Problem Reports
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1996 Oldsmobile 98
The Fuel Pump May Fail Causing the Engine to Stall or Crank Over But Not Start
The fuel pump can fail causing the engine to stall and not restart. Our technicians highly recommend to replace your fuel filter every 30,000 miles to help prevent undue strain on the fuel pump.
Car Won't Start and Security Light is On
Problems with anti-theft systems using the raised-chip key can prevent the car from starting. The wires in the steering column to the ignition lock cylinder tend to break. The key and ignition lock cylinder should be replaced to correct this condition.
High Pressure Power Steering Hose Can Leak Fluid
The high pressure power steering hose will commonly leak fluid; it should be replaced.
Loss of power steering fluid from steering rack failure
The steering rack may fail causing a loss of power steering fluid as a result the steering may become hard to turn.
Wear In Outer Tie Rod Ends Can Cause Steering Problems
The outer tie rod ends on the steering linkage may wear causing excessive free play in the steering and uneven tire wear. If the worn tie rod ends are replaced, the wheel alignment should be checked and adjusted as necessary.
Transmission Fluid Leak From Cooler Line
An automatic transmission fluid leak may develop from the rubber section of a transmission cooler line. In some cases the rubber section of hose can be replaced. In others, the complete cooler line must be replaced to correct this type of leak.
Engine Stalling Due to Mass Air Flow/Crankshift Position Sensor Failure
The mass air flow or crankshaft position sensor may fail causing the engine to stall intermittently. Proper diagnoses will be necessary to determine the cause of any stalling condition.
Engine Oil Leak From Intake Manifold Gasket
The intake manifold gasket can develop external engine oil leaks. The intake manifold will need to be removed and the gaskets replaced to correct this issue.
Engine Overheating Due to Water Pump Leak
The water pump may develop a coolant leak resulting in an engine overheating condition.
Poor Ride/Handling Due to Worn Suspension Struts
The front struts may show signs of wear, or be excessively bouncy ride at freeway speeds. This may begin to occur at around 75,000 miles.
ABS light due to brake pressure modulator valve failure
Engine Won't Turn Over Due to Coolant Leak From Upper Intake Manifold
The upper intake manifold may develop an internal coolant leak causing one or more cylinders to fill with coolant. This can cause the engine to "hydro-lock" and not turn over. Removing the spark plugs will allow the engine to turn over pushing the coolant out of the spark plug holes. Replacing the upper intake plenum and gasket is commonly required to correct this condition.
The engine can be very difficult to start after this problem has been repaired, it can be helpful to clear as much of the coolant from the intake manifold and cylinders as possible before reassembling the intake manifold.
HVAC Mode/Temperature Door Actuators May Fail
The mode and temperature door actuators may fail causing improper air flow or temperature output from the heating and AC (HVAC) system.
Check Engine Light Due to Gas Cap Issue
A Loose or worn gas cap may cause Check Engine Light to illuminate.
Erratic Shifting of the Automatic Transmission
The transmission pressure control solenoid may fail causing erratic shifting. Our technicians tell us that partial dis-assembly of the transmission is necessary to replace a failed pressure control solenoid.