Oldsmobile Aurora Maintenance & Repair

davesrora

Ok I admit. I am a little paranoid so I drove 2 other Auroras. One was a 95 and the other was a 98. They sound the same as mine. I think the airbox liner is the issue. The 98 is much quieter but the engine sounds the same. Maybe I'm just used to driving a 4 cylinder. When I say rough I mean the "sound" of the engine. I have Michelins on the car. With such low mileage I assumed the tires were stock that is why I am complaining they are loud. Tires are tires though.

rjs200240

will likely be loud. I would bet the rubber had hardened up substantially, and may not be a very safe choice to drive around on. I would doubt that they have very good wet traction, even if they still have lots of tread.

Can't imagine the Aurora V8 being described as sounding "rough", especially compared to 4-bangers...

mike98c

I had nothing but problems after an after market radiator was put in. I would go with the G.M. G.M. parts direct or lookup G.M. wholesale parts for a discount dealer.

mike98c

My Aurora wqas sounding rough before I ever noticed any hesitation or misfire. new OEM ac-delco wires cured the problem. By the way AC-Delco radiator which is G.M. may be cheaper than the official dealer radiator!

ramou

I have an Aurora but this is a Non-Aurora question. my ssiter has a 95 Chrysler Lebaron with the 3.0 V6 engine. The transmission oil was changed twice in the past 4 month but it keeps turning black. Does anyone know what's causing it to turn black?

Kirstie_H

Ramou, you should definitely post your question in the Transmission Traumas? discussion, where members with technical expertise are likely to see and answer it. You can get there by just clicking on my link.

kirstie_h
Roving Host & Future Vehicles HOst

Henry

Does anybody have any suggestions on how to reattach the headliner once it has separted from the foof of the car? I went to Pep Boys, Strauss and a few other places. Each of them sold spray adhesive that they said was for the headliner. However, whenI looked at the label, each of these sprays specifcally said not to use it to reattach a car's headliner.

Any help would be appreciated.

rjs200240

I really don't think you can reattach a sagging headliner. For one, you'd have to spray it on the *back* of the fabric. Also, headliner material is fabric attached to foam. You adhere the foam to the roof of the car. When they sag, the fabric is pulling away from the foam, not the foam from the roof. So you need new material. Best to just pay and have it done. I have replaced this on the Corvette, but that was quite easy as the roof is removable and I could lay it on the ground (well, on a blanket).

It would be like laying carpet, but upside down. Not impossible to do with some help, but fairly tricky.

On the new Aurora, the headliner is a removable piece that you can just pull out. Much easier to replace when this eventually happens. I recall a negative review about it when the tester (maybe because an Olds product person pointed it out?) decided to pull down hard on the trim around the sunroof and then derided the car because it's easy to pull the headliner down... I can only imagine what damage would have been done had the car had a normal headliner... So, it's a nice feature unless your a fidgety idiot.

blk97aurora

Henri,

As always, rjs200240 is right. The foam backing dissentegrates and cannot be reattached. Even if you manage to spray some adhesive where the foam has separated, it will quickly tear away ago. I know from experience. There are headliner kits available with the right foam-backed fabric and suitable spray adhesive to replace the sagging headliner for ~$30; lot of effort, though. As a temporary measure you can use straight pins with large heads -- insert them horizontally. If you're lucky, you will be able to find a color to match your Aurora's interior.

I'm upset that GM had not solved this problem by 1995. My '80 Delta 88, '86 Toro, '86 Fiero and my parents' '88 98 all had this problem.

Henry

Just to be clear, I am not talking about my Aurora. I tried buying some spray adhesive that is used in arts and craft. WASTE OF TIME and $$$$.

I am about to resort to my friendly desk top stapler.

Henri

stickking1

Wow Henri, you're bringing back fond memories of my last car, a 1986 Delta 88 with a sagging headliner. Talk about deja vu!

gisom

Henry, I just put one in my 95 about 3 weeks ago. I got it from a radiator shop. It was not an oem though. I had checked dealers and the radiator was $400 to $600. The shop gave me a 90 day labor and 1 yr warranty on it.

Greg

Henry

I found the OEM radiator for about $300 plus shipping on the internet. But the question is now what kind of guaranty?

On another note I saw a bike with a v8 engine. One guy said it was a chevy engine, but it looked like the Aurora engine to me. However, I was too far away to be sure. But a Nortstar powering a motorcycle? Talk about "catch me if you can."

