2000+ Common Problems & Solutions (updated 5.11.11)

[mdrew]

Just changed out my SWPS and followed the steps above, had my lap top in the passenger seat. worked like a charm. Save me a ton of cash, thanks a lot!!!

[marcv]

This is the best post I've ever seen in ANY forum. My 2002 SE has over 90k miles on it and I'm coming across nearly every problem. I'd rather not get into new car payments so I'm chipping away at the issues on my Bonny. So far, I've replaced a rear shock with Monroe MA822, test drove and worked great. My gas gauge is a big fat liar so I'm watching miles for now. I've had both rear windows drop about a week apart so I taped them up for a few months until I could tackle it. Bought a pair of rear motor assemblies from am-autoparts.com for about $150. I read another post on carcomplaints.com where it was suggested to get an epoxy, remove the plastic cover over the end of the cable, fill it up and re-cap it. So far so good. Thanks for the great info. I will constantly refer to it.

[tully]

Hi there , would that window and door lock problem you speak of make the radio do funky things. Is that on the same ECM as the windows ?

Regards John.

[harofreak00]

Nope. What is wrong with your radio? Please don't respond here, make your own new topic.

[95spfldmax]

What about the wacky instrument cluster ie. fuel, temp, and speedo guages?

My instrument cluster is completely F'd up......tach, speedo & temp all off scale and/or not working at all. And they tend to change at random.....I set my cruise control with my cell phone app...LOL......

If it doesn't rate for the list, does anyone have ideas to repair short of replacing the cluster which I would estimate at cose to a $1000 to have a used one installed. what do you guys think??

[95SLE]

What about the wacky instrument cluster ie. fuel, temp, and speedo guages?

My instrument cluster is completely F'd up......tach, speedo & temp all off scale and/or not working at all. And they tend to change at random.....I set my cruise control with my cell phone app...LOL......

If it doesn't rate for the list, does anyone have ideas to repair short of replacing the cluster which I would estimate at cose to a $1000 to have a used one installed. what do you guys think??

Installing the cluster is pretty easy and painless. Should cost less than $100 on eBay or from Morad or Schram.

[Winn]

"Replaced my 89 OLds 98 except for wheel that flew off (unfortunately not toward the tire shop) at 70mph. Damage was wheel vs fender, car drove normally to park on side of road. Just after Xmas. I'm now in my 5th "3800" ride. Sitting,,, 89 Bonn, family car, 170K lost to accident;,,, 92 Olds 88, 384K sitting, losing oil on ground, not burning it, Steering lock;,,, 92 Green Bonn, 304 K, rear rusted out, still the best starting car I've ever seen, mice and rats living in it;,,,, 89 olds 98, gift from Mom when she decided not to drive at age 95, she started at age 9, was at 164K when I gave it up to Insurance Co. latest,,,, used 04 LeSabre at 105K. Instrument cluster problems. Do a little research on Internet. Google Instrument cluster repair, $50 to $150 will replace all your gauge steppers, $80 + shipping gets you steppers and lights, 100 + shipping gets steppers, lights, and color change (lights); all in your own cluster which won't need programing. You can drive it while its out, but computers may need reset when it returns. My headlights wouldn' work until my computer reset,,,several starts.
I'm still looking for red Leds to put in. always did like my red dash at night.

Good luck
Winn

[Winn]

"Replaced my 89 OLds 98 except for wheel that flew off (unfortunately not toward the tire shop) at 70mph. Damage was wheel vs fender, car drove normally to park on side of road. Just after Xmas. I'm now in my 5th "3800" ride. Sitting,,, 89 Bonn, family car, 170K lost to accident;,,, 92 Olds 88, 384K sitting, losing oil on ground, not burning it, Steering lock;,,, 92 Green Bonn, 304 K, rear rusted out, still the best starting car I've ever seen, mice and rats living in it;,,,, 89 olds 98, gift from Mom when she decided not to drive at age 95, she started at age 9, was at 164K when I gave it up to Insurance Co. latest,,,, used 04 LeSabre at 105K. Instrument cluster problems. Do a little research on Internet. Google Instrument cluster repair, $50 to $150 will replace all your gauge steppers, $80 + shipping gets you steppers and lights, 100 + shipping gets steppers, lights, and color change (lights); all in your own cluster which won't need programing. You can drive it while its out, but computers may need reset when it returns. My headlights wouldn' work until my computer reset,,,several starts.
I'm still looking for red Leds to put in. always did like my red dash at night.

Good luck
Winn

[crash93ssei]

I think it may be time to add in the issue that several of us have had with the main drivers door switch module going bad.

[dbruce]

I just came across this while searching for a replacement window regulator. My Bonneville has several of these issues and it will be much more fun fixing them with some guidance. Thanks for taking the time to compile the list!

[Lee]

I have had an on going battle with steering vibration /shaking I just had a road force balance done and it has almost gone away. The only time I was able to make it completely go away was when I put. my wife's gp wheels on the front of my ssei. I'm wondering if the factory offset and size of the wheels on Bonnevilles cause the need for such precision balancing and balance issues. Has anyone had luck with different wheel and tire size combinations?

[tracy]

Wow - great post, explains alot of issues on my 2000. I have a couple other things to ask about that i didn't see on your post. mines been running pretty rough lately and just went and got codes pulled up, one of the codes p1811 (i found in your post) but didn't see anything on the p0243 boost control solenoid - how hard/easy is this for diy project? also i've been experiencing issues with the car wanting to die while idling in gear or park. my voltage normally runs from 14.5 to 14.9, but lately has been dropping down in the 13's & lowest i've seen is 12.8, what could be causing this? it seems it happens more on hotter days than cool days. about 4 years ago i had the crank shaft pos sensor replaced because the car would shut down when the sensor would get to hot and the voltage would drop down into the mid 12's been running fine and with no problems till a few months ago. any ideas?

[harofreak00]

Please start a new thread about your issues. We want to keep this about the common problems.

Boost Control Solenoid (BCS), is super easy to change out. Liternally a 1 minute job.

[spoiledred94]

There's the common vibration and noise caused by a loose/missing front end splash guard. I've also heard mentioned the "Check Gas Cap" light as a common problem. Which I have and I assume is due to running with a very low gas level for too long. Also the puck mount replacement.

Total Pontiac Bonneville Club 5 star thread!!!!!

[wdudetocool]

sunroof section....mine used to vent and close and thats it,never slid open. i was almost going to take it in to shop when i found online about resetting the "computer",by holding the closed and vent buttons at same time for 5 seconds or so. i did that and it has worked ever since . slides,vents and closes with one touch.

[harofreak00]

You have an aftermarket sunroof. OEM only has 1 button.

[Mfitzy]

Thanks a Lot for this list, just purchased a used 2002 with 98,000 mi on her and it runs great! Glad I found this place it seems it's already saving me some money!

[RC (no Moon Pie)]

What should be the torque for the alternator bracket to the UIM/engine block/cylinder head?

[harofreak00]

I usually do them as tight as I can get them with a 3/8" ratchet.

[FWDmoparLOL]

this answered most of my questions thanks!