I have a 92 Bonnieville SSE without the supercharger, 3.8 liter engine, with 193, 642 miles on it and it has been running well. Recently the check gauges signal, with a picture of the engine, has come on and the car pings from under the dashboard alerting me to a malfunction. However, the temperature gauge reads about 190 degrees, normal, the voltage gauge reads about 13.8 to 14 volts, normal, the oil pressure gauge reads 40 lbs. at idle when warmed up and close to 65 lbs. when cruising at 60 mph, again normal.

The pinging comes on when I accelerate, turn sharply, or deaccelerate. Tfhe oil level is full and the spillover for the radiator is full. The transmission is filled up when hot.

I hate the annoying pinging and if all else fails, can I at least easily disconnect the pinging mechanism. The car is old but still gets better than 25 MPG on the highway

Thanks for your help and slowly going crazy with Ping Ping Ping Ping.

Del

Please scan for codes per the procedure in Techinfo. You don't need a scantool to pull codes on your car. Ignore code 58 and report any other codes back here.

Please check your oil LEVEL on the dipstick, and let us know if the DIC reports any failures. What is your fuel level, oil level, etc?

Even though your coolant may be reading ok, if the OTHER coolant sensor that tells the PCM the temp shorts to ground, it will cause a false-high reading. You need to measure the resistance of both sensors to ground. They should read the same.

Delete.

I checked the engine error codes and there are none. However, I think I found the problem. I removed the engine radiator cap (I let the engine cool) and I saw lots of brownish goop in the radiator fluid. I suspect I have a head gasket leak that allows oil to get into the radiator fluid.

I know removing the head is a relatively big job. Is there anything I can add to the car to stop the leak. The car now has 193,645 miles on it and still gives good acceration and very good mileage. If I flush out the radiator and keep adding oil as needed can I keep the car going. Buying a another car is very expensive for us since we are on Social Security Disability. I loose about a quart of oil every 1000 to 1500 miles. My oil pressure gauge reads 40 lbs. at idle in drive with the car warmed up and about 60 lbs. when moving.

Any suggestions out there? If I have to replace the head gaskets, how big a job is it?

Thanks.

Del

It is most likely not the head gaskets. Most likely at that mileage, the lower intake gaskets failed. I would reccomend draining your oil as soon as possible.

I agree. Several times, I've told members that if it'* actually the head gasket (and can be proven) I'd buy the gaskets.

I've never had to.

It'* your LIM gaskets if you have coolant and oil mixing. I've NEVER seen a failed head gasket in 5 years and 8000 members on this Forum.