1998 Oldsmobile 88: check engine light

Filed Mar 2, 2016 · Engine · 36,000 miles · TX · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 oldsmobile 88. The contact stated that when turning on the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact proceeded to check the coolant in the vehicle finding that there was no coolant in the reservoir. When attempting to turn on the vehicle, the exhaust pipe in the rear of the vehicle released large amounts of white smoke. The contact stated that the when having the vehicle diagnosed by the dealer, the vehicle stalled. The dealer diagnosed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 36,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed May 1, 2007 · Engine · NV · 2 injuries

On numerous occasions while driving I'll hit brakes check engine light comes on brakes grind loudly and engine stalls. Also the engine will stall at any cruising speed over 40 MPH. Causing full power loss including brakes my daughter and I have received injuries from this in the past. Need help asap

Filed Jan 26, 2005 · Engine · AR

While driving,\ the check engine light flashed on the dashboard and remained on. Then, the vehicle stalled. Driver was unable to restart vehicle. Noticed that coolant leaked from underneath the vehicle. It was towed to the dealer, and mechanic determined that the intake manifold needed replacement. Driver informed the mechanic that this problem occurred more than once ,and has not been resolved.

Filed Jul 12, 2004 · Engine · 79,000 miles · MI

Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer because the check engine light came on. After having a dianostic test done repairs weres done to rectify the problem. Mechanic told the consumer that a recall was issued.

Filed May 26, 2004 · Engine · NC

I purchased a 1998 oldsmobile 88 in march of 2003, I put new wiring on the vehicle approximately in december after I had the vehicle checked because the check-engine light was on. The check-engine light started coming on again and the car was using all the water about every 10 miles, I took the car to a repair shop where they told me that there was a problem with the intake manifold. After leaving the repair shop, I stopped by a store and was inside about five minutes and the car wouldn't start right away, I had to try starting numerous times before it would start. On my way back home the car slowed to about 40 MPH and wouldn't go any faster, even with the gas to the floor; it would only get slower. After getting back home, the car wouldn't crank back up at all; it wouldn't even turn over. I bought the car back home that same day and checked the internet for any recalls on the vehicle and noticed that there was a recall in february 2004.

Filed May 11, 2004 · Engine · 89,114 miles · AR

In october of 2003, my check engine light on my oldsmobile 88ls, 3.8 series two engine, came on. The car had a loss of power and started running rough. Before I got the car stopped the engine quit. I looked under the hood to see water running out of the gaskets. I checked the radiator to find no water and also noticed the overflow tank had none. I pulled the dipstick to find all the remaining water to be in the oil. The vehicle was towed under and extended warranty to the dealer of which it was puchased to find that the upper intake had either cracked or burst. The dealer refered to the damaged part as a plentium. This occured at 89,000 miles. The dealer replaced the damaged part and put the engine back together. The dealer advised me to keep a watch on the car to see if any changes develop. At the first three thousand mile oil change the vehicle had lost oil and I also added water to the radiator. The vehicle was also back to the dealer before the oil change for loss of gas mileage and a few other concerns. When I arrived at the dealer for the oil change they pressure tested the engine and asked that I leave the vehicle for them to check out a detected problem during the pressure test. The repairs done during this time involved the gaskets again, and also the heads where warped and they repaired them. At 106,000 miles the dealer requested that I replace the engine. The dealer tested the engine again to determine an internal coolant leak. Now the car has a loss of water and also has started to burn some oil. There are numerous amounts of complaints about this same problem with this engine and something needs to be done. This particular engine is in all oldsmobile, buick, pontiac, and chevrolet made vehicles. All the owners of these vehicles need some assistance.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Brakes, Engine · UN

Transmission: upper plate gasket went, causing gear slippage at high speeds which gradually became worse in the lower gears. Transmission replaced under warrenty. Transmission was replaced with a rebuilt unit which is now exhibiting much of the same slippage at high speeds (only minorly at the moment) @ 156,000km. Engine: first engine had the egr/exhaust design defect that causes the intake manifold to melt and coolant to poor into the engine. Report from the shop was that entire bottom end was destroyed by the coolant, and a full new engine had to be ordered (complete with accessories, etc.). The new engine's idler for the serpentine had the bearing cease, knocking the belt off. Since the waterpump was belt driven, the engine overheated. The car was left to idle in the parking lot for a total time of ~ 5-15min. (the temperature out was somewhere around -40c / -40f.). Brakes: perhaps cronically undersized for this vehicle, rotors have warped like clockwork every 30,000km. They are currently warped approaching 160,000km and will need to be replaced --- again --- shortly. This is not a car that see's much heavy use. Groceries on weekends, ~ 15-20km max. Total daily trip during workdays. It has yet to accomplish an extended road trip (I.e., north bay -> ottawa or north bay -> toronto, 4 hours (~400km) and 3 hours (~300km) respectively) without the 'check engine' light being lit. Additional recollection: front fog lights constantly filling with condensation as well, have been replaced 4-5 times while under warrenty. No solution was found and now they're just not used.

Filed Sep 10, 2003 · Engine · 75,463 miles · VA

Car was running rough, esp. On starting. Made appointment with dealer who couldn't look at it for a week. We realized it was losing coolant, but there was no apparent leakage under the car or hood, etc. Filled with coolant, drove approx. 4 miles then engine light came on and stayed on. Checked oil and it was over "full". Called the dealer back with the new symptoms and was told it was a common problem with this type of car to have coolant leak into the oil (then into engine) and it probably needed manifold work $600.--$700. Had car towed to dealer where they found the manifold did need to be replaced. In researching, we have found that this is a common problem in 88's and sometime results in engine fires. We are wondering why there hasn't been a recall and why would the manufacturer use plastic in engine parts!?

Filed Mar 31, 2003 · Engine · 50,000 miles · MI

My vehicle has only 50,000 miles on it and already has an internal leak of radiator fluid. There has been no leakage under the car from any hoses or components. My engine light has gone on now and the car is sputtering. I have taken the car down for repair and they state that the plastic intake manifold has cracked causing the fluid to be sucked out of the radiator system and evaporated through the engine. My car has not caught fire, but according to the information on this site, I see that my car is in danger of having that happen.

Filed Aug 19, 2002 · Engine · OH

Engine began to run very rough and check engine light began to flash. Pulled car off roadway. Gasket had failed sending coolant into the engine, damaging the manifolds.

Filed Jun 28, 2002 · Body · CO

Hood would not stay open. Dealer and manufacturer were notified. *ak. Consumer also stated the check engine light illuminated.