I test drove one a couple of weeks ago. What impressed me most were the interior material quality and fit and finish, unlike Buick and other peasant GM brands.
The new 3.6 V6 is a gem which accelerates strongly yet smoothly. Even if it has a little less torque than the 3.5, it's torque curve is practically flat, providing strength all over the RPM range, unlike the 3.5 which feels rather weak off the line. IMO, the 3.6 has the best of both the 3.8 and the 3.5.
The handling was very good, like the Intrigue's, but much smoother and quieter. The only real disappointments were the cramped rear seat and the hefty price tag.
You drove the top-of-the-line model. I drove the base which has the Series III 3.8L and it was about as smooth and powerful as my Intrigue. Too bad GM went back to making Traction Control optional! The reason I bought the 'Trig was because of the standard Trac, Anti-lock 4 wheel discs, etc. Paying $25+ for a Buick where this is optional makes no sense and will most likely keep me out of the GM family.
The LaCrosse looks like the natural evolution of the Intrigue IMHO, but the decontenting of the car turns me off....
Looked at the new Mustang yesterday, though I didn't take it out for a drive. Nice nostalgia machine, though.
I see Saturn dropped the L series last year and has just the Ion, Vue a minivan and now a coming roadster. Maybe the General should have killed off Saturn and concentrated on Olds.
42200 miles on my 98 base model, still looks new, but only "worth" about $3Gs.....Sheesh! May make a trip to Carmax to see what kind of offer they make, just to see for myself.
That's not a bad-looking car overall, though there are pieces of it that look like they're trying too hard. But I can't see myself ever having a Saturn. The billions GM pumped into that money-loser was what starved Olds and led to it's killing by GM. I'll never forgive them for that. Saturn should have been axed years ago.
Love the new Saturn Aura, if they keep it as shown. I have a 2003 Vue AWD V6, and it has been trouble free and a great ride. The Aura would make a nice replacement for the Intrigue someday perhaps.
vanman1...
"p.s. I'll take Vegas weather anyday. "
...well it is snowing now and we have snow near me in the mountains at low altitudes. I could've stayed in Illinois for this! LOL. My buddy in Chicago who took my snowblower when we relocated offerred to put it on the next plane out!
Top of line buick has nice engine, so so look, very cramp back seat and priced out of the range. Who wants to buy a buick when the same price can buy a loaded Chrysler 300? All those pricing strategy always had me scratching my head - big msrp to turn people off, offer tons of discount and incentive to bring them back in.
I drove a Dodge Magnum and although it made the right moves and sounds, the Mercedes DNA is awful. I've never seen a harsher and more stupid transmission. Then there's that ridiculous styling, but to each one's taste.
Not that I'm saying that GM sedan offerings are great, on the contrary. I consider myself orphaned by the domestic industry and a candidate to migrate to Japanese brands.
Aura, LaCrosse, Grand Prix, G6, 500, etc, are just so-so. Had the Mazda 6 a better and cheaper V6, were the Maxima styled better, had the Accord not got a Kia styling, were the Altima well built and better styled, I'd be in another forum. ;-) Right now, the only offerings I deem worth considering seriously are the G35 and the TL, except for the pricing. :-(
"Right now, the only offerings I deem worth considering seriously are the G35 and the TL, except for the pricing."
I pretty much agree although I'd add the TSX and Camry SE-V6 to the mix. I too have a problem with the Accord styling (mainly the rear end) but I drove one and it was "like buttah."
You should check your local Infiniti dealer for used G35s. The largest dealer in the midwest (Infiniti of Lisle) has over 40 used 03 and 04 G35s, most with less than 20,000 miles and priced in the mid-$20s. That's probably what I'll end up doing instead of spending $30K+ for a new one or mid-$20s for a new Accord or Camry.
The TSX is way too small and the engine lacks torque and refinement, as any souped up I4. The Camry now has a decent V6, but its styling is too bland to stomach.