Henri

ramou

Get out of here are u serious, u think that was an Aurora motor on that bike? that's would be wicked...I wonder if he's having problems with his Power window switch....Just kidding...I 've never seen a front wheel drive engine on a bike, just usually the rear wheel drive engines..I wonder what kind of modifications he did to it..?

davesrora

I probably shouldnt be posting this here but:

the problem is caused by the transmission shop not putting in the correct tranny fluid. NEVER put Dextron in a Chrysler.

davesrora

I just wanted to say bye to my short lived ownership of my aurora. The car was stylish amazing and great but ... Just like GM I came to my senses and sold the olds! 8 quart oil changes, $30 fill ups, clunks, creeks, bad pinion, bad master cylinder and brake booster etc etc etc ... And less miles than my friends 2002 Aurora. I just bought an Acura and let me tell you the quality is absolutely amazing. I can drive down the street of take a trip now and not have to worry about breaking the stereo knob and having to worry if the power windows will actually work... enjoy your Arouras and your thin pocketbooks! See you all on the side of the road somewhere....

garnes

Well, that last post is somewhat insulting. Just is. So you sold your car because you were not happy with it. Therefore, logically we are all chumps to be found on the side of the road and penniless. Nice..... Um, nice day to you too.

Check out the Acura and Lexus boards and see all the transmission problems they are having. But oh, somehow you're still smarter to have problems with an import. Big problems.

And all the while, trouble free or not, you are driving a glorified V6 Camry or Accord too.

jclarr3

I have had to replace the radio on my 2001 Aurora four (4) times. This was due to bulb replacement on the radio display (3 times). The last replacement (recent) is due to the radio that was a re manufactured replace completely malfunctioned. Has anyone on this particular model had any problems such as these and what has been your interpretation of the problem(s) and any GM resolution or comments. So far all of mine have been replaced under warranty.

cwiley1

Thanks garnes, you said it perfectly.

blk97aurora

Sorry to hear you had so much trouble with your Aurora; there are some bad ones out there. If you just bought that Acura, how do you know it is so reliable? Many of them aren't.

Good luck with your Honda.

rjs200240

Sorry to hear of all your problems, but ditto what Greg said. 8 quart oil changes and $30 fill ups? So it holds a lot of oil and holds a lot of gas... Oh no! Doesn't sound like any of your problems would leave you stranded... But whatever.

I've never heard of any stereo problems with the new Aurora. Mine has never had anything wrong. I wonder if your car has some other problem with the voltage and it is just manifesting itself in burnt-out bulbs?

mike98c

First off,that's over filling it slightly (excess right out the tail pipe) and I thinki'llgoi get myself a Lexus as bland as vanilla pudding although many people like vanilla pudding. Or maybe i'll get a BMW M3that takes a special six dollar a quart oil available only at the BMW (break my wallet) dealership. NOT.

kayaman420

So I take it you didnt purchase a warranty for your new Acura seeing that it will never breakdown. And if it ever does Im sure the import parts are way cheaper than the Aurora. But then again since Acuras never breakdown do they even make replacement parts??? I only wish I could pull up next to you on the Interstate and show you what you missed out on . We would see who will be sitting on the side of the road broken down. People like you make me sick. Do you think that if all of us had piece of crap Auroras we would still be driving them? You can get a lemon with any manufacturer, its a crap shoot. So dont be a dumb [non-permissible content removed] about it because your stereo knob broke. Maybe it was operator error. Push it in to turn it off/on. Right is louder left is quiter. incase your Acura ever brakes and you buy AMERICAN again.

P.S. Did you get your 4 foot wing and type "R" badge yet. Oh and the glowing tail pipe.

Fellow Aurorians- I apologize for my crass nature of this post. But people like this really piss me off. When Taylor sold his Aurora he didnt act a fool like this guy.

aurora5000

I am not there yet at 22K but starting to think about replacements. Enjoy the factory Michelin tires (other than the 2 tires I replaced with sidewall damage) and the ride.
Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Steve

Henry

What brand od aftermarket radiator did you get that did not work in your Aurora? How did you know your problems were caused by the radiator??

Henri

Henry

WE are NOT passionate about our Auroras.

stickking1

Steve, I figured I'd jump in and put in a vote for the Bridgestone Turanza LS-H. I've had them about a year now and really like them over the old Michelins that used to be on my 95. They are very sticky for a Grand Touring tire (AA traction) and still very quiet. I had to re-learn how to drive the car after I bought them...it was that big a difference. She still rides great, but I can feel the added stiffness during a tight turn. Great in the rain and when its dry. I never see my traction light come one anymore, except at a stop light next to another car...but that's a different story.

kayaman420

I here you about being passionate. There hasnt been a post that got this much feed back in a while. We need more people to talk crap about us.

