1985 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 1985 Oldsmobile 98 problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 1985 Oldsmobile 98, several common problems have been identified:
- Overheating and Coolant Issues: Some owners of the diesel version of the 1985 Oldsmobile 98 have reported overheating problems and coolant leaks. In some cases, the engine would overheat and expel coolant, potentially due to issues like a missing thermostat or cracked heads. These problems could lead to engine damage and reduced performance.
- Electrical Problems: The 1985 Oldsmobile 98 has been associated with various electrical issues, particularly with the air conditioning system. Owners have reported frequent failures in the electrical components, requiring costly repairs and maintenance. The reliability of the electrical system, including the AC, has been a significant concern for many owners.
- Transmission and Drivetrain Concerns: Early models of the 1985 Oldsmobile 98 faced challenges with the transmission, specifically the 440-T4 transaxle. Some units were assembled without transmissions, leading to delays and issues with obtaining the correct parts. Additionally, changes in the engine setup for the 1986 model, including the switch to a serpentine drive belt and distributorless ignition, introduced new complexities and potential maintenance issues.
- Quality Control and Build Issues: Owners have highlighted concerns regarding the overall build quality of the 1985 Oldsmobile 98. Reports indicate that the car felt lighter, tinny, and less substantial compared to previous models. Issues with door panels, dashboard materials, and trunk area drumming on rough roads have been noted. The perceived decrease in quality control and build integrity has been a point of contention among some owners.
These common problems with the 1985 Oldsmobile 98 Regency Brougham reflect a range of issues experienced by owners, from engine performance and cooling system concerns to electrical and build quality issues. Addressing these issues required thorough diagnostics, maintenance, and sometimes significant repairs to ensure the optimal functioning of the 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 65 Oldsmobile 98 have?
The Ninety-Eight's standard and only engine offering for 1965 was the four-barrel "Ultra High Compression" version of the 425 Super Rocket rated at 360 horsepower. This particular '65 Oldsmobile 98 is an all original, 72,000 mile car that is finished in its original colors of Laurel Mist with green interior.
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.
How much does a 1987 Oldsmobile 98 weight?
Wheelbase was 110.8 inches, with an overall length of 196.4 inches. Curb weight was 3316 pounds (for the 1987 Regency Brougham sedan).
What is a 1995 Oldsmobile 98 worth?
The value of a used 1995 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight ranges from $14 to $80, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.
1985 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:
- Steering problems
- Seat belts problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Oldsmobile 98 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1985 Oldsmobile 98 complaints
The NHTSA has received 10 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Oldsmobile 98.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-09-19
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G3CX6936F1
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING, THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE, CONSUMER THEN PULLED OVER AND LOOKED UNDER THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED A SMALL FIRE AND THE DRIVETRAIN AXLE WAS ON THE GROUND, THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED, CONSUMER STATES HE WAS INJURED.*JB
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-05-07
- VIN: 1G3CW6935F1
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G3CW6932F1
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHEN STEERING IS COLD IT IS HARD TO TURN, IN THE SUMMER TIME IT WORKS WELL. DESCRIBE .*AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-16
- VIN: 1G3CX1137F4
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT RETRACTOR; FAILURE ON THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR, SEAT BELT WILL NOT RETRACT. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-16
- VIN: 1G3CX1137F4
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT RETRACTOR; FAILURE ON THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR, SEAT BELT WILL NOT RETRACT. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-21
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: THE STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN LOCKS UP CAUSED CONSUMER TO HAVE A NEAR ACCIDENT. TT
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G3CW6933F4
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: THE STEERING IS HARD TO TURN THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THIS CAR . TT CONSUMER UNTIL THE VEHICLE HEATS UP THE STEERING IS EXTREMLY DIFFICULT, CONSUMER ASSUMED THAT THIS WAS NORMAL DUE TO THE VEHICLE BEING NEW.*JB
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-01
- VIN: 1G3CW6933F4
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 'COLD POWER STEERING'. *SD
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-13
- Crash: 1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: ENGAGE IN REVERSE, VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL, RESULTING IN TOTALLED VEHICLE. TT
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-12
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE. TT
1985 Oldsmobile 98 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1985 Oldsmobile 98.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: OMISSION OF THE CERTIFICATION LABELS AS REQUIRED BY FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER 110 "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS".
- Remedy: DEALER WILL INSTALL REQUIRED CERTIFICATION LABELS.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1985 Oldsmobile 98 problems:
stalling issues on my 85 olds 98 regency broughm ...
Ninety-Eight - stalling issues on my 85 olds 98 regency broughm - Has a 3.8L engine. no codes come up. no check engine light. Help!
Q&A: Troubleshooting 1995 Oldsmobile 98 Regency Elite - AC Parts ...
Dec 7, 2012 ... The common problem on these cars is loose connections at the positive battery cable terminals. The bolt can be tight and the cables still be ...
1987 Olds Regency 98 Broughm Idle Problems - ClassicOldsmobile ...
Dec 11, 2007 ... ... Olds Regency 98 Brougham with the 3.8 EFI engine ... The GM 3.8L engines had a common problem ... 1985 Delta 88 Royale Broughm · Ninety-Eight ...
Q&A: 1994 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Regency PCM ...
Mar 8, 2009 ... The Mass Air Flow sensor or MAF have also been known to cause hesitation problems, sometimes simply cleaning the MAF will solve a hesitation.
1990 Cadillac Brougham .vs. 1983 Oldsmobile 98 Regency ...
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 ...
Other years of Oldsmobile 98
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