Oldsmobile Aurora

javidogg

I started noticing that my Aurora's horn sometimes won't work.

I'm thinking about taking it to the dealer for a check up.

Never had this problem before.

Peace.

aurora5000

the view from the rear is like this:

2001-4.0 No trunk insert- No chrome exhaust tips.

2002-4.0 No trunk insert- Chrome exhaust tips.

2003-4.0 Trunk insert-Chrome exhaust tips.

rjs200240

yeah, that's exactly right. You can tell the 4.0's apart by year. Same with the 3.5's. 2001, no chrome tips. 2002, chrome tips. 2003, didn't exist.

The only tricky part is from a distance telling a 2003 4.0 from a 2002 3.5... Unless you see the wheels or can read the badge, there is really nothing to tip you off. They both have the trunk insert and chrome tips. I guess you could look for 235's instead of 225's, but that'd be some trick.

libertycat

Both very clean with the exterior sporty and the interior luxurious with beautiful leather and plentiful rich-looking wood trim. I have one Olds question. When did Oldsmobile switch from the rocket badge to their modern one (which I don't like as much)? I know it was around 1995-1997.

Henry

IF GM had the ad team that came up the the Asteriods commercial for Hummer at Olds, maybe the brand would still be around. That was the first good ad for a GM product that I can remember.

Henri

libertycat

What a sad moto; I feel so sorry for Olds current advertising team.

rocket3_50

I've decided to remove the adhesive pin striping along the shoulders of the car and the short black vinyl door guards, both originally added by the dealer. Just my personal preference, not a comment on the way others want their car to look. I've never been accused of having style or good taste.

Anyway, the dealer advises that I can just grab both and tug. They will come right off. He claims that there's no chance of damage to the paint, and that any adhesive left on the paint can be removed with a little paste wax and rubbing. Has anyone else done this? I really don't want to make a problem with the paint finish. Please let me know if you have first hand experience removing these two items.

Thanks,
Ken

kayaman420

Im sure it probably wont hurt or the peel the paint itself, but what I would be worried about is the color difference. The paint under the stripes has never seen the sun so it might look different than the paint that has been exposed for a few years.

http://members.cardomain.com/kayaman420

larryfl

I removed stripes from a car I owned many, many years ago with a blow dryer. The idea is to heat up the adhesive before removing. It worked well at the time.

rjs200240

My car just turned 20,000 yesterday. It was pretty exciting. I've been driving the car more aggressively lately as I've been driving on a fair amount of backroads and get out of work so late the traffic is gone. It's really a fun car. While it certainly won't set any records on the track, it is quite enjoyable to toss around. I've had the stability control kick in twice now and both times were on dry sunny days.

gisom

I drove to St. Louis Mo. last tuesday down I55 from chicago area and saw 6 classics and 3 new auroras on the road. A couple of years ago, you probably saw one maybe the whole trip. That aurora was cruising at 85 all the way and it just loves that highway driving. The most popular color was champagne for the classics 4 out of 6. The new ones was like a gray.

fdion1

Somebody mentionned the limited space in their series 2 aurora to go play golf. Somewhat surprised by this, as I just came back from camping with my wife and 2 daughters. With 4 in the car, you have space for 1 package between the rear passengers and that is it, so I had to figure a way to make everything fit in the trunk.

I was able to put:
4 large folding chairs
a 3 room coleman tent
2 single and a double sleeping bag
2 comforters
1 inflatable mattress and 12v air pump
1 portable propane stove/grill/skillet
1 tripod w/grill for camp fire
1 waffle grill
1 french coffee press
1 set of pots/pans/plates/cups
2 small pillows
3 backpacks with clothes
1 large 12v cooler w/food for many days
1 110v/12v adapter for cooler
1 bag for dry food/condiments/bread etc
1 bag for personal care stuff incl/ hair dryer
2 ponchos/2 raincoats (laying flat, with the rest on top)
1 umbrella
2 fans
3 lamps
1 toolkit incl/axe and hammer
rope
extension cord
adapters
dvd movies
4 towels
4 pair of shoes
2 pair of hiking boots
8 propane bottles (used only 2 and a half)
Many books (the Bible of course, and things like guidebooks to mushrooms, hiking trail guides and the like).

