1986 Pontiac 6000 problems

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The Pontiac 6000 is a mid-size automobile manufactured and marketed by Pontiac for model years 1982 through 1991 in 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan and 5-door wagon body styles. The 6000 shared the front-wheel drive A platform with the Cutlass Ciera, Buick Century and Chevrolet Celebrity.

The 6000 was manufactured at Oshawa Car Assembly in Ontario, Canada from 1981 to 1988, at Oklahoma City Assembly until production ended, and briefly at North Tarrytown Assembly.

For model year 1984, the 6000 led Pontiac's sales, with a production over 122,000, and was the last Pontiac to carry a numeric designation. The 6000 was offered in a sporty variant, marketed as the 6000 STE, which was named to the Car and Driver Ten Best three times, from 1983 to 1985.

As part of their legacy, together the 6000 and the other A-bodies became enormously popular — as well as synonymous with GM's most transparent examples of badge engineering, highlighted almost indistinguishably on the August 22, 1983 cover of Fortune magazine as examples of genericized uniformity, embarrassing the company and ultimately prompting GM to recommit to design leadership.

1986 Pontiac 6000

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Common 1986 Pontiac 6000 problems

Based on the information provided in the search results, here are common problems with the 1986 Pontiac 6000 based on complaints from owners:

  1. Transmission Issues:
    • Symptoms: Shifting delays, grinding when accelerating, shaking at any speed, burning smell, or whistling sounds.
    • Impact: Can lead to decreased fuel economy or even prevent driving.
    • Maintenance: Regularly check and exchange transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles to prevent issues.
  2. Stalling:
    • Symptoms: Car stalls when put in gear, not getting enough fuel, or stalling when shifting into drive.
    • Causes: Could be related to fuel injectors, TCC solenoid, or clogged fuel filter.
    • Solutions: Check fuel injectors for proper resistance, replace clogged fuel filter, or consider replacing the idle air control valve.
  3. Air in Gas Tank:
    • Symptoms: Air pressure built up in the gas tank, releasing a significant amount of air when opened.
    • Causes: Could be related to issues with the fuel system or fuel tank.
    • Solutions: Address potential fuel system issues to prevent stalling and ensure proper fuel delivery.
  4. Engine Problems:
    • Symptoms: Various engine-related issues reported by owners.
    • Impact: Can affect the overall performance and reliability of the vehicle.
    • Maintenance: Regular servicing and maintenance of the engine components are crucial to prevent major problems.
  5. Starting Troubles:
    • Symptoms: Difficulty starting the car despite replacing various components.
    • Possible Causes: Ignition timing issues, faulty fuel injectors, or a bad ignition switch.
    • Recommendations: Consult with a mechanic to diagnose the specific cause of the starting problem accurately.

These common problems highlight the importance of regular maintenance, timely repairs, and addressing issues promptly to ensure the optimal performance and longevity of the 1986 Pontiac 6000.

1986 Pontiac 6000 engine

How much horsepower does a 1986 Pontiac 6000 have?

Engines

YearsEnginePower
1985–19862.8 L (173 cu in) L44 MFI V6140 hp (104 kW)
1987–19892.8 L (173 cu in) LB6 MFI V6130 hp (97 kW)
1988–19893.1 L (191 cu in) LH0 MFI V6135 hp (101 kW)
1990–19913.1 L (191 cu in) LH0 MFI V6135 hp (101 kW)

How many miles per gallon does a 1985 Pontiac 6000 get?

1985 Pontiac 6000

EPA MPGOwner MPG Estimates
1985 Pontiac 6000 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Automatic 3-spd
26 combined city/highway MPG 23 city 31 highway 3.8 gals/ 100 milesNot Available How can I share my MPG?
1985 Pontiac 6000 Wagon 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Automatic 3-spd
Regular GasolineNot Available How can I share my MPG?

Did Pontiac use Chevy engines?

Pontiac continued to manufacture its own engines, distinct from Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, or Oldsmobile, until 1981. Pontiac engines were used in its U.S.-market cars; Canadian-built Pontiac automobiles generally used Chevrolet engines.

How many miles will a Pontiac last?

Most cars of today, and that includes the Pontiac, will run 300,000 miles if you maintain it. The engine will still hold up even after that, but it will be one repair after another.

