I just purchased a 97 Bonneville SE with 70K miles less then a week ago. This is a very nice car in my opinion! So far the only issues I can see with it are the gas gauge does not work and the dash lights don't work unless I almost turn on the interior lights and leave it there.

Any one else have issues like this especially with the gas gauge. The reason I ask is I have a 97 Buick Century with 78K that has the same issue with the gas gauge. This also happen on the Buick at around 50K miles.

So far I have only done an oil change, but how difficult would it be to change the spark plugs? It looks like very tight quarters.

Anything else maintenance wise I should do to get this in tip top shape?

Thanks!

i think that you need to remove the gagues and clean the contacts by the sounds of it

I just noticed when I turn the AC on max the gauge will move to the half tank spot then to then go all the way to full. Do you think this may be more of an electrical problem?

How difficult is it to remove the dash?
:?

For the dash - http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/techinfo/?article=56

And the spark plugs ain't too bad. Gloves are recommended for the rears, as well as a good supply of cuss words. It'* tight, but far from impossible.

Thanks for the post and link. Looks like a nice weekend project!

the gas gauge has never worked right on ours. Keep an eye on your coolant levels, see the sticky at the top of the page for more info.

That is some good info. Now I'm a little worried. When I purchased the car it was low on antifreeze. I filled it back up, but over the past 4 or 5 days the level has NOT dropped and the oil is not foaming or smell odd...

I pulled the cover off the top off the engine and from left to right I have circle with an arrow pointing to the 9 with 96 between the arrow. I have another arrow pointing to the number 52 in the second circle. The third circle has an arrow pointing towards 02. Is this intake from 2002 or 1996?

Thanks[/u]

plugs are pretty easy. Check the wires to make sure they are in good shape also (measure their resistance)