1995 Pontiac Bonneville: engine failure

Filed Jun 2, 2004 · Electrical, Engine · 71,000 miles · CA

I purchased this car used from a dealer in 2001 in michigan. (I don't think the air conditioning ever worked ). Within a few months the traction control went out. It would be on, when the car started, but within driving 300ft. Would go out and could not be turned back on from the button. A few months after that all of the dash lights went out when ever you turned on the head lights. This was due to a bad switch & a short. Then the cruse control went out. A few months after that we had to replace the head gaskets due to the engine over heating by an unknown cause. 1 month after that we had to replace the engine after throwing a rod and cracking the engine block, due to the fact that there was still fluind in the engine from melted manafold.( this all took place between nov. 2001 & jan. 2002) after that the ignition had to be replaced because one of the wires was severed due to the wheel tilt. (we would tilt the wheel & could not start the car). In nov. 2002 the transmission started to slip, we had it replaced. Then all at one time (2003) the battery went dead, the timing chain had jumped a tooth, the cam sensor, and the spark plugs which had been changed a few weeks before. A few weeks after that the engine overheated again due to a leak in the coolant resovoir bottel, this caused the head gaskets to blow again. It is now 2004 we have an ongoing electrical problem. Since mid 2003 we have gone through 3 PCM & 3 proms due to the fact the they kept frying ( a result of a bad ground that still can not be found), an altanator due to the fact that it had spikes. The check enging light would constantly come on & when the codes were pulled the egr vlave was listed, we replaced it and still the check engine light came on due to a still bad PCM. Now whenever we turn on the blinker the voltage gage moves in time with it due to a short. The RPM's surge at times while car is in motion or at idle, causing the car to satll or backfire. The cause is still unknown.

Filed Feb 26, 2004 · Engine · 95,000 miles · MI

As stated many times here-upper intake manifold leaked around metal heat riser tube, leaking water into cylinders causing a vapor lock in cylinders. This problem is often misdiagnosed as head craked or gasket failure. The plastic manifold melts or chafes around tube causing a small hole in the sealed water jacket in the manifold. Water will directly leak into cylinder heads. Very easy fix and a good upper manifold from a junkyard will run around 100 as opposed to a new engine!

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine · 109,644 miles · AZ

Gm technical service bulletin 01-06-01-007a identifies an inherent design flaw on the 3.8 l engine (VIN k - rpo l36) available in the following vehicles: 1995-1997 buick riviera 1995-1998 buick lesabre, park avenue 1996-1998 buick regal 1998 chevrolet lumina, monte carlo 1995-1996 oldsmobile ninety-eight 1995-1998 oldsmobile eighty-eight 1998 oldsmobile intrigue 1995-1998 pontiac bonneville 1997-1998 pontiac grand prix gm minimizes the impact of the problem by identifying one of the symptoms as owner complaining of a small coolant leak. The fact is that in most cases the leak is not visible. The coolant typically leaks internally by the egr stove pipe into the engine's intake manifold where it builds up. Eventually the coolant level in the intake manifold rises to the point where the coolant will get sucked into one of the cylinders. In less severe cases, when it happens at idle or low RPM, this causes the engine to seize and stall. In the most severe cases, when it happens at high RPM, the hammering effect of the engine trying to compress a liquid, causes the affected piston to shatter (my case). This is a catastrophic engine failure caused by a design flaw. When this happens on a highway at 75 MPH (my case) there is great potential for an accident and injury to passengers. I was lucky, but I still had to replace my engine with a remanufactured one at my expense. I could not afford what gm charged for a new engine. Gm is fully aware of the problem. Gm repair centers are attributing the failure to normal wear and tear and are charging owners to replace the flawed parts with the new design. I spoke with a service manager at a local dealership and he stated that he has seen a lot of vehicles coming in with the same failure, the less severe case being the most common.. I believe this problem calls for a recall of the affected vehicle to replace the flawed parts. I also believe that gm should partially reimburse me for my expenses related to the engine replacement.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Brakes, Engine · 82,449 miles · SC

The transmission failed at ~76,000 miles. Replaced at gm dealer with a remanufactured gm unit. 06/23/2001. Brake failure - warning light at 81,728 miles. Replaced master cylinder and rear wheel cylinders. Antilock brakes have always behaved strangely at times but have never failed to stop the car in a reasonable distance. 09/22/2001. Engine failure at 82,449 miles. Replacement engine installed at independent repair shop for $1400.00. . Repair leaking genuine gm replacement transmission. Side cover leaks severely, dealer advises out of warranty period and repair cost of $300+ for side pan gasket. Problem solved at local transmission shop (mr. Transmission) for $92.95. In addition the following no longer function or function improperly: fuel gauge does not work, refill based on mileage driven. Also the fuel pump whines very noticeably, can be heard plainly in the vehicle over the radio. Cost for repair of both at dealer: $600+ depending on parts required. Steering wheel controls for the radio do not function. Automatic headlight control will not turn headlights off after turning them on. Result - battery replacement. Now leave the control in the off position. Spring loaded center console door latch failed causing console door to remain open. Replaced console door and two vents that had broken for $124.66. Console door latch failed approximately one year later (same failure). Removed door spring so door now stays closed. Drivers side door lock jams when using key fob, have to use passenger side door. No longer use key fob, door unlocks properly when using the key. Within the past year the paint has began to peel on the top of the rear quarter panels and roof. I had a flat tire and went to retrieve the jack, which is located in the passenger side of the trunk. The jack is stored in a plastic case that is bolted to a bracket. Only one weld was made during manufacture allowing the bracket to break loose. The jack case now just lies in trunk.