I think that is it for the trunk, but I'm sure I'm forgetting something. I also have permanently installed in the trunk a triple 12v outlet (always on) and a 12v->110v converter, great for camping. It takes a little bit of space, but barely. I dont have a CD changer which helps.

Also put a cooler for the drinks between the girls and set up the laptop in the back for them to be able to watch a movie. GPS antenna on the fron dash and ipaq to guide us and this was a successfull camping experience.

The car was covered with bugs tough. That front end (white too) is just begging for it (with the license plate cover in place, NC doesn't require a front plate). Just finished cleaning that, quite a workout. I wonder if there is a special wax coating I can use that would make this easier to clean?

What is interesting is that most people had no more stuff than we had but had big bags on top of their SUV or minivans. Some of them actually had less space than we had. Why do they make these very short wheelbase minivans and SUV?

I couldn't have done it even if I wanted (I didn't because it makes too much noise) since there are no roof racks that can be adapted to the series 2 aurora. I do have a class 3 receiver on which I can attach a carrier if I wanted to bring more stuff (or a bike rack) but I'm glad I didn't. Beside, I dont think I would have needed to bring anything else.

Ah, yes, I did cheat somewhat by putting my area heater (great for warming up at 6:30 am in the mountain) in the engine compartment, next to the MAF (just the part that screws on top of a propane bottle).

To conclude, I just passed 43K and everything is groovy, including my Pilot Sport AS (which as some might remember had given me many issues until I got replacements for those that were out of round).

Francois

nne3jxc

I've noticed more Auroras too. It's pretty bizarre actually, but Auroras -- especially Classics -- seem to be getting more popular in my area. Perhaps it has to do with the incredible prices you can find them going for now.
In the 2 years that I've owned my '95, two other people in my small NH neighborhood (maybe 30 houses) have gotten Classics -- both white, one with the chrome rims. (Mine is "Medium Garnet")

Jim

Henry

I was at the dealership getting the solenoids done on the car. The sales folks shared something with me I thought you guys would find interesting.

The Classic is now the most requested used car. hey can't keep them in stock. They get calls almostr every day asking if they have any used ones in stock. At the price they are trading at now, I guess the Classics are now a HOT item.

Gentlemen, guard your center caps! (smile)

aurora5000

I saw Sam Hornish, Jr. almost win the last IRL event this last weekend in the new Gen 4 engine put out by GM. I hope this has solved the problem of poor IRL performances. It is supposedly an all new design engine. Word on the IRL street that the bottom side of the new Gen 4 block is a hybrid design based on the Olds Aurora.

What is old is new again....

garnes

fdion1 - one thing that works on bugs but is difficult (or almost impossible) to do is to use very hot water. Get it boiling off the stove. I know this is somewhat impractical, but I tried it once and it worked. Problem is of course being able to wipe the bugs off without burning your hand. Maybe some very warm/hot water that is just tolerable will work OK. Most of the bug removers aren't too strong because they have to be compatible with the clear coat.

I put a nice coat of wax on the front of the car before I hit the road for vacation. It seems to help the bugs wash off easier.

garnes

Let's hope for the best in the future because those Honda IRL commercials are very annoying (like they've have a long history there or something). If the revisions work, GM should really get a clue and advertise it as well - and perhaps note how many of their engines have won out of the last so many years.

Sam Hornish Jr. is an exceptional driver too. He was right there this year at Indy making a serious bid for possibly winning (before the redesign) and then the engine died on lap 190+.

rjs200240

Heh, maybe they can advertise the great value of their engines: "Our engines are free, and the power's good too"... I doubt GM will beat them because they will just dump more money into it. They gave engines away to CART teams for free just to keep them driving with them. I'm quite sure they will escalate the costs of IRL until it suffers the same fate as CART. I'm actually more interested in CART now as they race on road and street courses instead of just in circles.

