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Oldsmobile Silhouette

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  • dispencer1dispencer1 Member Posts: 489
    I've replaced mine in my '98 GLS three times. The pull comes as a unit with the two brackets as I recall. My car has 122,000 miles on it and the ABS light has come on again. The last time the main computer that controls ABS was the problem. My mechanic luckily found a used one in a junkyard so the total cost was only about $200. This time it is probably a $300 wheel sensor. I'll just ignore the light. If ABS is offered as an option on anything I buy I won't buy it. This stupid feature has cost me hundreds of dollars and serves no useful purpose. I drove cars for 40 years without ABS and have survived just fine in rain, snow, etc. My Silhouette has been troublesome and luckily when the head gasket started to leak it was under an extended warranty. If anyone has any desire to purchase a new Venture, Montana, or Silhouette instead of a Honda Odyssey, he should be recieve mental therapy.
  • bob550kbob550k Member Posts: 148
    There are two mounts on the rear hatch pull, one side broke. I zip tied the loose end of the pull to the still attached side. It works great like this, I'll use it until the other side breaks.

    I watch my brother in law put his Acura TL in the shop...alot...for recurring transmission problems. As in 3 times in 80k miles and the trans was replaced two of those times, I think it's the same trans that's in the Odyssey. Since I've owned the Silo the only unscheduled repairs were a broken weather seal an NF power window switch both under warranty, the rear hatch pull and the trans was shifting hard, ($350 now it shifts perfect). 1999 silo premier 48,000 miles. I knew I could end up paying $800 for an intake manifold gasket when I purchased the van. I paid $18,250 for this van 2 1/2 years ago with about 22,000 miles. When I'm done with the Silo it will have well over 100k miles on it and will be worth little or nothing as will an Odyssey with well over 100k miles on it. We paid a great deal less for the Silo than an Ody with like options and I don't have to deal with the recurring transmission issues and that Honda transmission is very, very expensive when the warranty expires.
  • dispencer1dispencer1 Member Posts: 489
    I didn't realize that the Odyssey had recurring transmission problems. CU illustrates a great reliability rate -better than the Silhouette. We bought our daughter an Acura in 1991 and she drove it for about 60,000 miles without any repairs whatsoever. The Silhouette is becoming a rattletrap and the ABS light is simply something that I'm going to ignore. The car is worth perhaps $4k and retail is $10,250. When we get rid of it I'll probably donate it to some charity and write off the retail value. I guess everything has problems when you drive it over 100k miles. I have a 2003 Deville program car with the certified 100k warranty. When it approaches 6 years or 100k it is history. I'll never buy any car without an extended warranty. I don't like $300-1000 suprises.
  • CapeCodCapeCod Member Posts: 117
    I have a valve noise with my 98 Silhoutte.
    (85,000 miles with nearly no problems at all....)
    It will get better for a while then come back.
    I have tried the "quiet valve" additives.
    Seemed to work for awhile.
    Sometimes reving engine up to 3000 rpm then backing off suddenly works.
    Again only for a while.
    Woould an "engine flush" bought at Advance Auto help any? Followed by an oil change of course.
    By the way...
    Would a heavier weight (10-30,10-40,20-50) oil make the noise quieter or louder???
    Is this something that needs repair? Price?
    Thanks,
  • ronsmith38ronsmith38 Member Posts: 228
    I would try 10W-30 if you are using a lighter oil than that. I would not go any heaver if you live in a cold climate.
  • just4fun2just4fun2 Member Posts: 461
    After you drain the engine flush out of the engine, I would let the engine sit over night with the drain plug off. In the morning I would put the drain plug on, change the filter and fill it with fresh oil.

    This extra time might help the lifters to dissolve more of the deposits causing it to make noise.
  • jrdwyerjrdwyer Member Posts: 168
    Have you tried using full synthetic engine oil like Mobil One? This can, in some situations, make cold engine valve noise diasppear due to the better lubrication properties of the oil. I would stay with the viscosity recommended for your van.

    As a follow-up to a previous post, we had our 2001 Silo GL (32K miles) looked at by the local dealer (still under warranty) for the 35-45 mph road noise we are experiencing. They test drove it and agreed it was noisey. They checked the wheel bearings and found them to be ok. Their final verdict was that the tires are cupped and this is causing the noise. He told me the tires need to be rotated properly to avoid cupping. I countered that the tires had been rotated every 7,500 miles according to specs. He came back with "when a vehicle is out of alignment a cup can be set in the tires." I said that it does not pull to either side when driving so I assume the alignment is ok. To which he said "if the rear end is out of alignment then you will not necessarily notice it when driving." Of course the dealer did not actually check the alignment. In the end, I left being a dissatisfied customer with the dealer only wanting to sell me new tires and an alignment.

