• 🔍 Like our community? You can tell Google to show you results from this site more often. Just Click Here and click the empty checkbox on the right side of our name.

Buick Forums - The Buick Owners Group

What's on your mind?
D
Last reply · posted in Buick Reatta Forum
Hello,
I am inquiring about repairs for a 1990 Buick Reatta.

I took the car to have a complete diagnostic, and they could not exactly figure out what might be going on with the car.

They indicated:
Dash Warning Lights:
Check Engine, Brake & ABS.

They also stated:
Check Brakes
Check Tune-up

They provided me the following codes:
22 Open throttle pos sens circ
42 Elec Spark
43 Elec Spark timing malfunction
44 02 Lean
46 P.S. Pressure Switch
61 quad driver mode load MAH (?)

They had no idea how to pinpoint the diagnosis, or how to begin on fixing it. Disappointingly, the local Buick dealer told me that "we do not diagnose vehicles made prior to 1996 as our computers do not have the technology to go pre-1996." (REALLY?! SERIOUSLY?!)

So... Lost and clueless here. Any thoughts are most appreciated, and I thank you in advance.
2 Replies · 4396 views
M
you need to find new repair shops, preferably one that has has ASE certified technicians. As you can see from the example links below for code 22 and 42 it explains how to test it. If the Buick dealer can't fix it, are there any other GM dealers in your area?

http://repairpal.com/gm-obd-code-22
http://repairpal.com/gm-obd-code-42
txbarney
Remember this is a common GM 3800 V6, some shops claim they know nothing about the engine in a Reatta but GM was putting them into hundreds of thousands of cars every year.
S
Last reply · posted in 2018+ Buick Regal Sportback and TourX Forum
After 7 years I am now without a Buick Regal but I have some parts that could be useful to others. Before posting on Facebook group thought I'd give you all a shot at these:

2 steering wheels (stock, not GS) with buttons, from Essence trim so all button options - both in virtually new/very good condition, including the finish on buttons.
After market door handle cups, F and R,
1 set OEM floor mats with Regal on them,
1 set OEM floor mats with Avenir tag on the binding (very discreet)
1 set L & R New rocker panel covers for TourX (matt black plastic, never installed but kind of long so shipping might be pricey),
OEM TourX cross bars with keys, I bought used from owner who said he used them just a few time, I never had a chance to use them, they look pretty new
3D printed cell phone holder that was sold on Etsy for a while from forum member and the console tray from same vendor,
Canvasback full rear liner set for TourX with cargo flap - all black
2 OEM gauge clusters I removed when I swapped to GS cluster.
New gas pedal assembly (kept as spare, never had the issue)
New OEM Fuel door mechanism, newer design without electric lock

I'd prefer to bundle some of these if possible.. The big items like rocker covers and cross bars might be pricey to ship. Pickup or in Central Florida would be preferable.

PM me if interested
3 Replies · 49 views
P
Interested in cross bars and floor mats, but can't see how to PM you. Feel free to send me a message if you can.
Bill MeLater
Interested in the Canvasback, dm me if still available. Thanks GLWTS
9
1 set OEM floor mats with Regal on them,
please
Administrator
Staff member Lead Administrator
Last reply · posted in The Buick Forums Lounge - Introduce Yourself
We all have those days where we just need a good laugh, so let’s get a dedicated discussion going for exactly that.

The rules are simple: If you see a picture, meme, or comic that makes you laugh, drop it here.
  • Keep it within the forum rules (let's keep the completely Not Safe For Work stuff out of here).
  • No politics or heavy drama - this is an escape from all of that!
  • Context is optional. Sometimes a weird photo with no explanation is the funniest part.
Let's see what you've got!
17 Replies · 1609 views
  • Like
Reactions: ohioriver
ohioriver
A Sad Post
1781744222955.webp
  • Haha
Reactions: Administrator
ohioriver
1782836334831.webp
  • Like
Reactions: Administrator
Administrator
I do wonder if this is real............ Hmm...
ohioriver
^^^Curious, you have to ask?
TRIFECTA
Authorized Vendor
Last reply · posted in 2018+ Buick Regal Sportback and TourX Forum
Post up those amazing TourX wagons!

