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[Froman1977]

I bought an 83 Buick Riviera I was told the headlights flickered upon the 1st night driving at home the headlights went completely off I went to rock auto bought a brand new switch I was told that was most likely the problem when I went to replace this which I found this please give me advice where I go from here

 

[MelsRegal]

Can you plug in the switch to test it?

 

[2007LucerneCXL]

"I was told" isn't really much information other than the original owner was getting rid of a problem. Plastic doesn't melt unless there is a short so it may require a inspection of the wiring harnesses and connection.

 

[Froman1977]

Can you plug in the switch to test it?

I have know idea how to test the switch would it be quicker to replace wires form headlights back to the switch the marker lights stayed on head lights would come and go

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[MelsRegal]

I have know idea how to test the switch would it be quicker to replace wires form headlights back to the switch the marker lights stayed on head lights would come and go

You plug it in and turn it on. If it starts to heat up turn it off. The old switch may have had an internal short.

 

[Froman1977]

You plug it in and turn it on. If it starts to heat up turn it off. The old switch may have had an internal short.

So plugging in will not instantly destroy the in new switch will try tomorrow I keep the battery disconnected because there is a Parasitic drain on the battery I assume that could be a very good culprit the way that switch connector is. Another problem I have is the front Springs are extremely tired I cannot find front Springs anywhere for it upon my maiden voyage the car bottomed out I didn't realize at the time they created a transmission leak I cannot find a new pan anywhere to To replace it if that is the issue I think the bolts are leaking were it got Jarred and dipstick broke when I took it in-and-out checking the fluid I can't find that anywhere either. Being a Riviera its Front wheel drive.

 

[MelsRegal]

If the front ride height is correct you need shocks not springs.

 

[Froman1977]

If the front ride height is correct you need shocks not springs.

The front left is 6" lower than the right and the whole car is 8" lower in the front than it is in the back you still think it's shocks

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[MelsRegal]

The front left is 6" lower than the right and the whole car is 8" lower in the front than it is in the back you still think it's shocks

Your other option is find a spring shop that will either custom make you new ones or recondition the old ones.

 

[2007LucerneCXL]

It's a torsion bar front suspension, you will need to check if the components that are connected to the torsion bars are still in working condition and check the bars themselves. Confirm if the shocks are actually correct size and support mountings are good.

Had the Eldorado, Toronado being the other, which have some unique features and parts to these models only.

If you plan on keeping it getting a good shop service manual should be on the list.

 

[MelsRegal]

Well that's interesting, torsion bars.
Here are some used ones.

Buick Riviera Torsion Bar | Used Car Parts

Find a quality Buick Riviera Torsion Bar and other used Car parts from the top auto salvage yards. We have the largest selection of Buick Riviera Torsion Bar parts at discount prices.

www.partshotlines.com

 

[2007LucerneCXL]

Toss in Oldsmobile engines, some of the earliest fuel injection and a few other goodies makes having a good service manual almost mandatory or a full fridge of beer, luckily I had Mopars before so torsion bars weren't a foreign item.

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[Froman1977]

It's a torsion bar front suspension, you will need to check if the components that are connected to the torsion bars are still in working condition and check the bars themselves. Confirm if the shocks are actually correct size and support mountings are good.

Had the Eldorado, Toronado being the other, which have some unique features and parts to these models only.

If you plan on keeping it getting a good shop service manual should be on the list.

Thanks

Well that's interesting, torsion bars.
Here are some used ones.

Buick Riviera Torsion Bar | Used Car Parts

Find a quality Buick Riviera Torsion Bar and other used Car parts from the top auto salvage yards. We have the largest selection of Buick Riviera Torsion Bar parts at discount prices.

www.partshotlines.com

 

[Froman1977]

Thanks

Thanks for the app I need a trunk all so found a white one form Texas would assume there would little to no rust from Texas