"The Dreamer" 2003 LeSabre Limited

[Mad_Coachman]

From the Driver Info Center what does your oil pressure read? If it says 130 psi then your sensor is bad and should be replaced ASAP. If you're going to replace the spark plugs make sure to get AC Delco 41-101 and new spark plug wires as the ones on the rear bank will probably be "fused" to the plugs.

 

[RobR]

Thank you all for giving me a GREAT start up list to follow up. Here is my SPID/RPO found under the spare tire cover. I'll check each of them and figure out what I got! 🙂 It's time to GRIND GRIND GRIND!

This is off the wall but its GM so go figure. The power window mechanisms self destruct if you roll them all the way down. You'll hear a snap when you do and thats the cable pulling tight against plastic grommets and such. Roll em down just short of full and dont use the auto down feature. Got this from a retired dealership exec.

 

[2007LucerneCXL]

Wow, great list and not one fluid listed lol!

 

[Mad_Coachman]

The list is easy for me to remember. I had to do all that and more to my 75k mi "creampuff". It seems previous senior owners of these cars just dont keep em up. I love the car but ill never buy another one unless all of that is addressed. Its a great car once gone over tho,and ill own mine for a long time.

I hear you but if a person is mechanically inclined these cars are a great value as the parts are relatively inexpensive. I think the previous generation were built a bit better but I prefer the looks of the 2000-2005 LeSabre over the '92-'99. My first GM front driver was a '97 Bonneville and I wouldn't mind picking up another one but they're getting pretty scarce in good condition.

 

[RobR]

From the Driver Info Center what does your oil pressure read? If it says 130 psi then your sensor is bad and should be replaced ASAP. If you're going to replace the spark plugs make sure to get AC Delco 41-101 and new spark plug wires as the ones on the rear bank will probably be "fused" to the plugs.

More more more! Replace the coils when doing the plugs because even though the old work fine,the insulation inside breaks down after so many years and starts to pull too much amperage through the Ignition Control Module,damaging it.

Oh yea,add replace Fuel Pressure Regulator to the list.

 

[RobR]

Wow, great list and not one fluid listed lol!

Fluids get changed as you check off the list!.

 

[2007LucerneCXL]

Not posted - brake, power steering, transmission, coolant, AC checked and oil but I found changing fluids easier than parts. Toss in gas, transmission and air filters.

 

[RobR]

Not posted - brake, power steering, transmission, coolant, AC checked and oil but I found changing fluids easier than parts. Toss in gas, transmission and air filters.

This applies to all cars,he should know that.

 

[2007LucerneCXL]

Don't assume as I know owners who don't.

 

[lbear]

I just added HVAC actuators to the list. Hes got auto temp and dual zone I dont envy him having to figure out the puzzle of which actuator goes where and how to get to em.

Just get both and replace both. Is AC Delco the best replacement or do they offer a good or better aftermarket one?

 

[lbear]

Speaking of fluids. Yes, it is a good idea to replace all drivetrain fluids and all filters. Which I have done on my 83k mile Buick. I still need to replace the power steering fluid. I typically use a suction pump to remove all the fluid from the resovoir and then replace it. I use this on GM cars like the Buick:

Maxlife Power Steering Fluid with Stop Leak – Valvoline Chemicals

Works well and is designated for GM vehicles. Does the LeSabre require any type of special PS fluid or would the Valvoline work?

 

[HotZ28]

Works well and is designated for GM vehicles. Does the LeSabre require any type of special PS fluid or would the Valvoline work?

Valvoline works well & the best choice.

 

[IntensorPoet]

Thanks all!

Of course something as common as all fluids, brakes, spark-plugs, shocks, etc.. are being sorted out first before anything else.

I am focusing intently into LeSabre's common problems that need to be addressed. Most of you mentioned those, will be listed on what need to be checked and fixed.

The previous owner was an elder, focused into the maintenance of the car, hence most of joints, control arms, fluids, brakes were regularly maintained. Making my job a lot easier, focusing more into LeSabre's issues than the common ones.

Keep on giving me pointers as this thread is my central source of information for my project!

😉

 

[lbear]

When replacing radiator hoses. I like Gates hoses. I am not a fan of worm gear hose clamps as they will loosen BUT once re-tightened, they usually hold trouble free.

Has anyone used T-Bolt Hose Clamps? Supposedly they do a better job than worm gear clamps.

Factory used spring/tension clamps which require no adjustments and hold well. Hard to find the factory replacements. They stopped making them. I guess you can reuse the factory spring clamp if it's in good shape?

​

 

[2007LucerneCXL]

T-Bolt Hose Clamps are better but they can be over tighten on plastic, aluminum or copper outlets/ inlets which can cause a issue. Of course anything can be over tighten, but good worm type will be fine.

 

[IntensorPoet]

Here is my RPO/SPID list, decoded. I need to figure out what GFTV33, VHR69, and BC/CC 527F 173 are.

