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Oldsmobile Aurora

5876 messages,  Last post on Mar 23, 2012 at 3:08 PM

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What is this discussion about? Oldsmobile Aurora, Sedan



Messages Page 585 of 588

#5837 of 5876 Revival In This Forum by pscheid

Jun 16, 2008 (6:32 am)

It's nice to see a recent uptick in Aurora discussions on this forum. I have not contributed much lately.....because nothing has broken or has worn out! But I follow the issues because sooner or later I myself will be back researching a particular issue that crops up.
 
My 98 Black/Graphite Autobahn is approaching 96,000 miles, purchased used 7/98 with 12K, a dealer manager's car. Recent circumstances have put me on the commute trail, and I've put 14,000 miles on the car since November, most of which has been since mid January. It is a pleasure to relax (if you can do that around Boston area traffic) in the car and enjoy it as far more than 4 wheels and transportation.
 
On the topic of fuel mileage, since that seems to be front and center on everyone's minds these days. Pure city: 18 with a soft pedal. Pure highway: 26-28 at 55-65 on cruise. And 22-24 mixed 75% highway/25% rush hour stop and go.
 
For the first time in my life (since November), I have succumbed to rapidly rising fuel costs and have downgraded from "premium only 91-93" to "midgrade 89," and for the past 5 months "regular 87" octane. Fuel economy over the past 14,000 miles making essentially the same drive over the same roads at the same speeds albeit with temperature changes has resulted in absolutely no deterioration in fuel economy. There has been no pinging or knocking: the sensor to retard spark and accommodate the lower grade fuel is doing it's job nicely. The worst highway fuel economy on cruise was 24.5 mpg with 800 pounds of passengers and 150 pounds of luggage at 70 mph on a trip to NH. The car is on the original spark plugs and ignition wires. No fuel additives. Just fuel injection services at 40,000 and 80,000 miles if my memory serves me correctly.
 
Everyone spends their money differently. Everyone has a different "worry" threshold driving an older car. Not all of us have had the advantage of owning our cars as long and for as many miles as I have and know exactly what has been done to the car and when from a maintenance standpoint, or how it has been driven. Personally, I'd rate myself as a conservative driver (fuel economy) with a few blasts to 110+ mph per week. I tend to wear out the edges of my tires quicker than some because I have an affinity for exit ramps at speed.
 
I have not avoided some of the bigger ticket repairs (vs. maintenance) that had to be done: radiator, water pump, and the idler pulley/tensioner. But I voluntarily replaced the a/c compressor, thermostat, and alternator because in the midst of one repair it was cost effective to perform the latter. The labor (disassembly) to do one thing made it cost effective to do the other at the same time. I have been fortunate to have a local mechanic who is batting a perfect 1.000 on repairs.
 
I am on the original ignition and am riding on the original suspension.....items on the to do list. What doesn't work right now? The fuel gauge sender is wacky from 7 gallons left to empty (I watch the gallons used in the control center) and the dog has broken the directional control on the center console mounted rear air vent. I have followed the maintenance schedule to the letter, no more, no less.
 
When we wonder whether it is worth it to put $3,500 into a car blue-booked at $3,500 (pick a number), we have to weigh the cost of getting into a new(er) ride WITH THE SAME COMFORT, RELIABILITY, PERFORMANCE, FEATURES, AND PRACTICALITY. Newer car = higher insurance costs, higher exise taxes (Taxachussetts), a killer depreciation expense, and whatever financing costs are incurred. The overall savings driving the Olds keep me driving what I've got. I figure I am money ahead. But that's just me.
 
As long as my Aurora fulfills my fun and reliability requirements and still gets the complimentary questions: "What kind of car is that? It's how old?!?!?!" I'm keeping it.
 
Jack

#5838 of 5876 Part # for Steering Wheel Lights - 2001 Aurora by spiritsroam

Jun 16, 2008 (6:43 am)

Hey all - does anyone know the Part # to order replacement steering wheel lights (temp, volume, etc.) for a 2001 Aurora? If you don't know the GM part number, I'd also welcome any other replacement suggestions. Would Advance Auto (or similar) be a good place to look for these small bulbs?
 