stickking1- how soft are the Bridgestones? just curious because when I bought my Aurora it had the original GY's on it. I didnt like the traction, but they felt very soft and caddie like. When i switched to the Michelin MXV4's there was a tremendeous difference in the hardness. They are much harder then the GY's . Although I love the performace of them I wish they were a little softer for a smoother ride. Anyone else notice this.

stickking1

I might have noticed a slightly stiffer ride, but not much at all. Part of that is I always keep my tires inflated high (round 36psi). Plus my struts need replacing, so that doesn't help. But I really enjoy the ride these have given me...still the smoothest car I've owned. Let's put it this way, when I get a new Aurora, these will be the only tires I put on(I really like them). Thinking about the old tires brings back terrible memories of tires squeeling around a 30 mph curve...Ugh, that's just unacceptable.

rjs200240

Steve, I'm really not sure what I'll do. I am a bit turned off by Michelin because of where they are headquartered (the tires are made in NA, though). I just don't know. I liked the Dunlop SP5000's I put on the 'vette but not sure that's really an Aurora-type tire (or if they make any that fit). I'm sort of thinking of some Goodyear hi-end stuff. Their lux tires don't seem to have a lot of tread life, but their performance stuff is pretty dang good. I just don't know...

StickKing, I wonder if the non "+" MXV4's had less grip? I've taken turns aggressively enough to activate the stability control, and never heard any squealing. They gradually fade away, but never make much noise about it.

LOL Kayaman, you're right. This is the first time I've ever seen 8 new posts in an Aurora section!

mike98c

I don't remember the brand of radiator although I would recognize it if I saw it. Not one of the major brand names that I recognized. The radiator was replaced whern it was cooler temps. outside, but I should have been more suspicious because the very day the old leaky radiator was replaced I noticed that after stopping and then restarting the temp. took significantly longer to drop back to around 210. Only hours before I had still been running with the leaky old radiator, and of course as warm temps. hit (over 75) I found I was watching the temps. on the guage climb higher and higher. Between 65 and 73 the temp. stabilizes at about 235.

blk97aurora

After two years of searching I finally located a set of 17" OEM 2001 Aurora wheels for my '97 at an affordable price -- $280 for four wheels, caps, shipping, and insurance.

I will mount Continental ContiExtremeContact 255/50-17 tires; they are wider than the 2001+ stock 235/55-17 size and have the same weight rating (100) as the stock classic 235/60-16 size. Traction and treadware ratings (AA and 400, respectively) are excellent and better than other tires I researched.

mike98c

For me were number one, Conti contacts which even in the stock width but slightly lower profile werw wider than the stock Goodyears. By the way, if you feel the goodyears unmounted, they are the limpest tires I have ever felt. I obseved this several years ago when I was looking for a set of snow tires at All Season new and used tires. you can press on the tread with a finger and deform the tire. They feel like unmounted bicycle tires. Anyway the Contis had fantastic turn in and grip. Number two and much cheaper on seemingly permanent sale was the Kumho (710?) series tires which were Fifty dollars apiece. They have advanced silica compounds for excellent wet and dry grip and great wear. How can the Korean company make money at that price with they're brand new state of the art factory? Of course they can't! They're Trying to slice a couple of pounds of flesh of the other manufactors by under pricing their product. Eventually (if it hasen't already) the price will rise to the real level the market lets the other brands sell at.

aurora5000

Well, so far I like what is being said about the Bridgestone Turanza LS on tirerack.com. Not sure of which speed rating would be the best as one of the reveiwers said he went from H to Z and was a lot happier with the upgrade. Also I think that is important in looking at the reveiws is to try to read the ones closest to your car as far as weight and size. I feel that is the best comparison as opposed to a Honda Civic comparison for example. The Turanza seems to be running in the $200 neighborhood.

Thanks,
Steve

Henry

The brand of radiator I am looking at is MODINE. Is this what you got???

Henri

Henry

I may be flying without a warranty on my 95. I must admit that I am a little scared about that possibility. The one warranty I can still get will cost me $1850 for 2 years. What do yu think guys???
The warranty is from National Auto Care Corporation
Henri

larryfl

Henry, what are National Auto Care's mileage limits? I wonder if they'll insure my '95 w/105K miles?

It depends on the coverage, but I'd consider another 24/2400 warranty for $1800 on mine because I know my oil leak is going to cost me that or more. Actually, I paid that much for a GM bumper-to-bumper warranty when I bought my car 2.5 years ago. Only used it once for a $150 claim. Oh, well. I'm pretty sure I'd get my money's worth out of another one this time.

