If it isn't one thing . . .
01-29-2005, 09:10 PM
#21
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Originally Posted by Phish
I would love to learn how to service my own car, but even this forum as nice as it is requires some general knowledge of cars and I don't have that. I know nothing about this car. You said something about a heater core? Dunno what it does. Dunno where to find it on the car. So the car is probably a lot better off with Pontiac. I would love to learn this car, but I need a resource that will dumb it down enough for me.
And I know for fact the car was never beaten on by the previous owner, I happen to be related to him.
And I know for fact the car was never beaten on by the previous owner, I happen to be related to him.
01-30-2005, 01:14 AM
#22
Senior Member
Certified Car Nut
There are 4 other members in the mankato area who are willing to help you i bet. 
If you do wanna learn, A repair book teaches you what things do and how to fix/replace them. Best $20 I ever spent IMO.
If you do wanna learn, A repair book teaches you what things do and how to fix/replace them. Best $20 I ever spent IMO.
01-30-2005, 05:26 PM
#23
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I could just run over to Barnes&Noble and buy any old car repair book, but does someone have any recommended reading? A particular book/source that may prove more useful than others? All I need is a starting point. 
I do appreciate BonnevilleClub.com and I have used it on several occasions when I needed help, and for that I'm very appreciative of its members. I will admit I have learned things I didn't know about the Bonneville here. So I am glad that the forums are here.
I do appreciate BonnevilleClub.com and I have used it on several occasions when I needed help, and for that I'm very appreciative of its members. I will admit I have learned things I didn't know about the Bonneville here. So I am glad that the forums are here.
01-30-2005, 05:40 PM
#24
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I suggest a Chiltons. One thing to do is start off with really easy projects, dont try to change a water pump right away. Think of an engine like a big Lego model, only with more moving parts.
01-31-2005, 12:48 AM
#26
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Originally Posted by ssesc93
This is my third one.
The 97 I had was cool but still had some problems. $18,000
Purchased in January '01 I needed my ABS/traction control thingy changed in a month and it was bought with only 34,000 miles on it. I needed a rack and pinion(never got it)
I didnt need too much after that, BUT, when the warranty expired because of my mileage, I needed a water pump. Then my motor locks up. I had to pay almost $2000 for a usede motor and the labor. This was at 54,000 miles.
aFTER THIS, MY CAR didnt run the same until i purchased an extended warranty. I took it to the dealer and they fixed everything the car needed to be fixed like all the sensor were changed and the cat converter needed changing. Then the car gets totalled
My 1993 SSE SC White
Purchased in March of 2003 $3000
Needed a good wash oil change and interior cleaning.
eeded a crank sensor for a long time and didnt know what the problem was at first
Needed stabilizer links
Need a power steering pump
Needed both belts changed
Passenger side seat would flop back if I mashed on the accelorator and someone was leaned back in it
My lights were stuck on bright because the switch broke
rusty underneath
Back bumper was loose (Kenn AD Bear and acg ssei remembers this well lol)
Neeed a cat and o2 sensor, never purchased then taken away.
My present 1993 SSE SC green $300
Need tune up (major)
Needs a idler pully (bad)
Rear air ride is not working for some odd reason ( taking care of this now)
Needed a thermostat (changed already)
Need the recliner fixed (chair wont go back or forward)
Needs suspension (getting this soon)
I am still happy
The 97 I had was cool but still had some problems. $18,000
Purchased in January '01 I needed my ABS/traction control thingy changed in a month and it was bought with only 34,000 miles on it. I needed a rack and pinion(never got it)
I didnt need too much after that, BUT, when the warranty expired because of my mileage, I needed a water pump. Then my motor locks up. I had to pay almost $2000 for a usede motor and the labor. This was at 54,000 miles.
aFTER THIS, MY CAR didnt run the same until i purchased an extended warranty. I took it to the dealer and they fixed everything the car needed to be fixed like all the sensor were changed and the cat converter needed changing. Then the car gets totalled
My 1993 SSE SC White
Purchased in March of 2003 $3000
Needed a good wash oil change and interior cleaning.
eeded a crank sensor for a long time and didnt know what the problem was at first
Needed stabilizer links
Need a power steering pump
Needed both belts changed
Passenger side seat would flop back if I mashed on the accelorator and someone was leaned back in it
My lights were stuck on bright because the switch broke
rusty underneath
Back bumper was loose (Kenn AD Bear and acg ssei remembers this well lol)
Neeed a cat and o2 sensor, never purchased then taken away.
My present 1993 SSE SC green $300
Need tune up (major)
Needs a idler pully (bad)
Rear air ride is not working for some odd reason ( taking care of this now)
Needed a thermostat (changed already)
Need the recliner fixed (chair wont go back or forward)
Needs suspension (getting this soon)
I am still happy
01-31-2005, 10:25 AM
#28
I suggest the Chiltons as mentioned. If you find the Chiltons is too complicated, pick up a Haynes. They tend to be easier to read, but less detail. It might serve your purpose better just because it'* not as complex. There'* nothing wrong with not knowing, we'll help you get there! We all started from ground zero.
These are great cars and overall are reliable. The thing that I like most is that the 3800 is torquey and it'* one of the easiest cars I've ever worked on. It'* no match to a Ford Taurus, etc. I find myself proud to do the work myself, and eager to do another project because the repairs go quickly due to the easy access of the major and minor components.
Now, to go along with the rest of the thread.... I bought the 99 used from a dealer. A year later I discovered that it was a returned lease. Could have fooled me...it was in excellent shape. With 99K, all I've had to do is replace the upper intake manifold and lower intake gaskets. The only "fluke" thing that'* gone wrong is the heater core went out. Too involved for me so I hired it done. I also replaced the oil pan myself. I had a very small drip that bothered me (didn't even drip on the pavement, but just had the pan moist). Otherwise, it'* been the typical stuff....brakes, tune up, tires. Excellent car....good for at least another 150K.
These are great cars and overall are reliable. The thing that I like most is that the 3800 is torquey and it'* one of the easiest cars I've ever worked on. It'* no match to a Ford Taurus, etc. I find myself proud to do the work myself, and eager to do another project because the repairs go quickly due to the easy access of the major and minor components.
Now, to go along with the rest of the thread.... I bought the 99 used from a dealer. A year later I discovered that it was a returned lease. Could have fooled me...it was in excellent shape. With 99K, all I've had to do is replace the upper intake manifold and lower intake gaskets. The only "fluke" thing that'* gone wrong is the heater core went out. Too involved for me so I hired it done. I also replaced the oil pan myself. I had a very small drip that bothered me (didn't even drip on the pavement, but just had the pan moist). Otherwise, it'* been the typical stuff....brakes, tune up, tires. Excellent car....good for at least another 150K.
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