Filed Oct 31, 2003 · Engine · 65,000 miles · NY

I have a 1995 pontiac bonneville which I purchased used from jim culligan gm pontiac in 1996. After having the vehicle only one month the intake manifold gasket had to be replaced as there was a bulletin on it. It is obvious the dealer knew of this when it was sold. This gasket also had to be replaced at 39000 and 43000 miles and a history note of it was made. Gm has now refused to replace this chronically defect problem at the 65000 mile and 84000 mile levels. The current gasket needed replacing with only 22000 miles on it. This type of part should not go this frequently and prevents a safety hazard should the oil leak out and cause engine failure while driving. Gm is trying to say that because the vehicle has 84000 miles on it they will not pay. However this part should have been replaced after only 22000 miles on it. It is clear that gm is acting in bad faith and ms desiree richardson at gm customer service and moiz ahmad the area service manager refused to accept this problem. Mr ahmad will not even give me the courtesy of a call to show him the documentation I have and explain his decision. I have spoken to several mechanics who have all advised me gm is well aware of this problem and they replaced the defective part with even more defective parts. I have already to pay approximately $300 out of pocket to replace this intake manifold once and am now looking at having to do it again. This is a financial burden on my family and very unethical on gm's part to not own up to this well documented problem and be responsible. Your immediate attention to this problem would be greatly appreciated.j.pierino.

Filed Jul 12, 2003 · Engine · 109,644 miles · AZ

Gm technical service bulletin 01-06-01-007a identifies an inherent design flaw on the 3.8 l engine (VIN k - rpo l36) available in the following vehicles:995-1997 buick riviera995-1998 buick lesabre, park avenue. *ak 1996-1998 buick regal 1998 chevrolet lumina, monte carlo 1995-1996 oldsmobile ninety-eight 1995-1998 oldsmobile eighty-eight 1998 oldsmobile intrigue 1995-1998 pontiac bonneville 1997-1998 pontiac grand prix gm minimizes the impact of the problem by identifying one of the symptoms as owner complaining of a small coolant leak. The fact is that in most cases the leak is not visible. The coolant typically leaks internally by the egr stove pipe into the engine's intake manifold where it builds up. Eventually the coolant level in the intake manifold rises to the point where the coolant will get sucked into one of the cylinders. In less severe cases, when it happens at idle or low RPM, this causes the engine to seize and stall. In the most severe cases, when it happens at high RPM, the hammering effect of the engine trying to compress a liquid, causes the affected piston to shatter (my case). This is a catastrophic engine failure caused by a design flaw. When this happens on a highway at 75 MPH (my case) there is great potential for an accident and injury to passengers. I was lucky, but I still had to replace my engine with a remanufactured one at my expense. Gm is fully aware of the problem. Gm repair centers are attributing the failure to normal wear and tear and are charging owners to replace the flawed parts with the new design. I spoke with a service manager at a local dealership and he stated that he has seen a lot of vehicles coming in with the same failure, the less severe case being the most common. They commonly just drain the affected cylinders and replace the flawed parts with the new design. I asked him how did he know if the affected piston had been damaged causing a catastrophic failure later on. He did not have an answer.

Filed Apr 9, 2003 · Body, Engine · 11,700 miles · GA

Engine failure cylinders filling with coolant. Talked with several independent garages and they say it's a common occurrence with the 3800 v6. Spoke with pontiac dealer in gainesville ga. According to parts/service department there are no tech bulletins released from gm. Wanted to know if there have been other complaints re: 1995 pontiac bonneville's 3800 v6's. According to independent garage the intake gasket and head gaskets failures. The car also has a water leak into the passenger cabin and trunk as well, appears to leaked since it was manufactured. I owned an oldsmobile with a similar problem in 1992 and the factory didn't seal the cowl area properly when the car was assembled. Thanks for your input!

Filed May 19, 2001 · Engine · CT

This upper manifold upon failure results in burning coolant(toxic) and engine failure. I have been in touch with others that own the same model car. And the failure is still happening on later models. Some with less than 50,000 miles. This engine is being used on chevrolet impalas and monte carlos, pontiac grand prix, buick lesabre and older oldsmobile 88 models. This is a very dangerous problem if it happens on the highway.failed part #1711-3136.

Filed Sep 10, 1999 · Engine · NM

Engine failure on numerous occasions due to failure of the crankshaft angle sensor. Mjs