PXL_20210721_010822297_TF.webp
33 Replies · 3410 views
W
Not the best picture but rarely do I find another TourX to park next to for a photo.
K
What wheels are those? They look sick!
MonZZZ17
Perfect parking placement!
original_c96aff89-f490-4853-a3c7-528c46cd3dab_PXL_20240605_160033817.webp
B
Not the best picture but rarely do I find another TourX to park next to for a photo.
Quite surprising to see another red TourX when I left the restaurant.
  • Like
Reactions: D2R and Stovetop
Chef jpd
Installed Thule areobars and a motion 3 XL low box in titan grey.
I'm officially sporty.
Pics to follow
N
Last reply · posted in Buick Century Forum
Last fall I bought a 1998 Buick Century with only 57,000 miles from an old relative who rarely drove. The A/C and everything else worked perfectly last fall. But this spring I used the A/C and it wasn't blowing cold. I drove 10 miles home with the AC "on", and the second I get home and put it in park the radiator hose blew off soaking everything with coolant. I'm guessing the small pressure ripple caused the clamp to jump a tooth or something dumb) Nothing was broken, the top radiator hose simply popped off the engine barb. I refilled it and used the same hose, which was in perfect shape.

While trying to diagnose my A/C issues, I confirmed the fans DO turn on when I disconnect the coolant temp probe connector (ECU demands fans when it can't read the probe I've found out by testing). I jumpered the A/C clutch relay and it DOES engage the A/C compressor. The refrigerant has proper pressure (so not a leaked refrigerant issue). I cannot figure out why the ECU will not let the A/C system run. I even installed a new coolant temp sensor into the engine, no change.

The cooling fans never want to come on when the temp gauge goes over 50% (but temp never goes more than say 55% to red, (and evidently they don't come on until it is REALLY hot?), but the fans both work fine when the ECU demands them.

So I've been without A/C all summer. One time we accidentally left the A/C knob on "norm" for 20 minutes which heated up the antifreeze enough to cause a "low coolant" light to flash on the dash. I confirmed there was enough coolant, so I drained half, pulled the antifreeze level sensor, scrubbed the sensor prong itself (just a metal post) and reinstalled and refilled my coolant, burped it, went for a drive, and the low coolant light is ack on even though its full.

Another annoying quirk with this car is no trunk release, ONLY the keyfob button (never experienced that in any car, not even a glove box button). Also, when I push the door's LOCK switch, i have to hit it TWICE, it beeps once as if I have headlights on or something (I don't) and its warning me it doesn't want to lock on the first press... Is this normal behavior for this car?


I do NOT want to pay dealership prices to have this diagnosed, and am hoping someone here has more knowledge than I do, and have some input on my issues here relating to no A/C and heating up the coolant / false low level warnings. I thought I had scored a great condition car, but everything is spiraling down all of a sudden.
1 Replies · 215 views
C
Diagnosing an HVAC system can be tricky. First, it requires the use of an HVAC manifold gauge set so you can read both the high side and low side pressures. Just because it has "enough" pressure on the low side does not mean that there is enough refrigerant in the system. Secondly, you need a Digital Multi-Meter (DMM) in order to measure voltages and perform resistance/continuity checks to make sure there are no broken wires, defective sensors, etc. Third, you will need electrical schematics for troubleshooting the electrical parts of the HVAC system. Finally, you will need a vacuum pump in order to pump down the system if you find that you have a leak or need to add refrigerant.

R134a systems are charged by weight of refrigerant and not by the pressures measured by the gauge set. The only accurate way to do that is to first evacuate the system, pull a vacuum for a certain period of time in order to ensure their are no leaks, and then recharge it by weight.

If you do not have a set of HVAC gauges, you can "rent" them from most any O'Reilly, AutoZone or Advance/Carquest auto parts store using their loaner specialty tool program. A decent DMM will cost you about $30. The schematics can be obtained for free from Free Car Service Manuals from LEMON Manuals. The vacuum pump can also be obtained for "free" from the various auto part stores.

You could have a bad relay, a bad pressure sensor, etc. Also helpful will be a diagnostic chart which can also be found in the service manuals from Free Car Service Manuals from LEMON Manuals.