How much horsepower does a 1986 Pontiac 6000 have?

Engines

YearsEnginePower
1985–19862.8 L (173 cu in) L44 MFI V6140 hp (104 kW)
1987–19892.8 L (173 cu in) LB6 MFI V6130 hp (97 kW)
1988–19893.1 L (191 cu in) LH0 MFI V6135 hp (101 kW)
1990–19913.1 L (191 cu in) LH0 MFI V6135 hp (101 kW)

What Pontiac has a Toyota engine?

Pontiac Vibe

The Pontiac Vibe is a compact car that was sold by Pontiac from 2002 to 2010. It was jointly developed by General Motors along with Toyota, which manufactured the mechanically similar Toyota Matrix.

What was Pontiacs most powerful engine?

Pontiac 455 Super Duty V8 engine

The most powerful Pontiac engine ever produced was the Pontiac 455 Super Duty V8 engine. It was introduced in the 1973 model year and was available in limited quantities until 1974.

Are Pontiac cars reliable?

Pontiac as a car brand had a pretty solid reputation, making some great cars, be it classic muscle cars or standard sedans. Even today, a used Pontiac could prove to be a great deal for anyone on the lookout for a used car that's also reliable.

1986 Pontiac 6000 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Pontiac 6000 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Steering problems
  • Service brakes problems
  • Hydraulic problems
  • Power train problems
  • Visibility problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Pontiac 6000 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1986 Pontiac 6000 complaints

The NHTSA has received 24 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Pontiac 6000.

2001-02-06

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-11-30
  • VIN: 2G2AG19X3G9
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: THE LEFT AND RIGHT SUB-FRAME THAT SUPPORTS THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION BROKE (RUSTED OUT MAYBE) AT THE FRONT ,AROUND THE ISOLATORS. THIS DROPPED EVERYTHING DOWN ABOUT 6-8INCHES. LUCKILY THIS HAPPENED AT A VERY LOW SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS VERY HARD TO STEER AND REALLY SHOULDN'T HAVE BEEN DRIVEN ANYWHERE. I WAS A MILE OR TWO FROM A MECHANIC SHOP, SO I DROVE IT THERE.
2000-08-09

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 2G2AF19W0G9
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: GEN MOTORS RACK AND PINION GEARS HAVE BEEN DEFECTIVE SINCE1980 WHEN THEY WERE FIRST PRODUCED. I AM A RETIRED FACTORY SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE FOR GENERAL MOTORS AND I KNOW THIS FOR A FACT. WHEN I WAS IN THE "FIELD" I WAS TOLD UNOFFICIALLY TO MAKE A 'GOODWILL" ADJUSTMENT FOR ANY COMPLAINTS OF RACK AND PINION STEERING GEARS THAT WOULD "LOCK-UP" DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. THE DEFECT IS DUE TO THE DESIGN OF A STEEL SPOOL VALVE PINION IN AN ALUMINUM RACK ASSEMBLY. PRESENTLY THE MANUFACTURERS HAVE CORRECTED THE DEFECT BY INSTALLING A STEEL SLEEVE IN THE PINION SECTION OF THE RACK ASSEMBLY SOMETIMES REFERRED TO AS A 'TOP HAT" RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY. COMPARISONS FORM EARLIER DESIGNS AND PRESENT WILL CONFIRM THIS TO BE TRUE. I BELIEVE MY VEHICLE SHOULD BE REPAIRED AT NO CHARGE DUE TO THIS INHERENT MANUFACTURER DEFECT.
1998-09-30

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-02-27
  • VIN: 2G2AH19W6G9
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: BRAKES FAILED.
1998-09-30

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-02-27
  • VIN: 2G2AH19W6G9
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: MASTER CYLINDER FAILED.
1997-06-11

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,PARKING BRAKE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-06-11
  • VIN: 2G2AH19WXG9
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,PARKING BRAKE
  • Summary: BRAKES: REAR BRAKES AND CALIPERS HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND THE PARKING BRAKE DOES NOT WORK AFTER HAVING REAR BRAKES ,ROTORS , CALIPERS AND PARKING BRAKE CABLES REPLACED. *AK
1997-06-06

