Victory Auto Service

Proud sponsor of:

“PIT STOP”

The purpose of this is to inform you of common problems and failures we are finding with certain vehicles. The types of problems we list in this section are seen in our shops on a weekly basis. We will list the vehicle make and model and specific problem area that are the source of failure. If you own one of these vehicles and are experiencing any of these complaints and would like to schedule an appointment with us, please give us a call.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. General Motors
2. Chrysler
3. Ford

GENERAL MOTORS

If you own one of these vehicles…

1993 - 1996 Buick Century	1993 - 1996 Oldsmobile Ciera
1993 - 1996 Chevrolet Beretta	1996 - 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
1992 - 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier	1994 - 2001 Chevrolet S10 Pickup
1992 - 1996 Chevrolet Corsica	1994 - 2001 GMC Sonoma/Jimmy Pickup
1993 Chevrolet Lumina

…and are experiencing any one or more of these complaints:

• Poor Heat	• Engine Running Hotter than Normal
• Smell of Antifreeze	• Engine Overheating
• Coolant Loss	• Temperature Gauge Fluctuation
• Steam from Engine Compartment	• White Smoke from the Exhaust
• Antifreeze in the oil	• Rough Idle on Initial Engine Startup

We have noticed a very common problem with these vehicles!

The problem we have seen is in the premature failure of the Cylinder Head Gasket and/or a crack in the cylinder head itself. The affected engine is the 2.2 liter 4 cylinder engine. All of the vehicles listed offer this engine. If you are experiencing any of these complaints there is a good chance this may be the cause. We would like to offer a free checkout of your vehicle for this problem! Please call to schedule your free checkout which can be done while you wait!

If you own one of these vehicles…

1994 - 1999 Buick Century	1995 - 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
1994 - 1998 Buick Regal	1994 - 1998 Oldsmobile Achieva
1994 - 1998 Buick Skylark	1994 - 1996 Oldsmobile Ciera
1994 - 1996 Chevrolet Beretta	1993 - 1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass
1994 - 1996 Chevrolet Corsica	1994 - 1999 Pontiac Grand Am
1991 - 1999 Chevrolet Lumina	1994 - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
1997 - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu

…and are experiencing any one or more of these complaints:

• Smell of Something Burning	• Oil or Coolant Leaking
• Poor Heat	• Temperature Gauge Fluctuation
• Low Coolant Light On	• Using Oil Between Oil Changes
• Steam or Smoke from the Engine Compartment

We have noticed a very high rate of failure in the lower intake manifold gaskets. Also the oil pump drive housing leaks engine oil badly. The failure occurs in the 3.1 liter and 3.4 liter engines. All of these vehicles listed offer this V-6 engine. This problem can be detected upon a visual inspection while you wait. If you are experiencing any of the above complaints or have any further questions please give us a call! There is no cost for us to inspect your vehicle for these issues.

If you own one of these vehicles…

1995 - 1997 Buick Riviera	1995 - 1998 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight
1996 - 1998 Buick Regal	1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue
1995 - 1998 Buick LeSabre	1995 - 1996 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight
1995 - 1998 Buick Park Avenue	1995 - 1998 Pontiac Bonneville
1998 Chevrolet Lumina	1997 - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

…and are experiencing any one or more of these complaints:

• Smell of Coolant Burning	• Poor Heat
• Coolant Leaks	• Temperature Gauge Fluctuation
• Low Coolant Light On	• Engine Uses Coolant with No Visible Leaks

What these vehicles have in common is the 3.8 liter engine (VIN Code K). These complaints will likely be caused by a bad Upper Intake Manifold. This part is made of a composite plastic material that degrades over time. An updated intake manifold is available for these vehicles. This should also be a very easy checkout and can be done while you wait. Please give us a call to make an appointment.

DODGE/CHRYSLER/PLYMOUTH CARS

If you own one of these vehicles…

1995 - 2000 Chrysler Cirrus	1995 - 2001 Dodge Stratus
1995 - 2001 Chrysler Sebring	1996 - 2000 Plymouth Breeze
1995 - 1999 Dodge Avenger	1994 - 2001 Plymouth Neon
1994 - 2001 Dodge Neon

…and are experiencing any one or more of these complaints:

• Oil Leaks	• Smell of Oil Burning
• Smoke from the Engine Area

We have seen many of these vehicles with the 4 cylinder 2.0 liter and 2.4 liter engine that leak oil due to a bad cylinder head gasket. This can be diagnosed quickly with a visual inspection. If you are experiencing this problem please call to set up an appointment and we can inspect your vehicle for this problem while you wait, at no charge.

FORD TRUCKS AND VANS

Vehicles that use the Triton 4.6 liter, 5.4 liter and 6.8 liter engines have some common failures. These engines are in most Ford Trucks and Vans from 1996 and newer.

We have seen on many occasions spark plugs coming out while driving. When this happens your engine will sound like a helicopter. Most shops will sell you major engine work or even replacement! We have the specialty tools needed to repair the threads that are damaged when the spark plug comes out and have had good luck doing this repair.

We have also seen a number of these engines with bad Head Gaskets which could have multiple symptoms, the most common of which are oil and coolant leakage.

Other Important Links:

  • Blaine Location - driving directions to shop
  • Fridley Location - driving directions to shop
  • Ham Lake Location - driving directions to shop
  • Edmunds.com - used car appraisal
  • NAPA online.com - standards
  • Tire One - Independent tire dealers
  • Free2B! - Anoka County Community Coalition

August Ash, Inc.
Minneapolis Web Design