    So a few questions. Is it commom for larger vehicles like vans to go out of alignment more easily than smaller cars? I have owned several new cars for many miles (my '95 Mazda Protege has 171K) and have never had this situation arise before where the tires look fine and the vehicle tracks straight but the alignment is out and it screws up the tires. Second, can a tire shop that rotates tires tell if this is happening early on and possibly prevent it?

    Thanks in advance.
  • infinia1infinia1 Member Posts: 174
    i have an 02 venture, 32k now. i bought it gm certified at 15k. the first time i rotated the tires at 17k, i noticed the noise you're talking about. when i took it back to the tire shop, they told me the tires were cupped, but safe. i'll live with it until it's time for new tires. i still have the original firestones. they have plenty of tread left, just noisy. when my chevy dealer heard the noise, they changed both front wheel bearings tho. oh well, i didn't pay for it.
  • bob550kbob550k Member Posts: 148
    I put on Goodyears, no more tire noise.

    I put in Mobile one, much less valve noise but the noise becomes louder as the car gets closer to oil change time.

    The only tires I like less than Generals are Firestones. I bet your Firestones are cupped because they're Firestones. I don't understand why GM has been putting such poor quality tires on these Vans. The Goodyears changed our van completely, I tossed the Generals while they still had life left because they were junk! (and my wife hit a curb and popped one so I had an excuse)
  • tim24tim24 Member Posts: 2
    Have a 2001 Premier model. Bought it new.

    3 months ago had the intake manifold replaced. GM paid for half since it just came out of warranty. Now just got a call that the air conditioner condensor is leaking and needs to be replaced at a cost of $750.

    What will be next....I could kick myself for not getting the extended warranty but all the past GM cars I have I had never had to use it. So I thought I was saving some money since I dished out good money for this make and model.

    Do any of you think that the AC condensor going out on a 3 year old car with 40,000 miles is normal?

    Thanks,
    Tim24
  • ronsmith38ronsmith38 Member Posts: 228
    I thought the 2001 Oldsmobiles had a 5 yr 60k mile warranty.
  • tim24tim24 Member Posts: 2
    Well they came out with that warranty about a month or so after I bought my van...try to get them to extend my warranty but they said no.

    The dealer took 10% off so I only had to pay 700 for the repair.
  • jrdwyerjrdwyer Member Posts: 168
    3 years and 40K miles seems a short time period for a well made A/C condenser to leak. But the condenser does sit in front of the radiator and on this van is easily assessible, by hand or by a stray road rock. So a small puncture leak would seem more likely than a seam leaking if it was just due to bad luck. And $700 to replace a condenser? I would think an independent shop and aftermarket parts could beat that by at least 40%.

    On a similar note, I once cleaned the bugs out of the condenser with water when washing our van. The van then sat overnight and was driven the next day. The result, a noticable mold smell when driving with the a/c on for the next few days. So now I only clean the a/c condenser with a soft bristle brush and no more smell problem.