I've heard that Acura did a bad job controlling torque steer in the TL, but I'll hold final judgment until I drive one.
Your suggestion about an used G35 is not bad at all. Might be my way to go in a few years, when I'm in the market again.
Well, the TSX is small compared to the INTRIGUE but that's not a concern for me. I probably wouldn't be happy with a 4 after enjoying the low end torque of the INTRIGUE V6 but a manual tranny would offset that a little.
I'm sure many would call the INTRIGUE styling bland also. With a spoiler and 17" wheels, the Camry SE looks fine, imo.
It's pretty hard to keep a discussion going on a car that's been out of production for 3 model years. I predict in another year, if not before, this discussion will be comatose, if not dead altogether.
True, the Intrigue doesn't have the most audacious styling around.
When I was shopping for a new car I was treated by salesmen at a Toyota dealer as though they were doing me a big favor selling me a car, expecting me to kiss the sole of their shoes so they would think I was worthy of a Camry. Not for me... :-)
But I have to say that this is the most active forum I subscribe to, although the other forums are about production cars! I have to wonder if the Intrigue will make a valuable classic one day, given the passionate, if small, following.
The service i got for my intrigue at GM dealerships were much better than i got from Ford. Even though GM still requires lot of improvment. Buy you are right that the attitude at many import dealerships are so arrogant! But their strategy seem to work as many people from them anyway. Perhaps it's quality that sells cars and not attitude?
Just about to hit 49,000 miles and 4 years on the Intrigue with only a couple problems. Seems that we've been plagued with the dirty gas sold by some stations in WI that has clogged the injectors. After a couple of tanks of gas with additives the rough starts have continued. We'll bring her in for a cleaning at the dealer and if an injector is bad, they'll have to replace it under the 5 Year/60,000 mile warranty.
Our rattle is in the front of the car and seems to be the splash guards by the tires. The plastic screws that hold it in place aren't made to tighten down and there's way to much play in them. If that doesn't fix it we'll have them look at the struts and tie rods that have already been replaced once.
Handling, smooth acceleration, gas mileage and good looks still are a winner with this car. Will be looking for a replacement sometime next year when the warranty is about to expire.
And the same goes for safety options, as ABS, disk brakes, etc, which used to be standard equipment in many GM cars, yet people have been buying some imports without them by drones. The Intrigue, where only amenities were optional and disk brakes, ABS, V6 engine, etc, were standard. I guess that PT Barnum underestimated. :-D
List price on an Allure 3.6L CXS is very comparable to what our Intrigue GL listed at in 2000. The Allure also has leather and On Star added so I think it's a heck of a car for the money, especially if some incentives are added in later during the summer. I can see buying one to replace our Intrigue some day.
Is it only on hot starts? If so, look to the fuel pressure regulator. If cold starts are bad too, then could something else. FPR are notorious for going bad and causing, at first, warm/hot start problems. Easy to check if you know where it is; just pop off the vacuum line and if there is fuel present, it's bad. $90 at O'Reilly's and takes all of five minutes to replace.
Know what you mean about Toyota. Got the attitude deluxe from salesman; shot back with the old "Japanese Buick" line. That really ruffled his feathers. When the tranny went in our Intrigue we shopped around; not really "intrigued" by what's available. Strangely enough, I think the 2006 Impala might be a legitimate contender (based solely on photos/specs from internet). Chevy is showing the updated 2006 Impala and Monte Carlo at the NAIAS this week. SS version even has a 300 hp 5.3 V-8 as standard equipment. If they fixed the interior (current version is just about the worst I have seen) we might have to take a look in a year or so (when the Silverado is paid for). That said, I'm not getting my hopes up too high.
It's only on cold starts and since we're in AZ it's not because of the temps. We'll have it scoped and then the injectors cleaned. Just to be sure we'll have the FPR regulator checked, too.
We were recently quoted $7600 to trade-in our Intrigue on a new Grand Marquis. We'll sell private party to get the additional $$$ lost on trading in with a dealer.