I can't see GM intentionally violating the spirit of the engine cost restictions in IRL just to win. They just don't play like that. I think GM will continue to develop engines that cost roughly the mandated maximum, whereas Honda/Toyota will continue to develop engines at whatever the cost, then sell them to teams for whatever the maximum happens to be (or maybe they'll eventually start giving them away too. Hey, maybe they can petition the maximum to be like $5 so GM has to design $5 engines). Maybe that should be the next Honda commercial "We'll do every sneaky underhanded thing we can think of, just to help you win". Makes me wonder if that philosophy is strictly limited to their racing side...

cwiley1

I just read the article in the newest Motor Trend, the Aurora engine will be put in the 2005 Buick Park Avenue and maybe the LeSabre. The horsepower will be 280-300 with variable valve timing. I guess the Aurora isn't going to die after all. I have always felt the engine is to good to let it die on the vine. I wonder how the performance will compare with the new 4.4 for the Pontiac Bonneville? It is going to be interesting.

rjs200240

Won't have a 4.4... The GXP will have the 275hp 4.6L Northstar. I wouldn't be surprised if the Buick's get the 4.6 as well. I doubt they will get variable valve timing unless Buick starts making rear-drivers again. I read that MT article too. Amazing how long their leadtime is. GM has had the production GXP info up on media.gm.com for several weeks already. I hope they are wrong about the CTS-v only coming in black and silver. I think the CTS is awesome in dark metallic red.

Hey, remember a while back I mentioned how I love how my car looks in the parking lot? How the white line is reflected in a beautiful curve? I found a nice shot of this right here in Edmunds. I just love the curves on this car...



Hey, in a Car and Driver piece on Gary Pratt, they mentioned the IMSA Aurora, calling it "among the prettiest cars ever campaigned in the IMSA wars" and mention it winning 4 GTO titles (not sure if they are incorrect in this, or if GTS eventually changed into GTO or what?).

jonbgood

I've got a 99 with 29k miles. A few months ago I heard this same clicking noise and my lights were going all haywire (even when the car was shut off). $500 or so later (thank goodness for my extended warranty) I had some new sort of electrical switch. Now I'm hearing the same kind of noise (weird clicking) but no other symptons. Any ideas on what this could be? I still LOVE this car. It is still the most comfortable call I've ever driven.

jonbgood

I have one more problem that I'm trying to determine is common. The black paint around my sunroof ('99 Classic) is peeling off. I had this painted last year by the dealer under warranty - even though they tried telling me it was not covered. I have seen several used Classics with the same problem. It currently is not major - but it will become so if I don't do something to stop it. Car is always garaged and hand washed.

rjs200240

Hey, I didn't think about this at the time, but there was one other weight-savings difference between the 3.5 and the 4.0 Auroras. Not only was the trunk on the 4.0 lighter, but it also was down 1 gallon of fuel. The 3.5 has an 18.5 gallon tank, while the 4.0 has a 17.5 gallon tank. I have wondered if the tanks are really different, or if maybe the larger fuel pump of the 4.0 needs more fuel covering it to keep it cool (thus not actually saving any weight).

Jonbgood, do a search on the peeling paint. I definitely remember it being discussed. Also, you could probably find something on the clicking (try in the problems board).

Henry

Well I spoke with waranty gold and they told me that I paid about $1,200 for the warranty and they paid for $4,700 in repairs on the old girl.

Maybe my little aROARa did send them into liquidation afterall.

I dont feel comfortable having this car without waranty protection. The repair history just isn't that good. Remember, I am the SHOP KING.

hammen2

Actually, it was their warranty administrator NWIC that went under. Their reserves are "frozen" in the bankruptcy of NWIC (in the Caymans, yikes!), and, if they don't get them back, it's all over for Warranty Gold.

There's a discussion about this over on the Finance, Warranty, & Insurance board.

--Robert
who thanks his lucky stars he went with 1Source instead of Warranty Gold for his Aurora ($1200 paid, $3500+ paid out, though my Aurora's been running fine since the rear crankshalf seal-ectomy back in March)

Henry

I dont want to start a warranty discussion here (yes, Pat that comment was directed at you).

