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Problem areas for 94 Bonnevlles

Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2011 1:41 pm
by jrobb57
Can anybody give me a shopping list of common problem areas for my 94 Bonneville, SE. I am trying to decide whether to continue fixing it up or find another one. It has a 147k.
Thanks!

Re: Problem areas for 94 Bonnevlles

Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2011 2:24 pm
by willwren
There are no real problem areas to consider.

Re: Problem areas for 94 Bonnevlles

Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2011 2:34 pm
by SUSPECT 0
Problem areas? like any other car, age and driving take their toll.
Are you having any problems with your bonneville? If it's not broken, then don't fix it.

Re: Problem areas for 94 Bonnevlles

Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2011 5:47 pm
by 00Beast
Please list your troubles and we'll help you decide if it's worth it or if you should be shopping for something else.

Re: Problem areas for 94 Bonnevlles

Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2011 11:39 pm
by jrobb57
I've had the car three years in which time I have replaced the fuel pump twice, driver side window regulator, blower motor, and one ignition pack. To finish up the car I need to replace the ac compressor and accumulator, EGR valve, fix horn, struts, valve cover gaskets, high beam indicator light on dash, figure out why rear speakers don't work, reupholster bucket seats, replace door panel fastener's, repair rear bumper cover, re-paint car re-clear wheels. That is pretty much the to-do list. Like some of you said, it is an old car, but I love her.

Re: Problem areas for 94 Bonnevlles

Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2011 11:48 pm
by jrobb57
I can't believe I forgot this, but I just did a by pass for the ignition key!

Re: Problem areas for 94 Bonnevlles

Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2011 3:57 am
by renchjeep
Keep going! Finish the work already started. My 94 SE has 210k, one tranny rebuild (with a few lingering trans problems), 1 water pump, and 3 fuel pumps (FINALLY went with a Delco/Delphi unit!), and is still my everyday driver. Just replaced the original starter at 209k.

Still the best "bang-for-my-buck" EVER with a used car. I got her for free, and spent $500.00 getting it right and running (alt and pcm, tps, smog, etc.). That was 3+ years ago, and I still have to say that even with the $1800.00 trans rebuild at 187k, WAY better than a new car payment and full coverage insurance, not to mention new car registration fees!

I got her at 166k, now at 210k plus. Looking to get to 300k----with regular maintanance. Maybe she will outlast the wife's 99 Crown Vic, at 176k now?

I am betting on the Bonne, but I maintain both meticulously, so we will see!

Re: Problem areas for 94 Bonnevlles

Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2011 8:08 am
by willwren
The only real repeatable problem area is the plastic bypass fitting above the water pump in the LIM. Replace it with a steel aftermarket fitting.

Re: Problem areas for 94 Bonnevlles

Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2011 11:31 am
by 00Beast
There's a small issue with the ground busses under the door sills if you have ever had a water leak, but you just need to find and clean them.

Re: Problem areas for 94 Bonnevlles

Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2011 6:12 pm
by jrobb57
Thanks for the feed back Guys! Unless something drastic happens, I believe I'll keep old "Spot" and fix her up right. Besides what can you say about a full size sedan that get's 26-28mpg on the highway. And is a joy to drive.

Re: Problem areas for 94 Bonnevlles

Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2011 10:20 pm
by John Deere Boy
willwren wrote:The only real repeatable problem area is the plastic bypass fitting above the water pump in the LIM. Replace it with a steel aftermarket fitting.
What he said. When it breaks, it dumps a lot of coolant fast. It's worth replacing before it breaks, because after mine broke, i had a lot of trouble getting the threads out of the manifold. Also, treat your glovebox latch, center console latch, and passenger "Oh Schit" handles with utmost respect. In fact, don't let anybody even touch those handles.

This will help your air conditioner blow more air http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... =45&t=2432

And i bet your throttlebody could use a good cleaning. The EGR makes it pretty nasty after awhile.

Re: Problem areas for 94 Bonnevlles

Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2011 11:21 am
by jrobb57
How do you usually go about cleaning the throttle body, and yes my air flow could stand some improvement. Guess it's time for a little house cleaning.

Re: Problem areas for 94 Bonnevlles

Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2011 11:31 am
by 00Beast
http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... 61&p=14471

I HIGHLY recommend you take some time and browse through Techinfo. There's tons of info in there waiting to be utilized.

Re: Problem areas for 94 Bonnevlles

Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2011 6:59 pm
by John Deere Boy
There is only one tricky bolt you have to worry about with the throttlebody, but you can get it with a regular combination wrench and some patience. I recommend getting a new throttlebody gasket before you start, because they do go bad and leak antifreeze (mine did anyway). Oh, and you'll lose a little bit of coolant when removing the throttlebody, maybe a couple tablespoons. No need to drain the coolant though.

Make sure you remove the MAF sensor before cleaning the throttlebody like the article says. It's delicate.