Hello, I just purchased a new project. Got a 2000 Bonneville SE with 141xxx on it for $500...it is actually in pretty good shape. It is running rough and idling kind of crazy. I am going to post a video of it running and me putting it into a gear and then park and it fluctuates and dies. I have acess to any part off an 01 grand prix that the motor is in good condition just tranny went out. So I am looking for suggestions on everything I should check out and change out. Also the oil pressure gauge is maxed out. I am guessing that is a senor causing that cause it's not actually running that high of pressure...sorry for rambling just wanting to get started on it and looking for any and all suggestions with this project. Thanks ahead of time....
I still have to figure out how to post pics and videos on this forum so give me a chance to get it all posted...
Just bought a 2000 Bonneville,now need suggestions/advice
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lawenforcer
- LE Member
- Posts: 8
- Joined: Sat Nov 14, 2015 2:39 pm
- Year and Trim: 2000 Pontiac Bonneville SE
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MKMike
- Posts like an L67
- Posts: 1305
- Joined: Thu May 01, 2014 9:37 pm
- Year and Trim: 1993 SLE
1998 SE
2001 SSEI
2002 SSEI
Re: Just bought a 2000 Bonneville,now need suggestions/advic
Congrats on your new acquisition!
This "sticky post" is a MUST read : http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... 25362.html
This thread is nothing short of invaluable.
It details all of the common issues that occur--including the pegged oil pressure gauge.
To give you an idea of how common the problem is.... I recently acquired a 2001 and a 2002---BOTH had the oil pressure gauges pegged at the maximum .
The fix is a new sensor.
It will be easier to do if you have one of these; Lisle 13250 Oil Pressure Switch Socket
Rockauto is one favorite parts source, since they're reasonably priced AND give forum members a 5% discount on parts
http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... 47367.html
To start troubleshooting the problem, I would suggest the following:
Check the condition of your spark plugs and see if it's time to replace them or if they indicate a particular problem.
There are good charts as to what's normal , what's not and what abnormal plug types indicate.
See these charts for more details: http://www.verrill.com/moto/sellingguid ... rchart.htm
http://www.ngk.com.au/spark-plugs/techn ... g-analysis
You can borrow or buy a compression tester to further determine what condition the internal engine parts are in.
A thread with more details on how to do that is here: http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... ng#p348248
A fuel pressure tester will let you know if the engine is starved for fuel.
Sometimes the reason is simple, like a dirty fuel filter--other times it's a failing fuel pump or fuel pressure regulator.
Next, after you've determined what kind of condition the engine is in, you can use a code reader or go to a shop and have the codes read (some chain store shops do this for free, others charge--call around).
Codes stored in the computer will often help you to determine if a sensor is causing problems.
Don't forget to check simple things too, such as all the vacuum lines to see if any are cracked or disconnected.
If the engine checks out OK, then at 150K, it's probably a good idea to do a complete tuneup .
This would include new spark plugs, PCV valve, air filter and fuel filter.
Might also be worthwhile to invest in a set of spark plug wires while you're at it.
This "sticky post" is a MUST read : http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... 25362.html
This thread is nothing short of invaluable.
It details all of the common issues that occur--including the pegged oil pressure gauge.
To give you an idea of how common the problem is.... I recently acquired a 2001 and a 2002---BOTH had the oil pressure gauges pegged at the maximum .
The fix is a new sensor.
It will be easier to do if you have one of these; Lisle 13250 Oil Pressure Switch Socket
Rockauto is one favorite parts source, since they're reasonably priced AND give forum members a 5% discount on parts
http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... 47367.html
To start troubleshooting the problem, I would suggest the following:
Check the condition of your spark plugs and see if it's time to replace them or if they indicate a particular problem.
There are good charts as to what's normal , what's not and what abnormal plug types indicate.
See these charts for more details: http://www.verrill.com/moto/sellingguid ... rchart.htm
http://www.ngk.com.au/spark-plugs/techn ... g-analysis
You can borrow or buy a compression tester to further determine what condition the internal engine parts are in.
A thread with more details on how to do that is here: http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... ng#p348248
A fuel pressure tester will let you know if the engine is starved for fuel.
Sometimes the reason is simple, like a dirty fuel filter--other times it's a failing fuel pump or fuel pressure regulator.
Next, after you've determined what kind of condition the engine is in, you can use a code reader or go to a shop and have the codes read (some chain store shops do this for free, others charge--call around).
Codes stored in the computer will often help you to determine if a sensor is causing problems.
Don't forget to check simple things too, such as all the vacuum lines to see if any are cracked or disconnected.
If the engine checks out OK, then at 150K, it's probably a good idea to do a complete tuneup .
This would include new spark plugs, PCV valve, air filter and fuel filter.
Might also be worthwhile to invest in a set of spark plug wires while you're at it.
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lawenforcer
- LE Member
- Posts: 8
- Joined: Sat Nov 14, 2015 2:39 pm
- Year and Trim: 2000 Pontiac Bonneville SE
Re: Just bought a 2000 Bonneville,now need suggestions/advic
So far today I replaced coil packs and fixed a vacuum leak that goes into throttle body and it runs great now. Check engine light is off now and no idling or cutting out problems. Going to go ahead and change plugs and fuel filter on it and oil pressure sensor. Hopefully will have that done tomorrow. I will report back any finding...
I still can't upload pics on here or I would post a pic of it, lol...
I still can't upload pics on here or I would post a pic of it, lol...
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nos4blood70
- Certified Bonneville Nut
- Posts: 9522
- Joined: Mon May 10, 2010 6:11 pm
- Year and Trim: 2003 SLE
- Location: Chicago, IL
Re: Just bought a 2000 Bonneville,now need suggestions/advic
Welcome.
Good to hear you're making some progress. That Common Problems thread has a wealth of knowledge.
Good to hear you're making some progress. That Common Problems thread has a wealth of knowledge.
-Car Guy Carl
"Penelope" - 2003 SLE - 250k Miles
"Sydney" - 2000 Honda S2000 - 101k miles
"Penelope" - 2003 SLE - 250k Miles
"Sydney" - 2000 Honda S2000 - 101k miles
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MKMike
- Posts like an L67
- Posts: 1305
- Joined: Thu May 01, 2014 9:37 pm
- Year and Trim: 1993 SLE
1998 SE
2001 SSEI
2002 SSEI
Re: Just bought a 2000 Bonneville,now need suggestions/advic
You will also want to be very sure that you check and see if your car ever has the fuel pressure regulator recall done by GM.
As the Common Problems thread I linked earlier mentions--the intake manifold can explode when the original defective regulator fails.
You can enter your VIN on GM's website and see which recall or recalls have not been addressed on your car https://my.chevrolet.com/recalls
The naturally aspirated aka non-supercharged engines are L36 engines.
View it here http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/Sea ... ids=202603
As the Common Problems thread I linked earlier mentions--the intake manifold can explode when the original defective regulator fails.
You can enter your VIN on GM's website and see which recall or recalls have not been addressed on your car https://my.chevrolet.com/recalls
The naturally aspirated aka non-supercharged engines are L36 engines.
View it here http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/Sea ... ids=202603