheating, and overall reliability. Addressing these issues promptly and with proper maintenance can help enhance the performance and longevity of this classic vehicle.
What does the 98 in Oldsmobile mean?
In 1941 both engines were offered on each series so to differentiate between the two the second digit was used to denote the number of cylinders, so the Custom Cruiser 90 was replaced with the Custom Cruiser 96 and 98. In 1942 Oldsmobile dropped the six cylinder Series 90 model leaving only the Custom Cruiser 98.
What was the last year of the Oldsmobile 98?
But personally, I feel like Oldsmobile died when they discontinued the 98 in 1996, as it was the last one to carry the torch lit by the brand in its mid-century heyday—big, American cars that transported us in comfort and style.
Why wont my Oldsmobile 98 start?
The most common reasons an Oldsmobile 98 won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
How much horsepower does a 1973 Oldsmobile 98 have?
250 HP
Engine equipped with 455 ci V8 and 250 HP with automatic transmission.
What does the 98 in Oldsmobile mean?
In 1941 both engines were offered on each series so to differentiate between the two the second digit was used to denote the number of cylinders, so the Custom Cruiser 90 was replaced with the Custom Cruiser 96 and 98. In 1942 Oldsmobile dropped the six cylinder Series 90 model leaving only the Custom Cruiser 98.
Why wont my Oldsmobile 98 start?
The most common reasons an Oldsmobile 98 won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
What was the last year of the Oldsmobile 98?
But personally, I feel like Oldsmobile died when they discontinued the 98 in 1996, as it was the last one to carry the torch lit by the brand in its mid-century heyday—big, American cars that transported us in comfort and style.
How much does a 1984 Oldsmobile 98 weight?
3,886 pounds
By this time, the base engine in the Ninety-Eight was an Olds 307 making 140 horsepower, and the car weighed 3,886 pounds.
1983 Oldsmobile 98 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Oldsmobile 98 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1983 Oldsmobile 98 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1983 Oldsmobile 98 complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1983 Oldsmobile 98.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G3AX69Y7DM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1983 Oldsmobile 98 problems:
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Jan 28, 2015 ... Both cars are great and will last a long time with no issues if properly taken care of (although the Olds has the advantage of not having the ...
Q&A: Common Problems with 1996 Oldsmobile 98 | JustAnswer
Jul 9, 2008 ... I want to know what were the problems with the 1996 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Regency. Any recalls or recurring - Answered by a verified Auto ...
Rear bumper falling off 1982 Olds 98 - ClassicOldsmobile.com
May 17, 2021 ... I am told this is a very common issue with the aluminium bumper box bolted to the steel bumper shock plates (not sure if I got the actual ...
Q&A: 1983 Oldsmobile 98 Regency Brougham - Get Expert Answers
Jan 30, 2012 ... Thank you for that very important detail! This has all the classic symptoms of a failing fuel pump. It is VERY common for them to reduce the ...
5.0 307 olds engine expierences - ClassicOldsmobile.com
Apr 19, 2011 ... you may have more problems with what is hooked to the engine than the engine itself. my dad runs the 88s and 98s from the 1980s. i hasn't ...
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