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1996 Pontiac Bonneville electrical problems

21 complaints (14% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 105,000.

owner complaints
21
of this car's complaints
14%
typical mileage
105,000
crashes
0
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Ignition: switch
    2
  • Horn
    2
  • 12v/24v/48v battery
    2
  • Wiring
    1
  • Ignition: anti-theft: control module
    1
  • Ignition
    1
  • Alternator/generator/regulator
    1

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+

Pontiac Bonneville electrical problems in other years

1990199520002005

Specific symptoms reported on the 1996 Pontiac Bonneville electrical

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Fire or smoke 5

Related recalls

Electrical system: ignition: anti-theft: control moduleReported October 23, 1995 · 32,869 vehicles affected
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 Pontiac Bonneville owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Dec 14, 2015 · Electrical · 125,000 miles · MO

Tl* the contact owns a 1996 pontiac bonneville. The contact stated that while parked, the anti-theft and an unknown security warning lights illuminated and the vehicle required multiple attempts to start. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the ignition lock cylinder was replaced and a new key made but the failure recurred. The contact mentioned that the horn and chime sounded uncontrollably. In addition, the radio failed to function. The interior lighting controls and the power door locking features failed intermittently. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 95v204000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.

Filed Oct 10, 2014 · Electrical, Lights · 233,000 miles · TX

Interior lighting system malfunction. Light's staying on when car is running and senors chimming for doors.

Filed Jun 28, 2012 · Electrical, Engine · 140,000 miles · MI · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 1996 pontiac bonneville. The contact stated that several attempts had to be made before succeeding in starting vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic where the failure was located at the intake manifold and oxygen sensor. The intake manifold cap was melting and causing oil to spill. In addition, the failure was producing white smoke from the tailpipe exhaust. The vehicle was repaired but the contact was unsure as to the exact repairs made to the vehicle. The contact also stated that the anti-theft system failed and would alert the contact that the doors were opened, and the seat belts were not secured erroneously. The fuel injection system was also defective and was repaired by replacing the fuel injector, and adding fuel cleaner. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign id numbers: 96v116000 (fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system) and 95v204000 (electrical system: ignition: anti-theft controller) however, the contact was advised that the vehicle was not included in either recall campaign. The current mileage was 158,000. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.

Filed May 15, 2012 · Electrical, Engine · 55,000 miles · TX

This car belongs to my elderly mother which she bought used and has been an on going problem! Occasionally when starting the car, the engine will backfire, after starting it would run ok. The car now does not run as the intake manifold is broken from the backfiring and almost caught on fire the last time it was attempted to start the motor! According to pontiac there is no recall on this car by the VIN number!!

Filed Oct 29, 2010 · Electrical · 43,000 miles · VA

96 pontiac bonneville.while parked at residence vehicle went into security lock mode and wont allow vehicle to start. All advice from individuals to "reset" security failed. Only option left is to tow to local dealer for service.

Filed Mar 11, 2010 · Electrical · 97,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 1996 pontiac bonneville. While driving at speeds of at least 10 MPH or while sitting idle, the vehicle would stall without warning. The power windows, seats and fuel pump would become inoperable as well. The contact would recharge the battery and once fully charged, the vehicle would operate normally for a short period of time before stalling again. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but they could not duplicate the failure. The failure persisted. The contact also stated that it would take several attempts to remove the key from the ignition when shutting off the engine. The vehicle was taken to a different mechanic where they could not duplicate the additional failures. The mechanic suggested that the ignition anti-theft controller was faulty and caused the vehicle to stall. Although there was a recall for the failure, (the federal safety agency campaign id number: 95v204000: electrical system: ignition: anti-theft controller), his VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 97,000 and the current was 98,000.

Filed Mar 5, 2008 · Electrical, Engine · 105,000 miles · GA

Tl*the contact owns a 1996 pontiac bonneville. While driving between 35-40 MPH, the vehicle gradually lost power and shut off. When the contact attempted to restart the vehicle, it backfired. The vehicle was pushed to the side of the road and towed to the dealer. The dealer stated that the upper intake manifold was cracked and would cost $503 to repair. The current mileage was 176,000 and failure mileage was 105,000. Updated 04/08/08. *lj the battery was replaced due to the vehicle not starting.

Filed Jul 31, 2005 · Electrical · 158,000 miles · FL

Electrical system problem. Windows quit working, directly related to engine not firing up. Also affects door chimes, security, seat controls, interior lighting. Multiple attempts of trying to fix problem, battery cables, battery, replacing ignition wires to no avail. Problem continues to worsen. Had to have towed to dealer, since local mechanics could not find initial problems. Car does not run at this time. I even put on a fuel pump(which didn't need replacing) due to shut off of motor. When windows quit working it also affects the fuel and spark. We think its in the computer and/or security system.

Filed Apr 30, 2005 · Electrical, Engine · 121,200 miles · AZ

My 1996 bonneville started acting up, roughly idling, and hesitating when taking off. There was loss of power, poor gas mileage, car would shut it self off while driving down the highway.check engine light came on and started flashing. Took it to auto zone to get it checked. Scanner idicated that it had multiple misfires, and that my map sensor was bad. Replaced map sensor. Still didnt change on how the vehicle operated. Replaced one of coil packs, still nothing. Put new plug wires and nothing cahned. New oxygen sensor installed, and still nothing. Changes. Over all I just got done spending $150.00 on this car and I cant even afford that, and still have not resolved the problem. I replaced basically everything that the computer came up with. What can I do here to solve this problem without me hurting my financial status, and me blowing the car up.

Filed Apr 13, 2005 · Airbags, Electrical · 00

While in park position ignition key turned on and passenger side air bag deployed with cause. Windshield had to be replaced immediately. General motors has now had the car in testing for two days without being able to conduct the actual test. They have transferred out file to their legal department. Cost of the air bag is approximately $850.00. Controls $870.00 plus damage to the dashboard. Cost to emergency replacement the windshield was approximately $400.00. We apparently should hear from the legal department in two days. Time to order the airbag is 3-5 days. No established time to actually do the repairs.

Questions about the 1996 Pontiac Bonneville electrical

Does the 1996 Pontiac Bonneville have electrical problems?

Owners have filed 21 complaints about the electrical of the 1996 Pontiac Bonneville, 14% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1996 Pontiac Bonneville electrical problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 105,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1996 Pontiac Bonneville electrical?

Yes, 1 recall: 95V204000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Pontiac Bonneville have the most electrical problems?

The Pontiac Bonneville model years with the most electrical complaints are 1995 (40 complaints), 2000 (32 complaints) and 1997 (28 complaints).

Other 1996 Pontiac Bonneville problems

Engine 44Airbags 27Fuel system 25Body 10Transmission 8Brakes 7Steering 7Visibility 5Acceleration 4Lights 3Tires 3Seat belts 2Wheels 2Locks 1Seats 1Suspension 1

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