Fuel gauge failure--sending unit got so hot it fused the wires together and then sent a jolt of electricity to the instrument cluster burning out part of the cluster; in attempting to repair these problems the plastic fuel lines were so brittle that they fell apart therefore, it would seem that each of these problems could lead to a fire or an explosion. I have the sending unit out of the fuel tank with the fused wires.
1996 Oldsmobile 88 electrical problems
11 complaints (12% of all complaints for this car).
- owner complaints
- 11
- of this car's complaints
- 12%
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Ignition: anti-theft: control module3
- Wiring2
- Wiring: interior/under dash1
- Wiring: front underhood1
- Ignition: switch1
- Ignition1
- 12v/24v/48v battery1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Oldsmobile 88 electrical problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 1996 Oldsmobile 88 electrical
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Electrical system: ignition: anti-theft: control module
- What is wrong
- These vehicles were assembled with a malfunction alarm, lighting and locking (mall) module that can contain a damaged capacitor. If the capacitor is damaged, the "key in the ignition" warning chime and the driver seat belt unbuckled warning chime and indicator lamp may not work. This does not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 114, "theft protection" and fmvss no. 208, "occupant crash protection." in addition, other chime reminder functions, interior lighting controls, and power door locking features are also affected.
- Risk
- Consequence of non-compliance; the driver may not be aware that the key was left in the ignition or that the safety belt was not buckled.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and, if required, replace the mall module.
Recall number 95V204000 · Recall details
What 1996 Oldsmobile 88 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
After starting the vehicle consumer heard a loud popping noise, and noticed smoke coming from under the hood. Consumer opened the hood, and saw that the engine was on fire. The local fire department arrived to extinguish the fire. The cause of the fire was not determined. Dealer and the manufacturer were not notified.
Consumer's vehicle experienced the same problem as described in recall 95v204000 concerning ignition anti theft controller. However, this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN.
Short in wiring for heating/air conditioning system. Heater/air conditioner/rear defrost would be working & then stop. Would start working again intermittently - minutes, hours, days later. Took it to a shop & found that there was a short & the wire was burnt. Should have smelled smoke.
While starting up the vehicle smoke and flames came from the engine area.
Vehicle has trouble starting,problem is intermittent. Consumer has contacted dealer, and the dealer cannot find cause.
Interior dome light would come on and off intermittently, then battery would be dead. Vehicle would start. They replaced mall modular and then battery exploded.
While driving noticed smoke near windshield post of the left side. Then, consumer pulled over, and passenger noticed flames coming from the bottom of the driver's side door. When pulling on the handles to open doors, they will not release because of an electrical problem.consumer was able to get out, but the speakers were on fire.*ak the fire started at mirror control switch possibly caused by a fuse or circuit breaker blowing out.
While driving vehicle stalled, porblem can not be found by dealer.
Owner received recall notice, took vehicle to the dealer and was told parts were not available. Recall 95v204000.
Questions about the 1996 Oldsmobile 88 electrical
Does the 1996 Oldsmobile 88 have electrical problems?
Owners have filed 11 complaints about the electrical of the 1996 Oldsmobile 88, 12% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 1996 Oldsmobile 88 electrical problems start?
Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.
Was there a recall on the 1996 Oldsmobile 88 electrical?
Yes, 1 recall: 95V204000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Oldsmobile 88 have the most electrical problems?
The Oldsmobile 88 model years with the most electrical complaints are 1998 (15 complaints), 1997 (14 complaints) and 1995 (13 complaints).
Other 1996 Oldsmobile 88 problems
Engine 24Airbags 10Fuel system 10Body 6Brakes 6Tires 6Lights 5Transmission 5Acceleration 4Visibility 4Seats 3Steering 3Driver assistance 1Locks 1Seat belts 1Suspension 1
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