However, why 1source, I read the postings on the one source board at edmunds and they were anything but positive. In fact the one source rep on the board was somewhat nasty. Please feel free to email me your answer.

Thanks, Henri

pat

I highly recommend that everyone interested in an extended warranty from any source carefully peruse the discussions on our Finance, Warranty & Insurance board.

Making our collective experience available to all is what the Town Hall is all about. Don't miss out on what our fellow members have reported.

Henry

I knew you were going to post something about there being warranty discussion boards elswhere in Edmunds. And less than an hour later . . . . here is your post. ((SMILE))

Henri

rjs200240

pat_HOST: "Making our collective experience available to all is what the Town Hall is all about. Don't miss out on what our fellow members have reported."

Hey Pat, we only care what Aurora owners have to say about stuff. All the other members are just people that weren't smart enough to buy an Aurora!!

Henry

LOL

shipshape

For: mariposarosada
In my 98, the horn shares the fuse with the cigarette lighter. Fuse panel below dash - left side. But, if the lighter is working - it's probably the contact ring that needs adjustment. My horn is not working more than it is. Also try turning off the ignition and then trying the horn.

Cheers

stickking1

Hey guys, a couple new pics of one of the "Final 500's" in the photo gallery!

stickking1

Okay guys, I went over to my neighborhood salvage yard to look at the 17" aluminum rims for the 2001+ Aurora to put on my '95. They had a couple sets there and one of them came with Goodyear Eagle RS-A's still mounted. They wanted $200 for each rim alone, but the set with the tires was $900 all together. Doesn't make sense to me either. The tires were in good shape, and probably had at least 10/32 tread left. But here is the issue....the tires are 255/55-17's! I thought it was a typo in the ad when I first saw them, but its not. He said they came off a wrecked car, but I can't imagine these fitting on an Aurora. If I buy one of these sets, it'll be the one with the tires on them...it just doesn't make sense to pay $800 for 4 rims when I can get tires with it for $900. First thing I'll do is strip the old tires off of them and sell 'em. Then get a pair of 235/55-17's. Any recommendations on tires...they don't make the Turanzas in that size, I guess. What do you guys think?

fjk57702

What do you want from the new tires - quiet ride or handling? The Goodyear Eagle LS is softer and quiet. The RS-A probably handles better but is noisier. (This is from their website)

stickking1

I love my Bridgestone Turanzas on my 95, but I don't think they are available in the size I need for the new rims...seems strange though. I have to do some more research on that. I think I'd like to stay away from Goodyear. I have not been impressed in the past. I'm in need of a good Grand Touring tire. I'd like to have the AA traction and at least 400 treadwear that my Bridgestone's had....and try to get something as quiet. Maybe a set of Dunlop Sport A2's. I looked those over when I bought my Turanzas. You 2001+ owners: How do you like the Energy's that came with your cars?? I just hate the prices on Michelins...seems like every tire they have is $50 dollars more than a similar model from a different brand.

fjk57702

It does look like Bridgestone does not have anything the right size. My 98 Aurora came with Eagle GA's which were still on the car when I traded it with 52,000 miles. They were noisy. My SLS has Michelin Symetry's and they seem quiet. The SLS is not a Touring car though, it is more a luxury cruiser. Handling is not bad, but the ride is better than the Aurora's. I like the 4.6's extra lowend torque.

blk97aurora

stickking,

Schram has both Goodyear and Michelin 255-55/17 tires on 2001+ Aurora wheels? Those tires are about 1" taller than stock (classic, 2001+ v6 and v8). Since there's plenty of tread remaining, you could try them. If they don't work out, then replace.

blk97aurora

What is the diameter of 17" wheels? Seems like a stupid question. But, my newly acquired 2001 Aurora 17" stock wheels have "17.2X7.5 J 51.0" cast into their rear face. I measured the diameter and came up with 17-1/4 inches, which is close enough to 17.2 given my measurement tools. I wonder if this is a case of metric design dimension being expressed as a English/American unit?

stickking1

No, Schram just had Goodyears...the Michelin listing was a missprint. Too bad, I'd rather have them. Oh well, I think I'll just strip them and sell them, then fit a new set of the correct size on.

