1986 Oldsmobile Firenza problems
The Oldsmobile Firenza was a compact car which was produced by Oldsmobile from 1982 to 1988. It was based on the front-wheel drive GM J platform, which was shared with the Buick Skyhawk, Cadillac Cimarron, Chevrolet Cavalier and Pontiac Sunbird. It was not based on the European market Vauxhall Firenza, but on the same platform as the Vauxhall Cavalier Mk 2 / Opel Ascona C. The Firenza name was previously used as a performance package on the previous generation Oldsmobile Starfire hatchback.
Overview
The all-new Firenza was introduced in March 1982, as a replacement for the departed rear-wheel drive Starfire. Initially available as a two-door hatchback and four-door sedan, the lineup was expanded to include a 4-door "Cruiser" wagon in 1983, and a two-door notchback coupe in 1986. The name "Cruiser" was applied to all Oldsmobile station wagons at the time; this included the mid-sized Cutlass Cruiser and full-size Custom Cruiser. The Firenza was positioned as Oldsmobile's entry-level compact car, priced below the slightly larger Omega and later Calais/Cutlass Calais. Despite this, the Firenza could be equipped with premium options such as power windows, power locks, and 14-inch alloy wheels. The 1982 Firenza LX sedan was listed for $8,080 ($25,511 in 2023 dollars ). It is named for the Italian translation of the city of Florence.
As a badge engineered, variant of the GM J-car platform, the Firenza received its own front and rear-end styling. The upper portion of the Firenza front end featured quad rectangular headlights separated by signal lights in recessed housings, with a sloped body-color panel between the headlights. The dashboard unit was shared with the Buick Skyhawk.
A horizontal-barred grille was mounted in the lower portion of the front fascia. The rear featured nearly square taillights with a slight wraparound at the outboard ends of the upper rear panel. The suspension was shared with the front-wheel-drive Omega and Cutlass Ciera, which consisted of MacPherson struts, lower control arms, coil springs and a stabilizer bar for the front, and a torsion-beam rear axle, along with coil springs and rear stabilizer bars.
The Firenza was launched with a 2.0-liter OHV inline four-cylinder engine as the sole powerplant, but an overhead-cam 1.8-liter engine was added during the model year. Oldsmobile did not utilize turbo on these engines, while Buick and Pontiac offered a turbo. Wraparound amber turn signal lights were added immediately outboard of the headlights for 1984. In 1985, the 2.8 L LB6 V6 was added as an option with the GT package.
For the Firenza's last model year in 1988, it received a conventional horizontal bar grille between new aerodynamic composite headlamps and new tail lights, styled similar to the Cutlass Ciera. Also for the Firenza's final year, the hatchback was dropped along with the V6, leaving just the four-cylinder notchback coupe, sedan, and wagon models. Also for 1988, all previous trim-level designations were dropped. All Firenza body styles came in a single unnamed base model that could be equipped with six various option packages.
Sales of the Cavalier and Sunbird annually dwarfed the Firenza. Due to this, the Firenza was not replaced in Oldsmobile's lineup, leaving the Cutlass Calais as the division's smallest car. The Cimarron was discontinued that year as well. Leeds Assembly, which built the Firenza, was closed. The Skyhawk lasted another year, while GM kept the first-generation Sunbird and Cavalier in production until 1994.
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Common 1986 Oldsmobile Firenza problems
Common Problems with the Oldsmobile Firenza 1986
The Oldsmobile Firenza 1986 has been known to have several issues, including engine oil leaks, head gasket swaps, and transmission problems.
- Head Gasket Swaps:
Another common problem with the Oldsmobile Firenza 1986 is head gasket swaps. The head gasket is a critical component of the engine, sealing the cylinders and allowing the engine to run efficiently. However, over time, the head gasket can wear out, causing coolant or oil to leak into the engine cylinders. In some cases, a head gasket swap may be necessary to fix the problem. This can be a complex and time-consuming repair, requiring specialized tools and expertise.
- Transmission Problems:
Transmission problems are also common in the Oldsmobile Firenza 1986. These problems can include shifting delays, jumping or grinding during acceleration, the car shaking at any speed, or whistling noises or a burning smell coming from beneath the hood. Transmission problems can significantly impact the car's performance and fuel efficiency. Regular maintenance, such as transmission fluid exchanges, can help prevent these problems. However, if the transmission is already damaged, it may require more extensive repairs or even replacement.