    I feel a little better that we are not the only ones experiencing the cheap General/Firestone tire syndrome with these vans. And I am also glad it is not a safety issue. When we receive the survey for the last dealer visit, I will definitely let GM and the dealer know how I feel on this issue. Sorry GM, no "completely satisified" mark from this Silo owner. I mean, you pay $25K for a vehicle and the tires only perform normal for the first 22K miles, at which point, the dealer blames you and then tries to sell you an alignment and new tires?
  • 4steri4steri Member Posts: 7
    I have a friend that works at a radiator shop. He told me they just got a big contract in repairing th a/c condenser for all of the trio.
    Apparently all 2000/2001 trio are failing. They're four brackets one in each corner of the condenser which is welded to the condenser and the bolted to the vehicle. The passenger bottom bracket are apparently welded on a slight angle. So when driving the wind force is putting pressure on all four brackets. But because the passenger is at an angle it's breaking the weld a hairline crack which loses the freon. He says it's epidemic, they can not keep with up the repairs. The mileage is around 60,000 km (35,000 miles) and up. This is in Toronto, Canada. The dealers are charging 1000 cdn. GM is not helping.
    The radiator shop is only charging $70 cdn to the dealers. He also told me that anyone with a 2000/2001 to prevent the problem which G.M. is also advising to the dealers is to remove the passenger bolt from the bracket of the condenser.
    The radiator shop after repairing the crack are filling in the hole of the passenger bracket with a weld. Today my friend showed me how the fix the crack and the 500 more to do, with more coming in eveyday.
  • CapeCodCapeCod Member Posts: 117
    My 98 silh has 83000 on first set of Firestones!
    Noise is minimal and always has been...
    Weird thing is I ran them under inflated when I first bought Van new. Worn the edges quickly. After inflating properly they have worn like iron. Sometimes I thing the aggressive side tread is what creates the noise and wear.
    If you want noise you should here my Pontiac Vibe with Continental's and only 15,000 miles...
    Badly cupped! Even after rotated and re-balanced twice by about 12,000 miles.
    Now I'm looking for "quiet" spray to put in the wheel wells to help quiet the noise!
    My theory is oem tires now suck....
    Cars like Vibe and Contours are light so they do not track as well. Once a tire eater... always a tire eater. Pontiac just charged me around $130 for re balance and alignment... should have put the $$$ toward tires instead! Tons of tires being junked early! Ralph Nader???
  • CapeCodCapeCod Member Posts: 117
    I am thinking of trying synthetic or blend next oil change.I now get the valve noise about once every 20 starts. Sometimes after it has been driven 2-3 miles then shut off and re-started within 5 minutes. Noise may last 2-3 starts in a row then go away. I am even experimenting with level parking vs. hillside parking (facing uphill). Yeah, I'm desperate!
    It is at the point now I can not always re-create the noise on command for mechanic...
    I am also still using hi-test gas incase part of noise is knock! $2.28 a gallon here.
  • marylizbethmarylizbeth Member Posts: 1
    Does anyone know for sure if Olds offered a 10 year 100,000 miles power train warranty on the Silhouette in 2001. We thought that was what they told us but now that we have a problem the dealership is now dening it. We had the 6 yr 60,000 mile bumper to bumper. That is expired. This van has been nothing but expensive trouble !!! Please help.....
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    The standard factory drivetrain warranty is 5/60 on the '01:

    2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette

    The only cars with a standard 10/100 drivetrain warranty back then that I can think of were the VW and Kia.

    Steve, Host
  • CapeCodCapeCod Member Posts: 117
    Check your sales paperwork....
    lots of delearships promote third party extended policies....
    You might have heard 100k warranty but didn't buy????
    Maybe you did buy and its in your paperwork somewhere?
    Good luck.
  • just4fun2just4fun2 Member Posts: 461
    How many miles are on your van? What kind of expensive trouble did you have that your 6yr-60K warranty didn't cover?
  • paulie9paulie9 Member Posts: 32
    Does anyone know the original manufacturer and model of the tires that were on the new 2000 OLDS Silhouette Premiere? I believe the size was P215/70/15?

    I currently have Firestone Affinity LH30's size P215/70/15 on my Silo which I bought used and the odometer is registering about 2 miles more every 100 miles when comparing to the mileage markers on the interstate. The Firestones are almost new and I'm running them at 35psi, therefore I think that the original tires might have been slightly bigger causing the mileage discreptancy that's occuring now?

    Thanks for your help......
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    The Olds may have had various tires offered as OEM tires. My '99 van warranty manual has pages for 5 or 6 different tire manufacturers. I'd guess there wasn't one specific brand put on all Silhouettes in '00.

    Steve, Host
  • paulie9paulie9 Member Posts: 32
    I'm just hoping someone here remembers what tires they got on their 2000 OLDs Silhouette ""Premiere"" when they bought it new.....

    Thanks..... Paulie
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Well, when I did a Search This Discussion for tires, it looks like most people had General tires as original equipment. I didn't see a model name off-hand.

    For example:

    jrdwyer Feb 16, 2004 12:48am

    Steve, Host
  • branjessbranjess Member Posts: 5
    I have a 99 silhouette GL with 62,000 miles which has a clearly audible metallic sounding squeak when going over bumps in the road or any road irregularity generally at low speeds.The noise comes from the left front wheel. As this is an intermitent problem it has not been able to be diagnosed. If anyone has experienced this noise please respond as I would greatly appreciate your help
  • ronsmith38ronsmith38 Member Posts: 228
    My 2000 Silo GLS (same as Premiere except for video system) had General Tire P215/70/15 (Model 2000, I think). When I replaced them, my research found that different tire makes had slightly different tire circumferences for the same size ratings.
  • paulie9paulie9 Member Posts: 32
    Thanks for the feedback.

