[pchdriver]

Hey guys.

I took a risk buying a second car and got a Cadillac on eBay: a '93 Sedan Deville with 155,000 miles on the clock. Advertised as a one-owner trade-in on a Mercedes-Benz, runs well, perfect interior, paint faded in areas, new AC compressor, belts and catalytic convertor. Checked out with Carfax, and I considered it a good sign that I found a small "next service" reminder at the top of the windshield with mileage very near the current odometer reading. Just drove it home from Texas -- about 600 miles -- without a problem. Got about 21 mpg averaging 70 mph.

I got the car cheaply assuming I'd have to fix a few things, and I'm going to take it into the dealer for a full service and once-over. Before I do that, though, I'd like to get someone's take on a couple things... I'm not mechanical and would like to have an intelligent conversation with the service writer. The "service vehicle soon" light came on, but not the "service engine" light...I scrolled through the codes but got a little confused with the two-parters that didn't seem to match up to anything.

So here goes with observations: under acceleration, there's a relatively loud snarl/growl that goes away at speed. Something to do with the exhaust, maybe? (Also, the idle was a bit rough at first, but I used premium throughout the trip and it seems to have settled down.) The 1-2 shift is fairly hard when accelerating quickly, almost imperceptible when easing up to speed. Normal? Otherwise, nothing about its performance raised any flags. Any input/suggestions appreciated. (Or if anyone can recommend a good mechanic in Natchez, Mississippi or Baton Rouge, Louisiana, I'd be obliged.) Anything I should be thinking about at this mileage from guys who have been there?

I'll get a few-notches-above-basic paint job...I only need something serviceable...but the molding at the bottom of the doors is peeling, too. Is that something that can be repainted (or refinished), or do I need to buy new molding? If so, anyone know where to get replacements?

Thanks in advance from a Caddy neophyte.

 

[Ranger]

If you don't know when the coolant was last changed, have it changed and be sure they add the required cooling system suppliment (sealant tabs).

What codes did you get?

 

[pchdriver]

I'll be sure to have the coolant service. Thanks for the heads-up!

Went out and tried the codes again. When I hit "warmer" + "off" I got a quick display of the following codes. (Seemed much more straightforward than what I got last night):

E13
E39
E44
E91

When I tried to scroll (using the fan controls) I also got:

E95
E96

So it looks like transmission and oxygen sensor issues? Would the latter possiby account for the noise on acceleration?

 

[hogstamogsta]

if it said that the car was recently changed did you look at all the gaskets, for instance the flange gasket and the gasket that is in between the downpipe and the cat flange, ive had plenty of sevilles and devilles and that is a common problem to make them growl and rattle..

 

[Ranger]

Now that you mention it, my '92 had a slight growl to it. I had it in for some warranty service and the yfound and changed a bad dougnut gasket at the manifold to exhaust pipe. What a difference.

O2 sensors should not cause a noise on acceleration.

 

[Ralph]

Mine growls a bit, but I think it's just the power. The 4.9 does seem to idle a little rough, and I think it's characteristic because I always use premium.

 

[pchdriver]

Very helpful advice about the gaskets -- much appreciated!

For the transmission-related codes [P039 (E039) Torque Coverter Clutch/Viscous Converter Clutch Engagement Problem, P091 (E091) PRNDL Switch Problem (transaxle range switch problem), P096 (E096) Torque Converter Overstress] do these point to a rebuild or might it be a smaller job? Aside from that hard 1-2 shift everything seems fine...

 

[Ranger]

PRNDL switch is on top of the trans and may just be out of adjustment.

TCC/VCC engaement just means that it may not be locking up above 41 MPH. Worst case is you run 100-200 RPM higher and milage suffers by a MPG.

 

[pchdriver]

I really appreciate all the input, guys. Thanks!