Hi,

I am considering buying a 95 Pontiac Bonneville, but this is what I have been told about it:

The gas gauge does not work. What causes the gas gauge not to work and how much to have it repaired?

The radio was replaced with cd player and the steering wheel radio controls were not reconnected. Could this partially contribute to why the gas gauge isn't working?

There'* a leveler on this car which was disconnected, too, because according to the seller it was "kicking on too much" and the auto repair shop told them it would not affect anything to disconnect it unless we were going to carry very heavy loads in the trunk. Is this accurate?

What is the function/purpose of the leveler? Will I need to have it reconnected? And what would cause the leveler to "kick on" at all?

How much would it cost to have all the stuff that was disconnected reconnected?

Just trying to make a decision?

Thanks in advance.

:( My Advice To You Is To Take The Car To A Known Shop And Be Open About Your Motive. Decide 1st How Comrehensive Of An Estimate He/she Should Do, E.G, A Major Systems Problem Is Usualy Gonna Turn Up Easy And Tracking Down An Obscure Loose Connection Is Gonna Cost Way Too Much To Find In An Estimate. At Least Have Them Do A Safety Check. Essentialy The Car Is 15 Y.O. And Its Gonna Take Time and $ To Keep It Running.A Replaced Steering Column May Indicate The Car Was Once Stolen,As That Is Where The Key Goes

Hi ... Welcome

The auto leveling aka ELC is not a feature typically found on base models. Please tell us what model it is, we can help better that way. 95 and older Bonnevilles had the ELC compressor hooked directly to constant power. This could in the case of a leaking strut or airline cause the compressor to run frequently and drain down the battery. Many have disconnected these items until they have the ability or desire to fix them.

The fuel gauge could be anything from a bad connect, to a bad ground to a bad sender in the fuel tank.

The radio controls where typically found on the SSE and SSEi models. Once the radio is changed with a non GM or different GM that wasn't configured for them...they stop working. If the replacement unit is an aftermarket and has a remote control, there is a way (PAC SWI) to regain them.

I'm really not sure where Spoiled is going with the steering column thing. In my reading..I didn't see you say the column was replaced.. you said the radio.

Thanks for the replies.

Spoiler: the radio on the steering wheel was what I was referring to . But thanks.

Bill: It'* a 1995 Potiac Bonneville SSE with 185k.

A leaking strut or airline...typically how much would it be to have this repaired? So, the leak stops once disconnected?

As far as safety is concerned will I need to have it reconnected and fixed as soon as possible?

I was told the fuel gauge would cost around $800 to repair because the problem had to do with the electronics and computer. Would it be possibly something that I could repair or would I have to take it in?

Thanks a bunch.

As far as safety is concerned if it'* an air leak on the struts there wouldn't really be a safety issue. The way it works is when weight is applied on the struts such as filling up your trunk full a groceries or 2-3 passengers in the back seat the car feels the weight and the compressor kicks it to add air to the struts to lift the rear end back to normal height. If you look under the rear fenders on the struts you will see a clear plastic line attached to the strut. That maybe where the leak is but you'd have to do some checking by following the lines looking for a leak but of coures you would have to plug the air compressor back up. Unless the car is real bouncy or you see fluid leaking from the struts then they are probably ok. The only safety issue with bad struts would be handling and manueverability especialy in emergency situations. Like Bill said the steering radio controls could be as simple as the wrong yr stereo put in. In my opinion if those are the only things wrong with and depending on the price I would probably go for it because with all the expertise in this club you would have it back to normal in no time.

CastilleJarr, I thank you for responding. The sale price is $1K. That'* not bad considering the problems, right? Or should the price be lower?

I have a child and having to maneuver out of possible emergency situations would actually be a must.

Yes, so far I'm really diggin' this forum . I figured this be a perfect spot to ask questions.

Thanks again.

The price doesn't sound bad just depends on the mileage too and if it was regularly maintained. It would be nice if you could find out the mileage and maybe take some pics of the engine, interior and exterior and post them here that way some of the other members can give their opinion.

How does the trans fluid look?

I had the compressor for my ELC disabled for a few years. Car had a saggy rear end but it handled ok for me. I just decided to fix mine a few weeks back because the struts are getting bouncy now too. The leak I had with mine was in the hose that connects to the compressor to the restrictor tube. You can see where it wore a hole in it in the picture below. GM redesigned it (shorter hose) but they also discontinued it too. I found mine at a dealer in Georgia and had it shipped to me. Other areas for leaks are the O-rings and the struts them self http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/tech/elc/
1K sounds like a good price if it'* in good shape. You may also want to check the date on the upper intake manifold to see if and when it has been replaced http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...e=article&k=38
If you do buy the car you may want to see if the headlight switch has been replaced. (there is a recall on it for the 95 model)
Sorry, I can't help you on the fuel gauge. My 95SSE has been a great car I wish I could have it new again.