Good Luck!
Cabby033
· posted in Buick Verano Forum (Excelle)
Replaced 2.4 engine 2014 verano having an air lock issue. Runs for 20 min fine then temp gage goes up and down. Appears air is trapped in the system. Any help ? Thanks
0 Replies · 103 views
R
Last reply · posted in Buick Century Forum
Still looking for a solution to replacing the balancer bolt for a 2005 Buick Century 3.1L SE. I've ordered an ARP 120-2501 balancer bolt (says it fits this car) but I'm out of other options. If this doesn't fit, what other options are there?
34 Replies · 1254 views
C
Here is a link to a Grade 10.9 M12x1.5x45 bolt -


While it is not TTY, it should be strong enough for your application.

Or, you can order ARP M12x1.5x45 bolts from Summit Racing - https://www.summitracing.com/parts/arp-664-1005?seid=srese1
S
Here is a link to a Grade 10.9 M12x1.5x45 bolt -


While it is not TTY, it should be strong enough for your application.

Or, you can order ARP M12x1.5x45 bolts from Summit Racing - https://www.summitracing.com/parts/arp-664-1005?seid=srese1
I think this is the best alternative. I have heard very little negative stuff about ARP, and there is a decent chance the replacement will not be TTY. A re-useable replacement would be ideal in either case. I don't do wrench work professionally anymore except for myself these days. I do deal in obsolete auto parts though.

I do know that at the dealership near by, they reuse those bolts for what it is worth. I also know I have reused them too at our shop with no issue, not to say that it can't happen. All things are possible. However, if a ARP replacement can be found, then that is great. The 3.1L was a very heavily used engine across GMs lineup for several decades, the possibility of there not being a single option makes very little sense. I know that engine was used through and may have been phased out just after the 2005 model year, which I think was the last year before it was replaced by the 3.4L. I think, it's been a minute. All that said, there were millions of those engines and it's variants floating around world wide.

If Dorman does not have one, then making a plea to ARP to produce one specifically for the 3.1L with torque specs should be considered and may take the community to back a representative or just flood their inbox.
C
I think this is the best alternative. I have heard very little negative stuff about ARP, and there is a decent chance the replacement will not be TTY. A re-useable replacement would be ideal in either case. I don't do wrench work professionally anymore except for myself these days. I do deal in obsolete auto parts though.

I do know that at the dealership near by, they reuse those bolts for what it is worth. I also know I have reused them too at our shop with no issue, not to say that it can't happen. All things are possible. However, if a ARP replacement can be found, then that is great. The 3.1L was a very heavily used engine across GMs lineup for several decades, the possibility of there not being a single option makes very little sense. I know that engine was used through and may have been phased out just after the 2005 model year, which I think was the last year before it was replaced by the 3.4L. I think, it's been a minute. All that said, there were millions of those engines and it's variants floating around world wide.

If Dorman does not have one, then making a plea to ARP to produce one specifically for the 3.1L with torque specs should be considered and may take the community to back a representative or just flood their inbox.
You missed the part about the ARP bolts:

Or, you can order ARP M12x1.5x45 bolts from Summit Racing - https://www.summitracing.com/parts/arp-664-1005?seid=srese1
HotZ28
I don't understand all the hysteria from the OP about one frigging bolt in two different threads here! He has got good advice before, just use the old bolt!
  • Like
Reactions: 02LTD2.0
R
I don't understand all the hysteria from the OP about one frigging bolt in two different threads here! He has got good advice before, just use the old bolt!
Yes, two separate threads because I hadn't gotten responses until recently - for which I'm thankful, BTW.
Re-using the existing bolt is certainly a possibility, one which I'm not ruling out but it's not a slam-dunk to go that route as there is plenty of opinion out there to NOT do that.
I am heartened, however, in the number of people who have re-used the bolt seemingly without issue but I'm also hedging my bets by ordering ARP bolts just in case. The real issue is that the manufacturer has stopped making the bolt itself, with every balancer out there ships without the bolt - which just seems asinine.
S
You missed the part about the ARP bolts:

Or, you can order ARP M12x1.5x45 bolts from Summit Racing - https://www.summitracing.com/parts/arp-664-1005?seid=srese1
I didn't miss that part. The first line was me agreeing with you on the ARP bolt. ARP has a bolt that is for a Harmonic Balancer on a Ford that matches the specs exactly of the one for a 3.1L, btw.
  • Like
Reactions: chem_man
Chad Cremer
· posted in Buick Classifieds
Testing the waters, In South Dakota, i have a 1986, 1987 - both complete but need work, and a 1990 w rear damage parts car I may be willing to part with. the 86 was my old high school car, and wanted to restore it, but money, time, and well, life has me thinking it may be time to pass them on.
[email protected]
0 Replies · 91 views
W
Last reply · posted in Buick Lucerne Forum
Bought a super clean 2010 Buick Lucerne that was hit in the drivers side. Needs both doors. Let's document and descibe the process.
3 Replies · 143 views
  • Like
Reactions: Administrator
2007LucerneCXL
This may help you or others of what's inside.
292432.webp
W
Excellent..
But How did you put the picture in?
(I might be blocked from inserting pictures because just signed up today?)
  • Like
Reactions: Administrator
Administrator
Excellent..
But How did you put the picture in?
(I might be blocked from inserting pictures because just signed up today?)
You should be all set. Looking forward to seeing pictures of this project...
W
Last reply · posted in The Buick Forums Lounge - Introduce Yourself
Hi I'm Jay Elwood, friends call me Woody. My peers in the body shop business call me Wonder Woody. Ha!
I have been in the body shop business since the late 60's
My great-grandfather started Dever's Truck Body in Trotwood Ohio, it was incorporated in 1903 (The same year as Harley-Davidson and Ford) and it is still in operation today. As a child I grew up in the body shop and sweeping floors and by 13 years old I was welding hammering and painting..

I live in Dayton Ohio, in Dayton Ohio we have America's Packard Museum. Beautiful place!
They own President Eisenhower's personal 1947 Packard standard convertible.
You can see that 1947 Packard Standard convertible in the oscar-winning movie 'Carol' shot in Cincinnati.
In 2005-2006 I restored that car for (and at) the Packard Museum, I only did body and Chassis, others did the Mechanicals -brakes engines ..and others did the interior.. but I did the body.
Actress Marra Rooney (sp?) And Cate Blanchett ride around in it .. it's the green Packard convertible.. but I should warn you it's a chick flick..!!

I just found a super clean Ultra nice 2010 Lucerne, 63k Miles !! That was hit in the side. Only needed 2 doors Drivers side, Unbolt the bent doors, bolt on used doors of the same color.. I'm going to document this in the forum for repairing Buicks.. Love this Lucerne !
1 Replies · 149 views
  • Like
Reactions: Administrator
Administrator
Hi I'm Jay Elwood, friends call me Woody. My peers in the body shop business call me Wonder Woody. Ha!
I have been in the body shop business since the late 60's
My great-grandfather started Dever's Truck Body in Trotwood Ohio, it was incorporated in 1903 (The same year as Harley-Davidson and Ford) and it is still in operation today. As a child I grew up in the body shop and sweeping floors and by 13 years old I was welding hammering and painting..

I live in Dayton Ohio, in Dayton Ohio we have America's Packard Museum. Beautiful place!
They own President Eisenhower's personal 1947 Packard standard convertible.
You can see that 1947 Packard Standard convertible in the oscar-winning movie 'Carol' shot in Cincinnati.
In 2005-2006 I restored that car for (and at) the Packard Museum, I only did body and Chassis, others did the Mechanicals -brakes engines ..and others did the interior.. but I did the body.
Actress Marra Rooney (sp?) And Cate Blanchett ride around in it .. it's the green Packard convertible.. but I should warn you it's a chick flick..!!

I just found a super clean Ultra nice 2010 Lucerne, 63k Miles !! That was hit in the side. Only needed 2 doors Drivers side, Unbolt the bent doors, bolt on used doors of the same color.. I'm going to document this in the forum for repairing Buicks.. Love this Lucerne !
Welcome aboard! And thank you for signing up. I'm glad you found us! Congratulations on your new Buick Lucerne! Is this car replacing anything? Or just something new to work on and perfect? I see your discussion here and I'll be watching. 🙂
D
Last reply · posted in 2011-2017 Buick Regal / Regal GS Forum
How hard it is to switch out the a/c Compressor
2 Replies · 252 views
ulycyc
Enter in your exact model and find AC compressor remove and repair/replace.

D
Thanks so much. Huge help
Back
Top