RPO list of 2003 LeSabre Limited:

GFTV33 - ?
4HR69 - ?

AJ7 : RESTRAINT SYSTEM SEAT, INFLATABLE, DRIVER & PASS, FRT & SIDE
AL9 : CONTROL SEAT, POWER LUMBAR, DRIVER
AM6 : SEAT FRT SPLIT BENCH
AP9 : NET CONVENIENCE
A45 : MEMORY SEAT ADJUSTER, MIRROR, POWER, DRIVER, PERSONALIZATION
CD2: INDICATOR WSWA JAR FLUID
CE1: WIPER SYSTEM WINDSHIELD, PULSE, MOISTURE SENSITIVE
CJ2: HVAC SYSTEM AIR CONDITIONER FRT, AUTO TEMP CONT, AUX TEMP CONT
DEH: PLANT CODE DETROIT/HAMTRAMCK, MI, USA
DR2: MIRROR O/S LH & RH, REMOTE CONTROL, ELECTRIC, HEATED, LT SENSITIVE, MANUAL FOLDING, COLOR
FE1: SUSPENSION SYSTEM SOFT RIDE
FE9: CERTIFICATION EMISSION, FEDERAL
FQ3: RATIO TRANSAXLE FINAL DRIVE 2.86
IQ3: TRIM INTERIOR DESIGN (Q3)
JL9: BRAKE SYSTEM PWR, FRT & RR DISC, ANTILOCK, FRT & RR WHL
K68: GENERATOR 105 AMP
L36: ENGINE GAS, 6 CYL, 3.8L, MFI, V6, HO (ERV6 SERIES)
MN3: TRANSMISSION AUTO 4 SPD, HMD, 4T65-E
MX0: MERCHANDISED TRANS AUTO PROVISIONS, O/D
NP5: STEERING WHEEL LEATHER WRAPPED
NT9: EMISSION SYSTEM FEDERAL, TIER 2 PHASE-OUT
NW9: TRACTION CONTROL ELECTRONIC
PH3: WHEEL 15 X 6, ALUMINUM CAST, 115MM BOLT CIRCLE
QPK: TIRE ALL P215/70R15-97S BW R/PE ST TL ALS
SLM: SALES PROCESSING STOCK ORDERS
UA6: THEFT DETERENT SYS
UB7: CLUSTER INST, OIL, COOL TEMP, VOLTS, TRIP ODOM, TACH, DR INFO CTR
UE1: COMMUNICATION SYSTEM VEHICLE, G.P.S. 1
UG1: OPENER GARAGE DOOR, UNIVERSAL
UJ2: INDICATOR ENGINE OIL LIFE
UK3: CONTROL STEERING WHEEL, ACCESSORY
UP0: RADIO AM/FM STEREO, SEEK/SCAN, AUTO REV MUSIC SEARCH CASS, CD, AUTO TONE, CLOCK, ETR
UV7: ANTENNA WINDSHIELD, RR WINDOW, RADIO
UW6: SPEAKER SYSTEM 6, CUSTOM
VH9: ENVELOPE OWNER INFO MAN
VM3: LABEL INFORMATION CONSUMER, CONTAINS BPR IMP STANDARD FOR FRT 5 MPH & RR 5 MPH
V73: VEHICLE STATEMENT USA/CANADA
1SE: PACKAGE OPTION 05
1SZ: DISCOUNT OPTION PACKA
17I: INTERIOR TRIM MED GRAY (I) (97)
173: TRIM COMBINATION LEATHER, MED GRAY (3) (97)
6CD: COMPONENT FRT LH COMPUTER SEL SUSP (6CD)
7CD: COMPONENT FRT RH COMPUTER SEL SUSP (7CD)
73U: PRIMARY COLOR EXTERIOR, SILVER STEEL GRAY MET (03)
8CW: COMPONENT RR LH COMPUTER SEL SUSP (8CW)
9CW: COMPONENT RR RH COMPUTER SEL SUSP (9CW)

BC/CC U 527F 173 ?

 

[IntensorPoet]

From the Driver Info Center what does your oil pressure read? If it says 130 psi then your sensor is bad and should be replaced ASAP. If you're going to replace the spark plugs make sure to get AC Delco 41-101 and new spark plug wires as the ones on the rear bank will probably be "fused" to the plugs.

It reads 129.

 

[Mad_Coachman]

Change the oil pressure sensor ASAP.

More Information for STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS PS309

More Information for PERFORMANCE TOOL W80590

 

[RobR]

Change the oil pressure sensor ASAP.

More Information for STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS PS309

More Information for PERFORMANCE TOOL W80590

+1
It may seem like its no big deal,but they have the propensity to start leaking badly at this point.

 

[Mad_Coachman]

@92k miles it's probably never been replaced. If it ruptures you will have a loss of oil that is potentially catastrophic.