Wonder if they'll insure in Florida??

kayaman420

Are you a gambling man? I think the odds are pretty good that in the next two years you wont encounter $2000 in repairs. I say this to only you because youve already fixed every damn thing on your car that could break. Besides instead of shelling out the $1850 just take the cash and your car to the Olds dealer and get yourself a 2001 or up Aurora with the factory warranty. Im sure you like the classics like me so maybe a 99.

mike98c

It WASN'T Modine.

gisom

Henry - The radiator I bought was a Modine with at least 1 yr warranty.
Greg

stickking1

Where did you find the 17" wheels?.....if you don't mind me asking? Thanks

-Brian

cwiley1

I just got my '95 back from the Olds dealership. They found my squeak/screeching noise. They replaced the cradle bushing several months ago, it helped but didn't cure the problem. This time they replaced the driver's side front control arm and bushing, that took care of the problem. I also had them check for a red fluid leak, they said the A/C compressor and the water pump were leaking. The warranty I have covered all three. It is nice to have a healthy Aurora again. I really feel badly about davesrora having so much trouble with his Aurora. I'm not convinced he is going to be any happier with his Acura. They too have problems. 8 quart oil changes and $30 fill ups aren't bad if that is all your problems. I think really all the talk we do about our problems and concerns scared him out of keeping his Aurora. I guess we are to honest. I also think any car with this much luxury and performance is going to require more maintenance. Just by reading all the comments I think most of us do a lot of preventive maintenance which we include on our posts also.

My warranty runs out in about 2 weeks. I have 102K on my '95 so I don't know if I can renew my warranty or not or if I want to. I'm not sure, with some of the warranty companies going under, if the $1500 is worth it or it might be even be higher now.

blk97aurora

Brian,

I don't mind at all -- eBay. They don't show up often. There was a set with starting bid at $950 then at $850 second time around; neither auction received a bid. I feel really fortunate to get the price I did -- as I mentioned, I have been looking for two years. The timing for me is great as my current tires are about shot.

Take a look at www.car-part.com; there a many Aurora wheels there. $50 to $200 each for non-chrome. Chrome prices are higher.

stickking1

Thanks for the tip....after looking at car-part.com, I was amazed to see 2 or 3 full sets of the aluminum wheels at my local junkyard....last time I was over there, I commented on the number of Auroras present, but I didn't see the wheels. One of the sets even comes with the Michelins. Looks like I'll be making another trip.

The sets they have listed are 255/55-17...that's 20cm wider than my classic. You 2001+ 4.0 guys: Are those the correct size tires for the new rims? Garnes...do you have any clearance issues?

davesrora

Ok. I admit I may not have the most tact and I did buy an Aurora myself but I just cannot get over how grossly expensive and VERY unreliable this car was. Run while you can...

stickking1

I run every chance I can...right out the door and to my Aurora...best car I've ever owned. Sorry about your poor experience, good luck with the Acura.

rjs200240

No, the factory size is 235/55-17, not 255's. I believe the 235/55 will have close to the same overall diameter as your 16" wheels and tires. A 255/55 will most definitely be too tall. I doubt it would rub, but I also doubt your speedometer will be very accurate... It would also likely hamper acceleration, though it may improve fuel economy (but you might not notice it since the odometer will be turning misleadingly slow).

Daveshonda, you might be surprised to know that Buick beats Honda and Acura in initial quality and three-year quality. :P

I would totally expect you shouldn't have any torque-steer issues or driveline problems from cars that put out such unispiring amounts of torque. That said, Acura and Honda have a lot of tranny problems, and the Aurora has zero torque steer despite making more torque under 2000 rpms than an S-type Acura V6 does at its peak... Enjoy!

stickking1

Thanks for the info...I figured it must have been a typo...they did seem to be big numbers for the Aurora.

I gave them an E-mail to see if they still had the set with the Michelins on 'em....we'll see what they say. They were advertising all four 17" aluminum rims with the orig. tires (Michelin Energy MXV4, I think) for 900 bucks. Seems like a good price to me. The real selling point is the tires still mounted...those Michelins go for $150 a piece on tirerack.com and much more at the local dealer. If they are new tires and still have plenty of tread, I might just buy the set.

blk97aurora

stickking,

Schram? I considered those wheels and tires, but shipping cost with the tires would have been too much for me. The 255/55-17 diameter is about 3.5% taller than stock Classic 235/60-16 and 2001+ 235/55-17. rjs200240 cited the implications of the taller tires. I will use 255/50-17 tires, which are within 0.2% of the OEM diameter. javidogg reports no clearance problems with his 255/35-20 tires on enkei kapone wheels

stickking1

Yeah, Schram is the one...my favorite junkyard. We'll see if they still have 'em on Monday. I live 3 miles from them, so I'll just go get them...if they are still there.

-Brian