- Alternator, Axles, and Wheel Bearings:
Alternators, axles, and wheel bearings are also known to fail frequently in the Oldsmobile Firenza 1986. These components are critical for the car's electrical system, drivetrain, and suspension. Failure of these components can cause the car to break down or perform poorly. Regular maintenance and inspection can help prevent these problems, but if they occur, they may require replacement of the affected component.
- Engine Overheating:
Some owners of the Oldsmobile Firenza 1986 have reported issues with engine overheating. This can be caused by a lack of front radiator grill, which can lead to insufficient cooling of the engine. The car has an intake below the front bumper that directs a flow of air to the radiator. However, if this intake becomes clogged or damaged, it can lead to engine overheating. Regular inspection and maintenance of the cooling system can help prevent this problem.
In conclusion, the Oldsmobile Firenza 1986 has several common problems, including engine oil leaks, head gasket swaps, transmission problems, alternator, axles, and wheel bearings failure, and engine overheating. Regular maintenance and inspection can help prevent these problems, but if they occur, they may require specialized tools and expertise to repair.
Who made the Firenza car?
The Oldsmobile Firenza was a compact car which was produced by Oldsmobile from 1982 to 1988. It was based on the front-wheel drive GM J platform, which was shared with the Buick Skyhawk, Cadillac Cimarron, Chevrolet Cavalier and Pontiac Sunbird.
Why was Oldsmobile discontinued?
The Aurora caused only a minor stir, however, and by 2000 GM announced plans to phase out the Oldsmobile brand due to dwindling sales. On April 29, 2004, after 106 years, the last Olds rolled off the assembly line.
What was the Italian car in The Godfather?
THE GODFATHER
A few scenes later, Apollonia is murdered as she starts the engine in an Alfa Romeo that was wired with a bomb. The Alfa Romeo featured here was actually Alfa's first postwar production model, the 6C 2500 Freccia d'Oro. Fortunately, the 6c which was blown up in the movie was a replica!
Why did the Cadillac Cimarron fail?
Forbes placed the Cimarron on its list of "Legendary Car Flops", citing low sales, poor performance and the fact the car "didn't work, coming from a luxury brand." CarBuzz called the Cimarron a "textbook example of what goes wrong when a carmaker tries to badge engineer an economy car into a luxury car."
Who made the Firenza car?
The Oldsmobile Firenza was a compact car which was produced by Oldsmobile from 1982 to 1988. It was based on the front-wheel drive GM J platform, which was shared with the Buick Skyhawk, Cadillac Cimarron, Chevrolet Cavalier and Pontiac Sunbird.
Why was Oldsmobile discontinued?
The Aurora caused only a minor stir, however, and by 2000 GM announced plans to phase out the Oldsmobile brand due to dwindling sales. On April 29, 2004, after 106 years, the last Olds rolled off the assembly line.
What was the Italian car in The Godfather?
THE GODFATHER
A few scenes later, Apollonia is murdered as she starts the engine in an Alfa Romeo that was wired with a bomb. The Alfa Romeo featured here was actually Alfa's first postwar production model, the 6C 2500 Freccia d'Oro. Fortunately, the 6c which was blown up in the movie was a replica!
Why did the Cadillac Cimarron fail?
Forbes placed the Cimarron on its list of "Legendary Car Flops", citing low sales, poor performance and the fact the car "didn't work, coming from a luxury brand." CarBuzz called the Cimarron a "textbook example of what goes wrong when a carmaker tries to badge engineer an economy car into a luxury car."
1986 Oldsmobile Firenza car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Oldsmobile Firenza problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Visibility problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Oldsmobile Firenza vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1986 Oldsmobile Firenza complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Oldsmobile Firenza.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-31
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1G3JC69P6GK
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: SUNROOF GLASS SHATTERED AFTER OPENING, CAUSING GLASS TO CUT DRIVER. *SKD
1986 Oldsmobile Firenza recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1986 Oldsmobile Firenza.
- 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).
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
- Summary: THE RIGHT REAR TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY MAY BE INCORRECTLY ASSEMBLED. THE MISASSEMBLED UNITS WILL RESULT IN REDUCED ILLUMINATION WHICH WILL CAUSE THE LAMP ASSEMBLY TO BE IN NON-COMPLIANCE WITH FMVSS 108 LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: REDUCED ILLUMINATION WHICH DOES NOT MEET THE FEDERAL STANDARD MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT TO BE NOTICED ON THE HIGHWAY, THEREFORE MAY CONTRIBUTE TO AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: REPLACE RIGHT REAR TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY AS NECESSARY.
Additional sources
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