20 Most Recent 1997 Oldsmobile Achieva - Page 5 Questions & Answers

check the water pump the impeller may be loose on the shaft or rusted away.

The security light is a visual indication that something in the car's antitheft system is failing. In most GM cars and trucks there is a hidden system that most people are unaware even exists. From the moment you put your key in the ignition, there begins a constant line of communication between your key's security chip or transponder, to the ignition's lock cylinder, and then to the car's TDM. (Theft Deterrent Module) The TDM is what tells your computer that the correct key is being used and that it is "OK" to allow the vehicle to start and run. These 3 parts must be in CONSTANT communication. If the key is in the ignition, then these parts are sending important signals to each other. The security light illuminates when that signal gets broken, even just for a second. When the signal breaks, (normally due to a failing/broken part) the car goes into antitheft mode. The car misinterperates this and thinks its being stolen or hotwired because it is NOT getting that signal from YOUR specific key. There is where the security light turns on and shuts down your vehicle. So basically, if that light is on, your system has some sort of failing part. This can start as an intermittent "no start", to your vehicle not running for days at a time, to the vehicle NEVER starting again. The problem is electrical and computer based, so don't count on an easy reset button, or the problem fixing itself. The hard part is isolating which part is the problem. You can spend a thousand dollars through a mechanic very easily. I have had great luck with bypassing the entire system. This way the problem will never return. It actually CAN'T ever return because it is eliminated. This can also be done yourself at a much cheaper cost. Read through this link very carefully. You'll find alot of information and pictures, along with ways to help you fix this. http://vatspasslockpasskeysecurityhelp.yolasite.com/

need to machine drums@rotors or replace

might be in theft mode.. is security light flashing on instrument cluster....alot of time the chip on the key gets worn down....setting theft mode to invalid

ignition switch problems on these cars are notorious, you can bypass the anti-theft module by placing a resistor inline so that the module 'thinks' the correct key is not an attempt to steal the car. the anti theft is located behind the glovebox and the resistor costs 15 cents at radio shack, not as hard to do as it sounds and it fixes it for good.

Low Side Suction HoseNot all low side ports are on the hose though

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but your vehicle is NOT fixed. Fuses do not just go around blowing to make your day miserable - ESPECIALLY not a 60 Amp MAXI fuse! That is some SERIOUS stuff!There is apparently an intermittent dead short to ground in one of your main power circuits if one of those are blowing. It WILL do it again if you do not locate the problem and repair it. I just hope you get it fixed before it burns your vehicle to the ground.

It is a hose or the radtor or water pump

Hi Austen, The general rule is as follows. Unscrew the door release handle cover and remove it. Look along the arm rest and locate the holes or the covers hiding the holes, remove the covers and with a medium size star screw driver remove the screws. Slide a flat blade at the bottom of the panel and gently lever the panel away from the door until you hear the sound of the clip releasing. Slide the flat blade along until the next is reached. Continue all along the panel and up the sides. Remove the rods or cables from the interior handle and lock mechanism. Lift the panel upwards and away from the upper lip of the door and your done! When assembling align the clips and push them home with a gentle pressure. Regards John

Rear of the engine (lengthwise) at the transmission bell housing

Have you checked your thermostat might be stuck closed

What speed are you going when it chugs? It could be as simple as a bad spark plug or a spark plug wire/boot grounding out.When spark plug boots get old, the rubber cracks and lets voltage arc out the side and to the engine instead of through the plug. This will be most noticeable when trying to maintain a speed of over 40 mph, or under mild acceleration. The reason for being noticeable at this speed/acceleration level is that the transmission torque converter will be locked, transferring the vibration from any engine miss straight through to the wheels.

Not hard to do, but my experience has been that it is usually not necessary. On average I get about 250K miles out of my cars and typically never change the fuel filter. Now, if you know you have an issue with dirt or water in the fuel tank, that is different.

you need to have the fuel pressure checked with a gauge and the fuel volume checked as if either one of these is not within spec can cause the problem your having.