1992 Oldsmobile 88
Introduction
The 1992 Oldsmobile 88 is a full-size luxury sedan that was available with a choice of two engines: a 3.8L V6 or a 5.0L V8. The 3.8L V6 produced 165 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque, while the 5.0L V8 produced 185 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission.
Owners of the 1992 Oldsmobile 88 generally praise its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and powerful V8 engine. However, the vehicle has also been known to experience a number of issues, which are detailed below.
Engine
3.8L V6
- Intake manifold gasket failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil to leak. Symptoms include a loss of coolant, a rough idle, and decreased engine performance. The solution is to replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+
5.0L V8
- Crankshaft position sensor failure: The crankshaft position sensor can fail, causing the engine to stall or run rough. Symptoms include difficulty starting the engine, a rough idle, and decreased engine performance. The solution is to replace the crankshaft position sensor. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200+
Transmission
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
- Transmission slipping: The transmission may start to slip, causing the vehicle to lose power or accelerate slowly. Symptoms include a loss of power, a rough shift, and decreased fuel economy. The solution is to rebuild or replace the transmission. Estimated cost to fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
Suspension
Front suspension noise: The front suspension may make a clunking or rattling noise when driving over bumps. Symptoms include a clunking or rattling noise coming from the front of the vehicle. The solution is to replace the worn suspension components. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+
Rear suspension sagging: The rear suspension may sag, causing the vehicle to sit lower in the rear. Symptoms include a sagging rear end, decreased handling, and decreased ride comfort. The solution is to replace the worn suspension components. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+
Electrical
Alternator failure: The alternator may fail, causing the battery to lose power. Symptoms include a flickering or dim headlights, a dead battery, and decreased engine performance. The solution is to replace the alternator. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+
Starter failure: The starter may fail, preventing the engine from starting. Symptoms include a clicking noise when trying to start the engine, a dead battery, and no engine starting. The solution is to replace the starter. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200+
Exterior
Door lock actuator failure: The door lock actuator may fail, preventing the door from locking or unlocking. Symptoms include a door that will not lock or unlock, a clicking noise from the door, and difficulty getting into the vehicle. The solution is to replace the door lock actuator. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200+
Window motor failure: The window motor may fail, preventing the window from rolling up or down. Symptoms include a window that will not roll up or down, a clicking noise from the door, and difficulty getting into or out of the vehicle. The solution is to replace the window motor. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200+
Interior
- Heater core failure: The heater core may fail, causing the vehicle to lose heat. Symptoms include a lack of heat coming from the vents, a sweet smell in the vehicle, and decreased visibility due to condensation on the windshield. The solution is to replace the heater core. Estimated cost to fix: $400 - $600+
Summary
The 1992 Oldsmobile 88 is a spacious and comfortable luxury sedan that has been known to experience a number of issues. The most common issues include intake manifold gasket failure on the 3.8L V6 engine, crankshaft position sensor failure on the 5.0L V8 engine, transmission slipping, suspension noise, alternator failure, starter failure, door lock actuator failure, window motor failure, and heater core failure. The severity of these issues can range from minor to major, and the cost to fix them can also vary considerably. Overall, the 1992 Oldsmobile 88 is a reliable vehicle, but it is important to be aware of the potential issues that it may experience.