The only thing i don't like is the engine - an old Duratec V6. A volvo platform for precision driving, all wheel drive and huge luggage area are what impress me. May look at one when they come out with a new 3.5 in couple years.
That 3.0 DOHC V6 is definitely not in the same league as the Intrigue's. If only they'd put the version with variable cam timing found in the Jaguar...
If it's only on cold starts, is the "Service Engine Soon" light on? It might be a bad camshaft or crankshaft sensor gone bad. The crankshaft sensor is known to go out prematurely in the 3.5 V6.
Apparently a 250hp version of the 3.6L is going into the Saturn Aura so that might be another alternative for Intrigue owners. It's a touch smaller of a car but the Aura itself looks fantastic and is set to come out next summer (2006).
I don't care how good the Aura is supposed to be, it's a Saturn and that's not a good thing in my mind. Besides, no Olds aficionado should ever do business with Saturn since GM's infatuation with pouring billions into that sinkhole is one of the reasons Olds is no more. I'd rather buy a Ford.
Our 2001 GL spent the night at the dealer so they could cold start it. The scope showed a Code P 0300 and they said that it was the 1st injector that was not firing. They replaced the injector and it would have cost $300 for the job which included a rental car overnight if it hadn't been under warranty. They wanted us to spend another $320 to get a complete fuel system cleaning but at only 48,000 miles we passed. With 80% of our driving on highways, there should be no reason to get that done. We'll see how it fires up tomorrow morning. Rental car was a 2004 Pontiac Grand Am....Yuck. Glad to get the Intrigue back.
jjpowell, you live in Wisconsin at least part of the year, right? Are you aware of the ongoing problems with the EPA-mandated reformulated gas and fuel injector contamination issues in the Milwaukee area?
I know lots of folks who are having this issue, thankfully not me. Strongly suggest you put some Chevron Techron (about $6 at AutoZone) in your fuel tank every 3k miles or so...
Yes, we do live in WI but far from the areas reported in the papers. We've been following the story with interest since last year, but none of the gas has been tested way up north where we live. We try to only get gas at Shell, Chevron or Quik Trip as they have the best ratings. Our car fired up smooth this morning with the new injector. We'll continue to run a bottle of Techron Cleaner through the system each month. It has been shown that the majority of reports of bad injectors has been GM cars. Seems odd, but it's probably just another "design characteristic". LOL.
In my mind Saturn or Olds both = GM in the end. Yes I am sad the Olds name died (I really do love my Oldsmobiles past and present), but holding a grudge against Saturn makes no sense to me either.
The Aura looks hot (much like I remember the Intrigue looking to me 5-6 years ago) and coupled with that sweet 3.6L Caddy motor and a six speed, I think it may be my next car.
If I didn't see a plan ahead for Saturn I would agree but essentially Saturn will be an import fighting division with rebadged Opels which makes sense and keeps costs down. Nice to say but after seeing the product, I now am a believer. The kind of Saturn prejudice you speak would have stopped me from buying an OLDSmobile 5 years ago with me saying it's an old mans car.
Saturn is well known for their no negotiation price, would you consider buying it at list price? I was considering buying the Ls300 when i purchased my intrigue, but got turn off by its sticker price. Their new 2 seats sport car also look hot.
In the mid-late 90's there was a plan ahead for Oldsmobile too. It was to be the import-fighting division of GM. Sound familiar?
Perception is everything, as you say. Saturn's perception right now is, for me, about as low as you can get. I would seriously consider a Hyundai or even a Kia before a Saturn.
Two problems cropped up on my Intrigue this week that were recently discussed here, the turn signal and trim issues. This has overall been a great car for me. I have an 00 GLS with 52K now. I hope to drive it at least 3 more years.
I went to the NAIAS yesterday(in Detroit). I have to say that I was quite dissapointed in the LaCrosse. They had a base and midlevel model on display. I found the interior of both vehicles to be substandard. The back seat was a bit cramped. The faux wood trim was hideous. The center stack looks like it doesn't even belong in the vehicle. The seats were comfortable, though. Too bad. I had this pegged as a replacement for my trigue until yesterday.