I appreciate your help. I've been pressing the wrong buttons and would love to see them at night again!
 
- Dave

#5839 of 5876 Re: Part # for Steering Wheel Lights - 2001 Aurora [spiritsroam] by pscheid

Jun 24, 2008 (7:27 am)

Replying to: spiritsroam (Jun 16, 2008 6:43 am)
Dave,
 
I get my stuff from the local Cadillac dealer.
 
Jack

#5840 of 5876 Re: Back from the dead...or storage, at least [stickking1] by justmereally

Aug 07, 2008 (12:18 pm)

Replying to: stickking1 (May 17, 2008 7:00 pm)
stickking1,
 
Nice looking Aurora. I have a '96, pearl colored and she is a great car.
 
I don't suppose you have any detailed instructions about replacing the master cylinder. (You talked about it in the post) I am pretty sure I am going to have to get mine replaced, I am just hopeful that I may be able to perform the job myself.
 
Thanks,
 
Brian

#5841 of 5876 Re: Back from the dead...or storage, at least [justmereally] by patsmaley

Aug 07, 2008 (2:19 pm)

Replying to: justmereally (Aug 07, 2008 12:18 pm)
im sorry but i havent done that yet i sorry im no help but ty

#5842 of 5876 Sometimes doesnt Start-security key>? by aurand210

Sep 09, 2008 (1:05 pm)

My car is being weird. I have a 2001 Old's Aurora and have had this problems for months. The one mechanic thinks that it might be something to do with the security key. maybe once a week it will do this I put key in ignition and turn and nothing happens. All my gadgets come on and have even replaced the battery. I wait maybe at the most a minute try again and then it will start......???

#5843 of 5876 Re: Sometimes doesnt Start-security key>? [aurand210] by pscheid

Sep 12, 2008 (4:48 am)

Replying to: aurand210 (Sep 09, 2008 1:05 pm)
The primary ignition keys (two keys and two keyless entry "remotes") for the car have a security chip in them, and perhaps yours is acting up (since the car eventually starts). Try using your second primary ignition key that came with the car. If the car doesn't act up with the second, you have found your problem.
 
I'd do a search on this forum. Bet you are not the only one who has had this problem.
 
Jack

#5844 of 5876 Shift button to shift from park sticking by donnapaca

Nov 22, 2008 (11:58 pm)

I know you have to depress brake, however sometime the button will not press in to allow you to shift out of park. Where do you need to lube to keep the button from sticking. I have a 95 aurora.
After depressing brake hard multiple times, I can eventually get the button to depress to allow shifting, but wanted to lube so I don't keep having this problem.

#5845 of 5876 trans fluid life? by brinwood

Dec 31, 2008 (10:45 am)

My great running '97 Aurora has 121K on the odometer. The transmission fluid life indicator still reads 100%. Is this common or just my car? No other electrical problems or screwy readouts.
 
The drive axles do vibrate above 68 mph; at least nothing else could be doing the vibes. front end is tight, wheels and tires balances, bearings good, (it keeps me from speeding) !

#5846 of 5876 Re: trans fluid life? [brinwood] by blk97aurora

Dec 31, 2008 (5:08 pm)

Replying to: brinwood (Dec 31, 2008 10:45 am)
Brinwood,
 
I have owned my '97 for over nine years and followed posts on Edmunds and other boards. I have never seen anyone report trans fluid life less than 100%.
 
Are your tires/wheels balanced accurately? I had a vibration problem with a set of W-rated tires that were balanced at what I considered a reputable tire store. Because Auroras are very sensitive to tire balance and stiffness, I took my car to a front-end shop that has a Hunter road-force balance machine. Turns out road force was fine -- the measurements on my four wheel/tire assemblies ranged from 2 to 9; the shop guy said he had never seen such low (good) measurements. If the numbers are 27 or higher, they will remount the tires on the wheels to match high and low spots.
 
The problem turned out to be bad balance -- one wheel/tire was off by 3/4 ounce.
 
Hope this helps.
 
Les

Messages Page 585 of 588

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