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-01-06
  • VIN: 2G2AF35X9G9
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: SEAT BELTS: THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR ON DRIVER'S SIDE. SEIZES, CAUSING THE SEAT BELT TO BE INOPERATIVE.
1997-05-02

SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-05-01
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: DRIVER SIDE SEAT TRACK AND ANCHORS BROKE, CAUSING THE SEAT TO FALL BACK. *AK
1997-01-14

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-01-08
  • VIN: 2G2AF27XXG9
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: 'COLD POWER STEERING.'
1996-07-18

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-07-12
  • VIN: 1G2AG19W5GT
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE.(OTHER VEHICLES ON 506366,601615)
1996-07-18

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-07-12
  • VIN: 1G2AG19W5GT
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: FUEL INJECTOR FAILURE.
1996-07-18

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-07-12
  • VIN: 1G2AG19W5GT
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: REAR BRAKES FAILED.
1996-07-18

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-07-12
  • VIN: 1G2AG19W5GT
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: RACK AND PINION FAILURE.
1996-02-16

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-12-01
  • VIN: 2G2AH19WXG9
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: PLASTIC IN WINDSHIELD FROZE, FOLLOWED BY CLOUDINESS/HAZINESS, RESULTING IN POOR VISIBILITY. *DSH
1996-02-16

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-12-01
  • VIN: 2G2AH19WXG9
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: HEATER CORE FAILED.
1996-02-09

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 2G2AH19W8G9
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: RECEIVED RECALL 9 YEARS AGO AND STILL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
1995-10-03

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-09-15
  • VIN: 2G2AH19W0G9
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: CALLER INVOLVED IN RECALLED NO. 87V093000, ON ABS BRAKES - HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR FAILURE, REPAIRED VEHICLE IN 1990, SAME PART HAS FAILED AGAIN 9/95. TT THE MANUFACTURER NO LONGER MAKES REPLACEMENT PARTS. *YH
1995-08-18

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-02-01
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: WHEN DRIVING CAR IT WOULDN'T SHIFT GEARS UP . TT
1995-07-09

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-07-09
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 1G2BT69Y4GX
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: VEHICLE FIRE DUE TO ENGINE OVERHEATING AND LEAKING ANTI-FREEZE ONTO HOT ENGINE. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT). *AK
1995-02-02

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-02-02
  • VIN: 1G2AF19R7GT
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: RACK AND PINION STEERING HAS GONE OUT AT 57K MILES. TT
1995-02-02

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-02-02
  • VIN: 1G2AF19R76T
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: 'COLD POWER STEERING'. *SD
1995-01-10

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-12-30
  • VIN: 1G2AG19Z0GT
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: RACK/PINION GEAR FAILED, CAUSING STEERING DIFFICULTY. *DH
1994-03-12

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1991-01-14
  • VIN: 2G2AH19W2G9
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: POWER STEERING FAILED. *DH
1994-03-12

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1991-08-01
  • VIN: 2G2AH19W2G9
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: POWER STEERING SHORT RACK FAILED.
1994-03-12

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-02-01
  • VIN: 2G2AH19W2G9
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: CV BOOTS LEAK.