-Brian

fjk57702

They have to be some "standard" size. Perhaps 17 inch wheels are slightly different than exactly 17 inches.

fjk57702

Looking at Goodyear's site, the diameter of their 17 inch 235/55 tires is 27.1 inches for both eagle LS and RS-A tires. At Michelin though, there is a GM size and a BMW size, the GM is 27 inch diameter while the BMW size is 27.3 inches for the Pilot's. The Energy is 27.2 inches. Goodyear seems to make their tires consistently the same size (at least on paper).

rjs200240

Hey Blk97, just so you know, that's normal. My wheels have that exact same stamping. So you didn't get some weird wheels or anything.

Fjk, isn't that 27" the overall size? I think that for that they assume a certain pressure and weight on the tire. So it might just be different assumed values that give those different overall sizes.

fjk57702

The theoretical diameter of the tire is:
17 inches + 0.55*235/25.4*2=27.177 inches.
The actual diameter of the tire would depend on load and pressure. But then the aspect ratio probably depends on load and pressure too. So there must be some standard?

shipshape

Got dizzy from all the tire talk. My Toyo's are great - smooth ride, no noise.

Back to the fascinating world of horns... finally relented and took my 98 to the dealer, who said " found cam warped and switch pin sticking. Customer declined repairs." You might too when they quoted $800 for the 'good' job, or only $300 for the maybe job (all prices Cdn $ - so $800 is about 580 greenbacks). Horn's working for now - so I guess I'll spend $50 every 6 months for them to fritz with it.
Cheers.

kayaman420

Damn, $580 to fix the horn. Mine doesnt work all the time either, but I would just buy one of those little bull horns for boats before I spent the jing to fix it.

Henry

I guess they dont inspect cars in Canada the way they do here in Jersey. No horn blow, no pass inspection yo!

kayaman420

Thats one of the good things about living in MN. They dont inspect cars anymore. no emissions or anything.

http://members.cardomain.com/kayaman420

rjs200240

I am curious to see how the pricing settles out for the GXP. It now has a 275hp Northstar (they even call it "Northstar") mated to a 3.71 4T80-E. Plus, it has a larger trunk than the Aurora (18 cu. ft. vs 14.9), an extra gallon in the gas tank, and is 12 lbs lighter. Granted, I think some of that lack of weight is from a frame that isn't as solid (the Bonnie/LeSabre ride on a cheaper version of the G-platform). And it also could be less sound insulation/thinner window glass/that sort of thing.

But it will have suede, aluminum, and carbon-fiber in the interior. Plus, Aurora seats. So the interior might be pretty nice (hopefully not all red-backlit, but probably).

The suspension is similar with the front specs looking exactly the same with the same 30mm anti-roll bar (which I believe is hollow). The rear of the GXP has a 22-mm bar vs. the Aurora's 20mm bar. And the wheels/tires are 235/50's on an 18" rim. The GXP also has 14" front and 13" rear brakes, which is pretty impressive. Those are bigger pie-plates than the Corvette has (12.6"/11.8"). I really hope GM Performance, or some aftermarket (SLP? RSM? Someone?) comes out with a kit to mount them to the Aurora/other Bonnies/LeSabres... Not sure a 14" rotor would fit a 17" wheel, though.

Anyway, I will be very interested to see the pricing on the GXP. If they keep it in Aurora territory, it should be a lot of car for the money.

95mushroom

Hey guys,
To change the rear pads and rotors isnt as hard as I'm making it out to be? You have the unmount the lines on the leading arm, and some other stuff right? It totally diff. then the front which takes like 5 mins.

shipshape

Just to close the loop. In Ontario, cars are only safety inspected when they're sold and pollution is checked every 2 years - in most regions. Other provinces have different rules - not sure if any require annual inpections any more.

Cheers