Top 20 1996 Oldsmobile Achieva Questions & Answers

You need a special tool.

the coil pack on the four cylinder is located under the metal cover on top of the engine. There are four bolts and one large connector on the drivers side. Once the cover is removed you will see the ignition coil housing, also common to fail. You will need to remove the housing to access the 2 coils. on the 6 cylinder the coils are mounted to a bracket near the back of the engine. Pretty easy to spot if you follow the spark plug wire to it. I’m happy to assist further over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/jeremy_d728a59f986299fa

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locate the A/C lines along the passenger side that go from the condenser to the firewall. the low side port is smaller than the high side port. you have to look at the ports to see the difference is size and they each should have a cap screwed on them to keep dirt out of port.

Yes or the run relay. Hold the palm of your hand over them all. You'll feel it tick when you turn the key to start. Swap it out $15 or less

it should set a code,if bad.

Check the dipstick and see if it looks milky, sounds like you may have a cracked head or blown head gasket. good luck

You either have a bad flasher or turn signal switch is broken.

The security light is a visual indication that something in the car's antitheft system is failing. In most GM cars and trucks there is a hidden system that most people are unaware even exists. From the moment you put your key in the ignition, there begins a constant line of communication between your key's security chip or transponder, to the ignition's lock cylinder, and then to the car's TDM (Theft Deterrent Module). These 3 parts are in CONSTANT communication. If the key is in the ignition, then these parts are sending signals to each other. The security light illuminates when that signal gets broken, even just for a second. When the signal breaks, the car misinterperates this as an attempt at theft and goes into antitheft mode. The car thinks its being stolen or hotwired because it is not getting that signal from YOUR specific key. This is why the security light turns on and shuts down your vehicle. This link explains it pretty well.http://vatspasslockpasskeysecurityhelp.yolasite.com/

Check for trouble codes. Smoke out where? out the exhaust? Do a compression test to check internal mechanical condition. Low compression would likely mean expensive engine repairs, no easy fixes. If the oil light comes on well before the engine loses power, have the oil pressure tested on a gauge. Low oil pressure could be a bad oil pump, worn crankshaft bearings, or a blockage in the oil passages throughout the engine, or a clogged pick-up tube and screen in the crankcase. How long do you want to keep whipping that achieva, Mark? Might be time to look for another pony !

check your valve cover gasket there my be oil getting on your plugs

check your alternator, if it idles really low then cuts off check your idle air control sensor and the wires plugged in to it. also check to see if the pcv valve needs to be changed

Click here to see thermostat removal guide.

There are lots of connectors that go nowhere in every modern car. The reason is this, there is but one wiring harness made for all models, not all cars built have the same electrical accessories or components but the connectors are there.

does it crank and not start. do you know if gas is going to the engine. is there a buzzing noise in the gas tank when you turn the key.do you have spark to the coil

Was the fuel system flushed of all old fuel ? do that. This included the lines and the filter and the fuel injectors. Use a product called "CHEMTOOL" it is made by Berrymans and available at any auto parts store.

It is possible to do it, But only if you no what your doing. It is nothing that a amature should try to do, I have ended up repairing more vehicles then i want to remeber where the ower try to do it them self. Dont mess with it, Unless you like to be hit with a big repatr bill.

This link shares 2 possible ways to bypass this yourself http://vatspasslockpasskeysecurityhelp.yolasite.com/

Filter or valve problem in the transmission. Transmissions also need regular fluid changes and filter changes and most people do not know this. You can do this yourself, or have someone do it.

just some things to check , there is a air bleeder located at the passenger side front of the engine just fallow one of the lines from the overflow container where you put antifreeze in and the one that goes across the engine changes from a rubber hose to a metal one , there is a small bolt with a nut under it - hold the not and loosen the bolt with the engine running if air comes out it's OK that's were it is trapped at just leave it open till water starts to come out close it wait for a few minutes and loosen it again till only water or antifreeze comes out then its finished the air trapped here will cause it to not cool properly assuming it's the 3.1 or 3100 V6 engine. The cooling fan I think comes on at about 235 degrees there is a relay for the fan to the passenger side or middle of the car next to the fan , a temp sensor by the thermostat and the fan is controlled by the computer as well, if you turn on the A/C after about 5 seconds or 10 the fan should come on even if you just started the car and is supposed to run the entire time the A/C is on. let me know if it helps :)