1996 Oldsmobile Achieva SL sedan from North America - Comments

I've experienced the usual problems with my 96 Achieva --- I'm replacing d/s power window motor for 2nd time, have had alternator and brake problems, but over all, the car's been really good to me. Now, I'm having some type of "coding" problem, where the car's security system thinks it's being stolen and quits running after I start it up. My mechanic said I need to have it re-coded at the dealership. The dealership is now up to $800 in just parts for the ignition system. AARRGGHHH. Anyone else seeing anything like this??

My car only has 56000 miles on it, and I don't really want to get a new car, but am I kidding myself at this point? Is it worth it to keep it?

I've had the same nightmare with my Achieva. It cost me 900 dollars and several trips to the mechanic. The ignition switch has a sensor on it that if its faulty will blow other sensors in the instrument cluster. Fix that then the cluster and get the computer cleared. I haven't had a problem with it since.

This "security" problem of not allowing the motor to stay running; I have it too! I have been kicked out of the local dealership as they claim there is nothing wrong with it, but a low battery. They have replaced the battery 6 months ago along with a new instrument panel and new ignition assembly. Every time it rains or the temp. goes down a few degrees, the security warning light is on and the motor will not run. Sometimes I can flood the engine and force it to start. I have had this vehicle in to every shop around and still no results. They claim you cannot override the computer system as this is "hard wired" into the computer.

Back when there were motors with distributors and carburetors, a cracked distributor would be the problem... but with the computer "brain" behind it; I could really use some help in figuring out how to by-pass the system.

I have 99k on the '96 SC model and have really enjoyed the car for the most part -> but when you can't drive it, can't sell it, can't trade it in; what do you do with a car that won't run? I have no faith in GM and the Service Dept., they all have been very bad to me. I also have a '98 Blazer and when in to the shop they rearly fix the stuff correctly or put all the parts back on correctly. I still have on head light aimed to the heavens that a dealership installed. Door panels that rattle, after market front bumper with rust on it. I personally will never buy a GM vehicle of any kind. But am stuck with the Olds. that doesn't run.

I am out over $1500.00 in repairs (this time) ; and the dealership has had the car 4 out of 6 months in their shop. I have it towed nearly every time I attempt to drive it.

If there is a sensor in the ignition that can go bad; why doesn't the electrical and code checking pick up on this error? The dealership sent the new instrument panel back to California two weeks ago and they say it is fine.

I am unable to get the service manager to look further to solving the problem cause their system check says the battery was low when it was towed in the last time and their records show that only 320 miles were driven on the vehicle since Dec. (cause it won't run) - they claim that low mileage is the problem, if I would just drive the car it wouldn't have a low battery and there wouldn't be a starting problem. Some expert he is... I am sure he will go far with GM as this is their typical attitude.

Since I can see that I am not the only one having this problem, I wonder if GM has had technical bulletins or recalls on this?

GM is a bad company to do business with. I wouldn't buy anything they have - ever!

OK I had an Achieva with the same Ignition Switch problems... I spent over 1000 dollars at the dealership and countless trips they once kept it there for a week to ship off the instrument cluster to rebuild it... The dealership kept towing it and trying to fix it for free, but they got sick of seeing it!I was on a first name basis with the mechanics and tow truck drivers! Well I researched it on the internet and found a quick fix. It is a passlock I antitheft device that is a common prob. with many gm from 95-00 (don't quote me since it has been a while since I had the car before someone hit me) ANYWAY

1) When Antitheft device is tripped you must keep key in ingition in acc postition or on for 15 min untill dashboard light stops blinking.

2) Unscrew bottom of fusepanel (below the steering wheel) you may not even have to do this...

3) Once light stops blinking the antitheft computer is reset... start the car

4) Find someone flexable to stick thier head under the dash by the pedals (if you don't take the bottom panels out) Look for 3 thin wires I think one was green attached to a black connection clip..

5) While car running unclip the wires (may need a flathead screwdriver)

---Antitheft is disarmed--- no more problems except security light will stay lit on dash

If key keeps getting stuck (locked in ignition) Another common problem look under the steering wheel there is a plastic piece that will slide off... use pinky finger or pen stick it up there and push back (towards you) to release the key lock... would happen after long drives...

We have a 1996 Achieva SL and had the same problem. They took out the security system, but so far the problem hasn't ended. The car was never driven much and only has 25,000 miles on it so we really want it to work.