    The General XP2000 P215/70/15 specs are the same as my Firestone Affinity LH30 P215/70/15 specs. So I guess it's not the tires that are giving me the wrong odometer reading.
  • dispencer1dispencer1 Member Posts: 489
    My '98 Silhouette (122k) recently started using coolant. I'd had it for years and never added coolant but now it uses about 4 ounces of the water and coolant mix in a couple of weeks. It isn't dripping on the garage floor but it is going someplace. It has been in the 90's here and the air is constantly on. The head gasket was replaced at around 80k so it might be a water pump. Anybody have any ideas? Pinhole leak, water pump, head gasket? etc.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Replaced the hoses lately? Maybe a pressure test will explain it.

    Steve, Host
  • dispencer1dispencer1 Member Posts: 489
    Good point. I haven't ever replaced the hoses and I'll get my mechanic to do a pressure test. Thanks!
  • indrgbindrgb Member Posts: 115
    I posted this question on the GM triplets board, but thought I would try here as well. Does anyone know how to remove the factory video cassette player from a 2000 Silo? Mine recently quit working and I can't figure out how to remove the bottom console it sits in. I doubt I'll have it fixed since you can buy a new 12 volt VCR or DVD for less than it will cost to have it fixed.

    Thanks.
  • bill221bill221 Member Posts: 8
    have a 2002 silo and am amazed how stiff the horn button cover is on the steering wheel, was hoping that a few yrs time and even warm summer weather would soften them up, but coming up on 2 yrs old and still very hard to work the horn, so hard its got to be a safety problem. anyone have any solutions? i'm hesitent to try any kind of chemical to attempt to soften up the plastic, since any changes to the plastic would probably affect the workings of the airbag if it ever had to deploy.
  • cyclops2cyclops2 Member Posts: 2
    I am looking at a 2001 GLS with 42000 miles which came off lease. Dealer tells me there is no warranty because 5yr./60,000mi. factory warranty cannot be transferred. Can anyone verify this?
  • indrgbindrgb Member Posts: 115
    Dealer could be ignorant on this issue, or may try to sell you an extended warranty. I bought a used Intrigue last year. The salesman said it had nothing more than 36/36 warranty. I kept asking about the 60/60 warranty it came with. They finally entered the VIN in the warranty database and it said it had 60/60. Then, the finance guy said it could not be transferred and said I could buy one from him for $1500 with a $100 deductible. To make a long story short, I finally called 1-800-442-OLDS and gave them the VIN. They said yes it was transferable. The dealer had to fill out a form from the GMPP web-site and mail it in with a check for $35. The Major Guard papers came in the mail about 2 weeks later.

    Sometimes persistence pays off.
  • cyclops2cyclops2 Member Posts: 2
    Thanks indrgb, got the VIN and made the call to Olds. going to the dealer tomorrow.
  • tawtaw Member Posts: 1
    If this has been covered please let me know. Did not find it when looking. Bought my wife a 98 olds silo in 01. Has been a great vehicle until last year. Since June of 03 we have replaced 4 torque converters. The dealer keeps telling us it is a bad part. We were able to purchase an extended warranty that runs out Aug 04. I am tired of having the same problem fixed repeatedly. Any help greatly appreciated.
  • bigfigbigfig Member Posts: 35
    Just noticed that there was some liquid under my 2000 Silo that may be coming from the a/c compressor. I believe that it may be the seal within the compressor. I am surprised that this has occurred with only about 32,000 miles on vehicle. Has anyone had this problem on their Silo and what can I expect the cost to be for repairing since I do not have the extended warranty.
  • indrgbindrgb Member Posts: 115
    I assume you don't mean the harmless condensate that trickles out the evaporator drain tube. It is unlikely that the liquid is coming from the compressor. The only liquids in the compressor are refrigerant (which will evaporate the second it's exposed to atmospheric pressure), and oil, which would not leak in volume unless there is a major breakage. Does the a/c still work? If it does, then the liquid is not comimg from the compressor. I would guess it's coolant. Has the intake manifold gasket ever been replaced?
  • bigfigbigfig Member Posts: 35
    I was able to take my vehicle into Buick dealer and they check the a/c and found no problem with it. Also did a pressure check on the coolant system to see if any hoses were leaking, everything ok. The only thing they attributed the problem to was maybe the battery since there was some leakage and evidence of spotting on the hoses and corrosion on a bolt on the frame. Since I have already had the original battery replaced because of leakage, I decided not to install another Delco battery. I purchased one from Sam's and the Buick dealer installed for me. The only problem that I may encounter now is that the new battery is not a maintenance free and it will be hard to add water if necessary,therefore the battery may go bad sooner than normal. I have also replaced the Delco battery in my Trailblazer which has only 17700 miles due to leakage. Seems that Delco has been having problems with their batteries according to the dealers, but Delco said there is nothing wrong with their batteries.
  • sharpesharpe Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2002 Silhouette. My tail lights, dash lights and automatic head lights do not come on at night. Even during the daytime the door chimes very quickly. Does anyone have any ideas what this might be? Thanks.
  • just4fun2just4fun2 Member Posts: 461
    Is this van still under warranty? My 02 Silhouette came with a 5yr/60K warranty from GM.
  • cincibearfancincibearfan Member Posts: 2
    Hi,

