1997 Pontiac Bonneville

[BobT]

I was looking at a 1997 Pontiac Bonneville yesterday that I may try to purchase from a private party. Everything about the vehicle seemed to be in really good condition but I noticed that the on-board diagnostic was indicating to “Check Gauges.” Oil pressure, battery, and temperature gauges appeared to be within “normal” ranges. Any ideas about why it would be indicating this and is it a concern?

[Macgyver55]

I believe it also comes on for low fuel on that one Bob. Maybe it was just low on gas since its for sale.

[MNice]

my 98 has the check gauges for low gas, I assume 97 is the same. 266,000 miles and just keeps ticking.

[Jeremy airjer W]

I would be more concerned if the "check gauges" light was NOT on. There are a few rare instances that you see one where it is off.

[BobT]

You may be right on the fuel. It didn't have much fuel in it. Less than 1/8th tank. How is that 3800 series II engine? From the research I've done, it appears to be a pretty good engine but I have heard of issues with intake manifold gaskets.

[deadeye]

That intake tends to crack besides the gaskets going bad. Just about every parts store will have that one the shelf. I am not really hot about the transmission they got in there but I guess I am always leary of any GM transmission.

There is a lot of those out there with 200k or more on them though.

[zamboni]

I just sold my 97, the check gauges light would come on with low gas, so yep- these guys are right on. My 97 had 126,000 on it and whomever buys it will have lots of life left in that thing. I only sold it because my divorce forced me to, she got the mini van, and I got the Bonnie. I got the pop up camper, and no way to pull it, so I sold the Bonnie and got an Explorer.

[Big Buck Buster]

BobT,

If you are concerned about the intake, ask them if they ever had it replaced. They are known for the upper intake to loose coolant where the EGR passage goes into the upper intake. They have an updated port for this with the new upper intake set. They also have an updated steel core lower intake gasket.