I loved the Maxima and CTS. The freshened up Altima was pretty sweet too. All the various Taurus replacements have nice interiors. I would have liked to have gotten a closer look at the 06 Impala, I hope they don't screw up the interior on that one. It is a sweet looking car-especially the SS!!
"I loved the Maxima..." I recently read that to replace the headlight bulb in the Maxima requires bumper removal at a labor cost of about $250. Wonder what genius designed that?
ab348 :: You would take a Hyundai Sonota or whatever over a 250hp Aura?? Wow.. better you than me.
Focus :: If it's a fair price sure. Lets face it though, one price is the motto, but cash backs and interest rate incentives are also available at Saturn.
Martypa :: I have a 2000 GL. I hope to keep it another 3-4 years. It's been a good car but it need new tires and a transmission fluid change. I am trying to hold off till March, too many expenses this month.
Thanks for the reply. Secondary air pump? Interesting. So...it's perfectly normal for the car to have a whiny, turbine sound for anywhere between 10 to 60 seconds?
I have to agree with you on Saturn. It's not a car I'd ever own. I've only known a few people who owned one, but none were very impressed.
One of the biggest drawbacks about the Saturn is that many of the parts are proprietary. You can get them only at Saturn. I'm not sure about now, but a few years ago you had to buy the spark plugs from saturn and Saturn only. And they weren't cheap!
I'd never own one. Period. End of discussion. Never!
I too would not buy a Saturn with the current product line and quality, but GM is aggressively trying to send the brand upstream.
They actually want it to fill the niche that the demise of Oldsmobile opened up. This means a huge leap in terms of build quality and reliability. Have you seen the Saturn Sky concept? It's supposed to be an upscale Pontiac Solstice!
Seeing the Sky and the Aura concepts, I'm eager to see just what GM does with Saturn in the next 2 to 3 years and I hope for the best. Seeing as this is a sort of renaissance, it's way too soon to discount the line now.
Interesting observation. If it's true that saturn uses only proprietary parts, i wouldn't buy them at all; i hate seeing dealers rob you blind when you are in trouble.
When Saturn had their own unique engines and chassis, I can see that their parts were "proprietary". Now that they have Delta, Epsilon, and Theta cars, and corporate GM engines, I would imagine that it's no longer the case.
Personally I don't see any difference between Saturn and GM, all the same stuff and becoming more so than before. 2.2L Ecotec, 3.5L V6 and the 2.0L Ecotec are all from mother GM. Only the 3.5L in the VUE is unique and it's made by Honda.
Personally, I love that Saturn will have good cars. I never would have looked before but the Aura and Sky certainly have my attention. The top ranked customer service would be just what closes the deal for many and maybe even myself some day!
Every Northstar V8 I've driven makes this noise shortly after start-up. I wasn't suprised to hear my Intrigue make the same noise, since the 3.5 V6 "Shortstar" is a derivative of the Northstar.
The noise isn't and shouldn't be very loud. In one Deville I drove, it sounded like a blender was running in the engine compartment for those few seconds the pump was running. The dealer ended up replacing the pump with a new one and it sounded just like the others - a soft turbine whirr.
As opposed to the primary air intake system which is the air filter and box, intake air duct, the throttle body, the intake manifold, etc.
The secondary air injection (AIR) system helps reduce exhaust emissions. The system forces fresh filtered air into the exhaust stream in order to accelerate catalyst operation. You may hear it called a smog pump in some circles.
The AIR pump supplies filtered air through the secondary air injection system into the exhaust stream via a network of plumbing hoses/pipes.
For instance, an AIR shut off valve is mounted near the right side of the front head, between it and the air filter box. There is one for the other bank mounted at the end of its head just under the coolant recovery tank. And many other plumbing bits and solonoids to control those shut off valves.
