ok, this is my intorduction of sorts. my name'* rich and I am here because I am the caretaker of my girlfriend'* white 1995 ssei. her aunt bought the car originally and it has nearly every option available. it has 51,000 original miles and I am hoping that I'll eventually buy the car from her to replace my 2000 oldsmobile alero (3400 sfi). anyway, I was wondering if anybody has any tips or suggestions for the car. its been virtually untouched for the last 8 years (sat in a driveway, unused) and it definitely needs some tlc.

list of problems:
1. check oil light is on (sensor appears to be hanging by oil pan and I can't see where it goes or why it would be out and wrapped in duck tape)
2. sunroof seems to have a leak
3. buttons next to center counsil shifter don't seem to work and all lights are on for the buttons (performance shift, traction control, performance ride, normal ride)
4. sensor in front of radiator is hanging down and I don't know what it is.

soo, if you have solutions to these problems and also any suggestions on important things to change the fluid on or to lubricate, please tell me so that I can keep the bonneville from becoming a money pit. thanks!

Welcome aboard Rich...

Sensor on the front of the oil pan would be the oil level sensor. Sounds like it broke off. It should be screwed into the front of the pan. Most likely the other half of it is still in the pan. Probably needs to be changed out.

Sunroof leaking. It is common for a drain to clog in these cars. There are four drains and each heads to their respective corners for draining. Best thing to do here is open the roof and look for obvious clogs at the top. Then try to figure out which corner is not draining or leaking. Most likely this will involve dropping the headliner and opening up a drain or two.

Buttons on center console. Perf shift vs normal shift. Are they both lit up or only one at a time with no noticable difference? It is nearly impossible to tell the difference w/o a scanner if they aren't both lit. TC button being lit means there is a problem with the system, could be as easy as a wheel bearing (speed sensors are built into the wheel bearings.)

And lastly..the sensor by the radiator, this should be the low coolant sensor. Usually found in the passenger side of the radiator. Sometimes if the rad is replaced, the wrong one is ordered and it does not come with the hole for the sensor. It is also possible the sensor is in the radiator and clogged, which may cause it to read improperly and the connector was disconnected to stop the light from coming on.

Hope this helps..

yes, that all is very helpful. i noticed that the front bumper appears to be a replacement and i wouldn't be surprised if the ratiator was replaced. the performance shift and normal shift, touring ride, and perform ride buttons are lit up all the time with no change in handling/acceleration when a button is pushed. the traction control button still works.

the oil level sensor - how much of a PITA is it to change?

also, i just remembered that the electronic trunk release isn't working (the button in the glove compartment and the button on the FOB) but i'm going to check the fuse first.

Welcome to the forum rich.