1986 Pontiac 6000 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1986 Pontiac 6000.

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).
1987-06-23
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
  • Summary: THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) PRESSURE/WARNING SWITCH MAY EXHIBIT BRAKE FLUID SEEPAGE WHICH EVENTUALLY CAN LEAD TO LOSS OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR. ADDITIONALLY, THE HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR AND ABS ELECTRICAL RELAYS MAY HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO WATER CONTAMINATION DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY. THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE LOSS OF THE HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR AND/OR LOSS OF THE ABS FUNCTION.
  • Consequence: LOSS OF THE HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR WOULD RESULT IN A TOTALLOSS OF REAR BRAKES AS WELL AS POWER ASSIST TO THE FRONT BRAKES. THE RED BRAKEWARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE AND STAY ON. IF THIS WARNING IS NOT HEEDED, ALOSS OF REAR BRAKES AT A TIME WHEN MINIMUM STOPPING DISTANCE IS REQUIRED COULDRESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH. AN INOPERATIVE ABS ELECTRICAL RELAY COULD CAUSELOSS OF THE ABS FUNCTION, BUT NORMAL POWER ASSISTED BRAKING WOULD BE RETAINED.THE AMBER ANTI LOCK WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE AND STAY ON.
  • Remedy: THE ABS AND HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR ELECTRICAL RELAYS AND 30 AMP FUSES WILL BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR ASSEMBLY AND PRESSURE/WARNING SWITCH WILL BE INSPECTED AND, IF REQUIRED, REPLACED.
1986-09-19
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH
  • Summary: THE PUSH PULL HEADLIGHT SWITCH MAY HAVE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS WHICH ALLOW AN INTERMITTENT HEADLIGHT CIRCUIT CAUSING HEADLIGHT TO FLICKER OR SUDDENLY GO OUT. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: SUDDEN LOSS OF THE HEADLIGHTS UNDER SEVERE WEATHER OR NIGHTTIME DRIVING CONDITIONS COULD REDUCE DRIVER VISIBILITY WHICH MIGHT RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
  • Remedy: REPLACE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AS NECESSARY.
1986-04-28
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH
  • Summary: THE PUSH-PULL HEADLIGHT SWITCH MAY HAVE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS WHICH ALLOW AN INTERMITTENT HEADLIGHT CIRCUIT CAUSING HEADLIGHT TO FLICKER OR SUDDENLY GO OUT. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: SUDDEN LOSS OF THE HEADLIGHTS UNDER SEVERE WEATHER OR NIGHTTIME DRIVING CONDITIONS COULD REDUCE DRIVER VISIBILITY WHICH MIGHT RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. NOTE: ALSO, SEE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 86V131000.
  • Remedy: REPLACE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AS NECESSARY.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1986 Pontiac 6000 problems:

Q&A: Troubleshooting No Start Condition in 1988 Pontiac 6000 LE
Q&A: Troubleshooting No Start Condition in 1988 Pontiac 6000 LE
https://www.justanswer.com/pontiac/93fb5-pontiac-6000-le-john-having-no-start-condition-1988.html

May 16, 2015 ... I am not sure if this one injector is actually causing a problem. Its a pain in the you know what to pull the injectors out and everything is so ...

Common problems? - Pennock's Fiero Forum
Common problems? - Pennock's Fiero Forum
https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Archives/Archive-000001/HTML/20060206-2-067925.html

Oct 24, 2005 ... ... engine, go-kart handling and mini-supercar looks, the 1986-1988 Pontiac Fiero GT was 1980s America's everyday exotic. The Fiero, which ...

1983 Pontiac 6000 STE. Not everything that came from Detroit in the ...
1983 Pontiac 6000 STE. Not everything that came from Detroit in the ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/classiccars/comments/19dwl2k/1983_pontiac_6000_ste_not_everything_that_came/

Jan 24, 2024 ... 1986 6000 le. ... engine failure. By the 80's, 100k miles ... My friend had one, he called it Pontiac 6000 problems lol that car was breaking down ...

Why Are The 2.8's So Bad? - MJ Tech: Modification and Repairs ...
Why Are The 2.8's So Bad? - MJ Tech: Modification and Repairs ...
https://comancheclub.com/topic/38424-why-are-the-28s-so-bad/

Apr 23, 2013 ... I bought a Pontiac 6000 STE in 1986. I believe it had a 2.8 with multiport fuel injection. I remember it wasnt too terribly fast but I ...

Low Oil pressure 5.0 Efi when warm - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
Low Oil pressure 5.0 Efi when warm - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/112814-low-oil-pressure-5-0-efi-when-warm.html

Apr 18, 2003 ... ... 1986 Ford F150 with a 5.0 liter EFI, with 61000 on the odometer, I see doing a search in this forum that it seems to be a common problem. Oil

Other years of Pontiac 6000

pontiac 6000 1987 photo
6000 1987
Pontiac

23

3

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
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pontiac 6000 1988 photo
6000 1988
Pontiac

19

3

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
pontiac 6000 1989 photo
6000 1989
Pontiac

22

2

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
pontiac 6000 1990 photo
6000 1990
Pontiac

11

2

7

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
pontiac 6000 1991 photo
6000 1991
Pontiac

6

2

11

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
pontiac 6000 1983 photo
6000 1983
Pontiac

3

2

0

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  • 1

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1986 Pontiac 6000 photo