I'm new.

I am looking at a 95 Bonneville with the SLE option and have a few questions.

1. Tranny shudder when cruising at about 50 mph. I read another post on this board that discussed it. My question is this.....the dealer said he could fix the problem by changing a sensor, true?

2. A/C system is frequently cycling, like every 5 to 10 seconds or so. It still blows cold, but isn't running right from what I understand. My question is, where are the frequent leaks, what parts frequently go out and how expensive are they to replace?

3. It doesn't appear there is a thermostat in the car. It runs very cold, all of the time. (Possibly having an affect on the lock up?) Why would someone remove the stat?

There are a handful of very minor cosmetic issues. The car is white with gray interior. The carpet along the passenger'* side door is coming up (easy fix), the interior light covers on the doors, the ones that are 5 or 6 inches long and 1/2" tall, are missing, the rubber moulding between the rear bumper and the passenger'* side fender is coming up.

Other than that, and a few small cracks in the driver'* seat, its seems about perfect, cosmetically. I ran a carfax on it, it'* a one owner, Arizona car and shows no problems what-so-ever. The dealer is asking $3350, but said, "He'll make me a special price" because it needs tires and maybe an alignment.

Anything else I need to pay particular attention to?

Thanks for your help.

Philip

1. Are you sure it'* shudder - That'* the speed at which you may feel issues with the ignition system like bad wires or plugs. If it is shudder, sometime the entire torque converter has to be changed out.

2. Why do you feel the A/C system is not operating correctly? What is the outside temperature?

3. Thermostats can become stuck open. That is likely the problem.

I do not trust the dealer you are talking to. Tell him to fix the problems, then maybe you'll consider buying the car.

Yes, and it only happens when coasting at about 50 mph while in OD. In drive, it doesn't happen. Doesn't happen under any other situation at all. I know how bad ignitions behave, I'm confident that is not the issue.

EDIT: I will pay close attention to the problem when I go back and check it out Monday.

It was over 70* today. The A/C system cycles constantly! That'* what makes me believe it'* not fully charged or something.

Could be. But either way, it has to be changed, no big deal.

That'* the plan as of right now. He'* getting everything fixed, then we'll talk on Monday.

The 50 MPH thing...

Are you sure it'* a problem, and not just the torque converter kicking in and out? (Kinda feels like the car doesn't know what gear to be in?) There'* another thread somewhere talking about this as well....

The TC should kick in and out at about that speed. 48mph is the programmed PCM TC lockup point.

Your AC compressor may turn on/off rapidly like that in Auto. It'* removing moisture/humidity from the cabin.

The A/C systems are designed to cycle on and off.... If it cycles very frequently then you may be low on R-134a.

When I read the other thread about the lock up, it reminded me exactly of how this car was behaving.

The cycling of the A/C is more than likely just low R134, but if I can swing a deal to have them verify and repair the problem, even if it'* just a recharge, I will.

Is there a common trouble spot in the A/C systems?

Thanks again.

The most common trouble problems with the A/C is that they leak. A common place is near the evaporator.