The pump is located down and behind the driver side headlight and in front on the pastic fender linner near the bottom. It is the size of a large coffee can with associated hoses going to and fro to the manifolds. It sounds like a whirr from a home central vac line and whines down in the same manner. It may sound like a small vacuum cleaner/shop vac. due to bad bearings. There is a small fine mesh filter for the air pump supply. It is just behind the headlamp assembly and is about an 1 1\2 inch diameter and two inches long held onto a hose by a ty-rap.
The pump is what GM blames for flickering headlights, because of its initial currant draw in access of 40 amps to get the puppy started. However, unless the computer calls for it to turn off and on about 20 times in rapid succession, as usual a cop-out. I've pulled the fuse to the air pump and flicker was still present.
Both my parents have Buick Centurys - Dad a 97 Custom and Mom an 03 standard. While detailing their cars this weekend, I noticed quite a few throw-back features in what is supposed to be a division that is/was upscale from Olds.
1. The cruise control is the old turn signal stalk mounted unit from the 70s with the slide switch to turn on and the button on the end to set.
2. No inside fuel door release.
3. No "button" inside the gas door to hold the cap tether.
4. 3.1L V6 (!)
5. Inside trunk release located in the glove box.
6. No in-glass radio antenna.
7. No tach - but what typical Buick owner needs to know how many revs they're pulling?
8. Wheel covers!
I was surprised to see how de-contented these Centurys are! After all, Olds was placed just under Buick in the GM food chain and we got more standard and modern features for less money.
I haven't seen the inside of a Regal, so I don't know what, if any, Olds-style features it has. Sad that we couldn't have gotten a Supercharged 3.8 Intrigue when GM was cranking out the Regal GS and Grand Prix GTP with this motor.
Comments
The new 3.6 V6 is a gem which accelerates strongly yet smoothly. Even if it has a little less torque than the 3.5, it's torque curve is practically flat, providing strength all over the RPM range, unlike the 3.5 which feels rather weak off the line. IMO, the 3.6 has the best of both the 3.8 and the 3.5.
The handling was very good, like the Intrigue's, but much smoother and quieter. The only real disappointments were the cramped rear seat and the hefty price tag.
The LaCrosse looks like the natural evolution of the Intrigue IMHO, but the decontenting of the car turns me off....
Looked at the new Mustang yesterday, though I didn't take it out for a drive. Nice nostalgia machine, though.
I see Saturn dropped the L series last year and has just the Ion, Vue a minivan and now a coming roadster. Maybe the General should have killed off Saturn and concentrated on Olds.
42200 miles on my 98 base model, still looks new, but only "worth" about $3Gs.....Sheesh! May make a trip to Carmax to see what kind of offer they make, just to see for myself.
Deke
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
It is a simple unbolt and replace procedure because they have a tool that holds the correct timing.
Surprisingly the 3.6L is a little on the noisy side. It has got bags of low and mid range torque.
My 4200 lb SRX is definitely quicker than the Intrigue was. 5 speed auto/manual is very cool.
I would say 0-60 is 7.2 secs. Intrigue was 7.8-8.0 secs, and you can feel the difference.
GM has not publicized this but there were several improvements to the '05 3.6L to quiet down the valvetrain. Timing chain cover, valve cover, etc.
Saturn Aura is kind of cool. Looks a little like Mazda 6.
Lacrosse is interesting, but why redesign and have a small backseat? Not sure that it is heir apparent to the Intrigue.
Impala is selling like crazy and it is not even a very good car.
In my opinion the Chrysler 300 is 3-4 times more car than any of the GM mid size/large offerings.
AND IT IS PRICED CORRECTLY.
vanman1...
"p.s. I'll take Vegas weather anyday. "
...well it is snowing now and we have snow near me in the mountains at low altitudes. I could've stayed in Illinois for this! LOL. My buddy in Chicago who took my snowblower when we relocated offerred to put it on the next plane out!