    I was looking to upgrade my overhead console from the basic one, to the one with the trip computer and such.

    Has anyone done this/know if it's possible?

    I know a lot of times it's easier to manufacture vehicles with all the wiring/etc in the body so that many features can be added even at the dealer, without ripping out carpet/headliner's, etc.

    I was wondering if anyone's checked this out, and seen if you can get the computer functional, and if the fit works well when you upgrade the console. I've seen several at junk yards and on ebay, and would like to give it a shot, but as the items would not be returnable, I have no way to check out the fit in my current van...though I guess I can at least check for wiring by taking off my current console.

    I would imagine there is just a second wiring harness for the computer?

    D
  • cincibearfancincibearfan Member Posts: 2
    Could be your "infamous" intake manifold gasket as well...

    If you can't see any other visible leaks, check under the throttle body, that's a common place of leaking that is hard to find. It's on the driver's side, you'll need a flashlight to look for moisture underneath.

    That's where mine was leaking (but it was leaking oil, not coolant) and 1 mechanic didn't spot the leak, but 2 others did.

    D
  • sharpesharpe Member Posts: 2
    Not under warranty any longer. This happened with just 62,000 kms on it. Personally, I'd would buy the extended warranty but our salesman told us it would cost close to $4000.
  • SylviaSylvia Member Posts: 1,636
    by request
  • mizzdmizzd Member Posts: 1
    Hi!
    Several months ago, I purchased a 1996 Oldsmobile Silouette van. It's been well maintained, and until a couple of weeks ago, I've had no problems. Now, whenever I drive it, the motor makes a lunging/jerking movement, as though it is going to shut off - no sounds or funny smells. Doesn't matter whether the engine is warm or cold, or what speed I'm going. I've had the engine looked at and tested on a particular machine, and everything checks out ok and all fluids are ok. Any ideas on what the problem could be??? Thanks!
  • dirkdaddydirkdaddy Member Posts: 313
    sounds like it might need motor mounts replaced. Or a engine operational problem, get it checked out.
  • kburrykburry Member Posts: 1
    I'm looking to purchase a used minivan. I've test drove a 1999 Chrysler Town and Country and a 1999 Olds Silhouette. I have to say I liked to Olds better, but should I be concerned that Olds aren't being made anymore and about their bond status being 'junk'? Not sure if I have all my info correct, any advice would be appreciated.
  • gerrypgerryp Member Posts: 2
    Thanks so much for the tip. My '02 sillhouette lost it's A/C recently. It has 54,000KM but was out of warranty by 8 months. My mechanic checked it and said the condenser was leaking on the lower passenger side. I decided to take it back to the dealer and have them check it out even though the warranty had expired. I told them I knew that there was a TSB on the '02 condensers failing and they said they would check it out. To my surprise they replaced the condenser at no charge. If I had not of mentioned that I knew of the TSB do you think they still would have replaced it for no charge??
  • bigfigbigfig Member Posts: 35
    On my '00 Silhouette with only 36,800 miles my spouse has noticed that there were some black particles on the floor mats. I checked and it looks like foam coming from the A/C vents and they are oily. I can remember this happening to my son on his "96 Pontiac Trans Am. We never had the Pontiac repaired as we were in the process of trading for another car. Has anyone had this problem and it is very expensive to correct as I am out of warranty and there are no Oldsmobile dealers in my area. I have been taking my car to the Buick Dealer for service. I would appreciate some feedback on this issue.
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