1986 Pontiac Sunbird problems
The Pontiac Sunbird (also known as the Pontiac J2000 and Pontiac 2000) is a model line that was manufactured and marketed by Pontiac from the 1976 to the 1994 model years. Loosely deriving its name from the Pontiac Firebird, the Sunbird was introduced as the eventual replacement for the Pontiac Astre, replacing it entirely in 1978 as the smallest Pontiac (the later T1000 was slotted below it in size).
The first generation of the Sunbird used the subcompact GM H platform. Serving as the Pontiac counterpart of the Chevrolet Monza, the Sunbird was offered as a two-door notchback coupé and three-door hatchback and station wagon. The model was manufactured alongside the Monza, Buick Skyhawk, and Oldsmobile Starfire at Lordstown Assembly (Lordstown, Ohio), South Gate Assembly (South Gate, California) and Sainte-Thérèse Assembly (Sainte-Thérèse, Quebec), Canada.
The second generation of the Sunbird used the compact GM J platform. Serving as the Pontiac counterpart of the Chevrolet Cavalier, the Sunbird was marketed at various times as a two-door notchback coupé or convertible, three-door hatchback, four-door sedan, and five-door station wagon. The model line was manufactured alongside the Cavalier at Lordstown Assembly (Lordstown, Ohio), Ramos Arizpe Assembly (Ramos Arizpe, Mexico), and alongside the Buick Skyhawk and Oldsmobile Firenza at Leeds Assembly (Kansas City, Missouri) in 1982 only.
While not as long-running as the Bonneville, Grand Prix, and Firebird nameplates, Pontiac would use the Sunbird nameplate for 17 model years. After the Sunbird skipped the 1981 model year entirely, it was released as an early 1982 and renamed the J2000; the Sunbird name was returned for 1984. For 1995, the Sunbird underwent a substantial model update and was renamed the Pontiac Sunfire.
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Common 1986 Pontiac Sunbird problems
Common Problems with the Pontiac Sunbird 1986
The Pontiac Sunbird 1986, a front-wheel-drive commuter car built for fuel efficiency and practicality, had its share of issues that affected its performance and reliability. Here are some of the most common problems reported by owners of this car.
1. Anemic Engine Performance
One of the early problems with the 1986 Pontiac Sunbird was its underpowered 88-horsepower engine. This engine was not capable of delivering the kind of performance that buyers expected from a car, making it difficult to accelerate and merge onto highways. While the engine was later tweaked to improve its performance, it still fell short of the expectations of many buyers.
2. Electrical Issues
The 1986 Pontiac Sunbird was prone to electrical issues, which could range from minor problems like flickering dashboard lights to major issues like the car dying while driving. These issues were often caused by faulty wiring or blown fuses, which could be difficult and expensive to fix.
3. Transmission Problems
The transmission system of the 1986 Pontiac Sunbird was another common source of problems. The car was known to have issues with its automatic transmission, which could result in slipping, jerking, or hesitation while shifting gears. These issues could be caused by a variety of factors, including worn-out gears, low transmission fluid levels, or faulty sensors.
4. Engine Overheating
The 1986 Pontiac Sunbird was also prone to engine overheating, which could be caused by a variety of factors, including a faulty cooling system, a clogged radiator, or a malfunctioning thermostat. Engine overheating could result in serious damage to the engine, making it essential to address this issue promptly.
5. Rotor and Distributor Cap Issues
The 1986 Pontiac Sunbird was known to have issues with its rotor and distributor cap, which could result in the car not starting or running poorly. These issues were often caused by wear and tear or by faulty components, which could be difficult and expensive to replace.
In conclusion, the 1986 Pontiac Sunbird had its share of problems, including underpowered engine performance, electrical issues, transmission problems, engine overheating, and rotor and distributor cap issues. While some of these issues could be addressed with simple fixes, others required more extensive repairs, which could be costly and time-consuming. Despite these issues, the 1986 Pontiac Sunbird remained a popular car among buyers, thanks to its affordable price, fuel efficiency, and practicality.
Are Pontiac sunbirds rare?
Today, finding a 1980 Pontiac Sunbird can be somewhat rare due to age and attrition; however, they are out there for enthusiasts who seek them.
What happened to the Pontiac Sunbird?
After the Sunbird skipped the 1981 model year entirely, it was released as an early 1982 and renamed the J2000; the Sunbird name was returned for 1984. For 1995, the Sunbird underwent a substantial model update and was renamed the Pontiac Sunfire.
What kind of car is a Sunbird?
An essential player on Pontiac's first team, the Sunbird is available in six different versions: a base sedan and SE Coupe, a sedan and wagon, and a GT Coupe and Convertible. While the Sun-bird is essentially a carry-over car for '88, the lack of major changes high-lights the integrity of the current design.
How much does a Pontiac Sunbird weigh?
1992 Pontiac Sunbird Specs, Features & Options
| Curb Weight | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2484 pounds | 2682 pounds | 2484 pounds |
| Fuel Capacity | ||
| 15.2 gallons | 15.2 gallons | 15.2 gallons |
| Front Head Room |
Are Pontiac sunbirds rare?
Today, finding a 1980 Pontiac Sunbird can be somewhat rare due to age and attrition; however, they are out there for enthusiasts who seek them.
What happened to the Pontiac Sunbird?
After the Sunbird skipped the 1981 model year entirely, it was released as an early 1982 and renamed the J2000; the Sunbird name was returned for 1984. For 1995, the Sunbird underwent a substantial model update and was renamed the Pontiac Sunfire.
What kind of car is a Sunbird?
An essential player on Pontiac's first team, the Sunbird is available in six different versions: a base sedan and SE Coupe, a sedan and wagon, and a GT Coupe and Convertible. While the Sun-bird is essentially a carry-over car for '88, the lack of major changes high-lights the integrity of the current design.
What is the value of a 1990 Pontiac Sunbird?
The value of a used 1990 Pontiac Sunbird ranges from $812 to $4,400, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.
1986 Pontiac Sunbird car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Pontiac Sunbird problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Steering problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Latches/locks/linkages problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Pontiac Sunbird vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1986 Pontiac Sunbird complaints
The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Pontiac Sunbird.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-10-22
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: COMPLAINT ABOUT MANFACTURES NEED TO INSTALL BRAKE LINES ON ALL VEHICLES. *BF THE CONSUMER IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE RUSTING OF BRAKE LINES. *TC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-05-19
- VIN: 162JB6902G7
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHEN CONSUMER TRIED TO START THE VEHICLE IT WOULD NOT START. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP. A MECHANIC STATED THAT THE LOBES ON THE CAMSHAFT WERE WORN OUT, WHICH IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS YEAR AND MODEL. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. *AK
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-12-01
- VIN: 1G2JB690XG7
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: REAR DOOR WOULD NOT LOCK, WOULD OPEN WITH A PUSH. *DSH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1989-01-01
- VIN: 1G2JB6909G7
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: HEAD GASKET CONTINUALLY FAILS. *DSH
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-20
- VIN: 1G2JD7707G7
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: THE RACK AND PINION STEERING WILL NOT WORK IN COLD WEATHER, EXCESSIVE EFFORT IS NEEDED TO OPERATE STEERING. TT
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-19
- VIN: 1G2JU2701G7
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: COLD POWER STEERING. *AK
1986 Pontiac Sunbird recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1986 Pontiac Sunbird.
- 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: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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1986 Pontiac Sunbird problems:
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