MSRPs that are closer to what the cars are selling for now, with a 1-2K pad to allow for incentives if times get bad.
A fully loaded Impala should be 26K instead of 29K,etc.
There is no perceived value in a car that lists for 29K but is sold for 22-23K.
Not that I'm saying that GM sedan offerings are great, on the contrary. I consider myself orphaned by the domestic industry and a candidate to migrate to Japanese brands.
Aura, LaCrosse, Grand Prix, G6, 500, etc, are just so-so. Had the Mazda 6 a better and cheaper V6, were the Maxima styled better, had the Accord not got a Kia styling, were the Altima well built and better styled, I'd be in another forum.
;-)Right now, the only offerings I deem worth considering seriously are the G35 and the TL, except for the pricing.:-(I pretty much agree although I'd add the TSX and Camry SE-V6 to the mix. I too have a problem with the Accord styling (mainly the rear end) but I drove one and it was "like buttah."
You should check your local Infiniti dealer for used G35s. The largest dealer in the midwest (Infiniti of Lisle) has over 40 used 03 and 04 G35s, most with less than 20,000 miles and priced in the mid-$20s. That's probably what I'll end up doing instead of spending $30K+ for a new one or mid-$20s for a new Accord or Camry.
I've heard that Acura did a bad job controlling torque steer in the TL, but I'll hold final judgment until I drive one.
Your suggestion about an used G35 is not bad at all. Might be my way to go in a few years, when I'm in the market again.
I'm sure many would call the INTRIGUE styling bland also. With a spoiler and 17" wheels, the Camry SE looks fine, imo.
It's pretty hard to keep a discussion going on a car that's been out of production for 3 model years. I predict in another year, if not before, this discussion will be comatose, if not dead altogether.
When I was shopping for a new car I was treated by salesmen at a Toyota dealer as though they were doing me a big favor selling me a car, expecting me to kiss the sole of their shoes so they would think I was worthy of a Camry. Not for me...
:-)But I have to say that this is the most active forum I subscribe to, although the other forums are about production cars! I have to wonder if the Intrigue will make a valuable classic one day, given the passionate, if small, following.
Our rattle is in the front of the car and seems to be the splash guards by the tires. The plastic screws that hold it in place aren't made to tighten down and there's way to much play in them. If that doesn't fix it we'll have them look at the struts and tie rods that have already been replaced once.
Handling, smooth acceleration, gas mileage and good looks still are a winner with this car. Will be looking for a replacement sometime next year when the warranty is about to expire.
:-DWe were recently quoted $7600 to trade-in our Intrigue on a new Grand Marquis. We'll sell private party to get the additional $$$ lost on trading in with a dealer.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
http://www.jsonline.com/search/results.asp?searchtype=jso&Key- words=fuel+injector
I know lots of folks who are having this issue, thankfully not me. Strongly suggest you put some Chevron Techron (about $6 at AutoZone) in your fuel tank every 3k miles or so...
--Robert
The Aura looks hot (much like I remember the Intrigue looking to me 5-6 years ago) and coupled with that sweet 3.6L Caddy motor and a six speed, I think it may be my next car.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
Perception is everything, as you say. Saturn's perception right now is, for me, about as low as you can get. I would seriously consider a Hyundai or even a Kia before a Saturn.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
I went to the NAIAS yesterday(in Detroit). I have to say that I was quite dissapointed in the LaCrosse. They had a base and midlevel model on display. I found the interior of both vehicles to be substandard. The back seat was a bit cramped. The faux wood trim was hideous. The center stack looks like it doesn't even belong in the vehicle. The seats were comfortable, though. Too bad. I had this pegged as a replacement for my trigue until yesterday.
I loved the Maxima and CTS. The freshened up Altima was pretty sweet too. All the various Taurus replacements have nice interiors. I would have liked to have gotten a closer look at the 06 Impala, I hope they don't screw up the interior on that one. It is a sweet looking car-especially the SS!!
Focus :: If it's a fair price sure. Lets face it though, one price is the motto, but cash backs and interest rate incentives are also available at Saturn.
Martypa :: I have a 2000 GL. I hope to keep it another 3-4 years. It's been a good car but it need new tires and a transmission fluid change. I am trying to hold off till March, too many expenses this month.
Unusual.
I feel better now knowing it's nothing major!
Thanks!
One of the biggest drawbacks about the Saturn is that many of the parts are proprietary. You can get them only at Saturn. I'm not sure about now, but a few years ago you had to buy the spark plugs from saturn and Saturn only. And they weren't cheap!
I'd never own one. Period. End of discussion. Never!
I wouldn't say perfectly normal. My Intrigue doesn't do this.
I too would not buy a Saturn with the current product line and quality, but GM is aggressively trying to send the brand upstream.
They actually want it to fill the niche that the demise of Oldsmobile opened up. This means a huge leap in terms of build quality and reliability. Have you seen the Saturn Sky concept? It's supposed to be an upscale Pontiac Solstice!
Seeing the Sky and the Aura concepts, I'm eager to see just what GM does with Saturn in the next 2 to 3 years and I hope for the best. Seeing as this is a sort of renaissance, it's way too soon to discount the line now.
My $.02
--Robert
Personally, I love that Saturn will have good cars. I never would have looked before but the Aura and Sky certainly have my attention. The top ranked customer service would be just what closes the deal for many and maybe even myself some day!
The noise isn't and shouldn't be very loud. In one Deville I drove, it sounded like a blender was running in the engine compartment for those few seconds the pump was running. The dealer ended up replacing the pump with a new one and it sounded just like the others - a soft turbine whirr.
TIA
its a Secondary air intake, pump.
As opposed to the primary air intake system which is the air filter and box, intake air duct, the throttle body, the intake manifold, etc.
The secondary air injection (AIR) system helps reduce exhaust emissions. The system forces fresh filtered air into the exhaust stream in order to accelerate catalyst operation. You may hear it called a smog pump in some circles.
The AIR pump supplies filtered air through the secondary air injection system into the exhaust stream via a network of plumbing hoses/pipes.
For instance, an AIR shut off valve is mounted near the right side of the front head, between it and the air filter box. There is one for the other bank mounted at the end of its head just under the coolant recovery tank. And many other plumbing bits and solonoids to control those shut off valves.
The pump is located down and behind the driver side headlight and in front on the pastic fender linner near the bottom. It is the size of a large coffee can with associated hoses going to and fro to the manifolds. It sounds like a whirr from a home central vac line and whines down in the same manner. It may sound like a small vacuum cleaner/shop vac. due to bad bearings. There is a small fine mesh filter for the air pump supply. It is just behind the headlamp assembly and is about an 1 1\2 inch diameter and two inches long held onto a hose by a ty-rap.
The pump is what GM blames for flickering headlights, because of its initial currant draw in access of 40 amps to get the puppy started. However, unless the computer calls for it to turn off and on about 20 times in rapid succession, as usual a cop-out. I've pulled the fuse to the air pump and flicker was still present.
Cheers hope you have a clearer picture.
;-)Thanks a bunch.
1. The cruise control is the old turn signal stalk mounted unit from the 70s with the slide switch to turn on and the button on the end to set.
2. No inside fuel door release.
3. No "button" inside the gas door to hold the cap tether.
4. 3.1L V6 (!)
5. Inside trunk release located in the glove box.
6. No in-glass radio antenna.
7. No tach - but what typical Buick owner needs to know how many revs they're pulling?
8. Wheel covers!
I was surprised to see how de-contented these Centurys are! After all, Olds was placed just under Buick in the GM food chain and we got more standard and modern features for less money.
I haven't seen the inside of a Regal, so I don't know what, if any, Olds-style features it has. Sad that we couldn't have gotten a Supercharged 3.8 Intrigue when GM was cranking out the Regal GS and Grand Prix GTP with this motor.
Deke