Maybe not the right place..but it is similar(1988 Riviera).

[Rca2000]

Hello guys. I just found this forum. I think I will be happy here.

I have just acquired a 1988 Buick Riviera. I am not sure this is the right place--but the Reatta is just a 2-seat Riv-- SO I figured this was not too far off.

Anyway- I got this Riv from a guy who needed the money BAD!! It is in nice shape, both inside and out, with only some minor things needed to make it a real nice car. Overall--it is in very good mechanical shape. The engine does NOT knock, ping or ratle, and NO smoke out of the oil filler, when at idle or even at about 2000 rpm. The tranny shifts smoothly. The brakes are hard, but stop fine without any harsh noises. The drivetrin (cv joints, steering) is fine, with a hint of "morning sickenss", for about 3 seconds, at a cold start. Most of the interior accessories are fine, too, including the GCC and dash. The bose stereo works ok--as good as a bose is expected to. The interior is in pretty good condition, with the expected cracks in the leather seats and armrests, but the headliner is in GOOD shape.

All in all-- this is a good car. And all of that--with 110k on the odo-- for only $700!!

Now-- there are a few problems, of course.

The most presing problem, IMHO, is a miss in the engine. At first, I figured I had dirty injectors, as it was only an occasional miss, but it has gotten worse, and I put in a bottle of injector cleaner, and expensive gas to correct the problem. At first--it seemed to help. But now-- the miss has returned,and with a vengence. It is most noticeable at idle and in 4th gear, and if going up a hill, it is VERY noticeable. But--as soon as it will come on--it will disappear--and then, the car runs beatuiflly, with the smoothness and power expected from a 3800 engine.

Is this most likely the coil pack/module?? This one has the magnavox module, and I am hearing that this causes some problems like this on these cars.

Or-- do I still have dirty injectors?? I would thnk that if that was the case--the miss would be much more sporadic and not continuous, as if it is totally not firing on one or 2 cylinders, which is what it feels like. The previous owner said he had replaced the ignition wires, but I am not sure of that. However--he did not replace the plugs. In my experience however--bad plugs will NOT cause a total miss, continually one one or more cylinders, will they??

Or--do I have some kind of serious engine problem(somehow-- I doubt that.)

ALso, there are a couple of smaller problems, I would like to address.

The cruise does not work at all. It LOOKS like it engages,as the screen and the dash say so, but it does not do so. All vacuum lines are hooked up, and there are no BCM codes that I know of. A bad servo, probably??

Also, the EL backlights for the switch pods on each side of the dash are out. I know there is an inverter somewhere. Does anyone have any idea of where it is?? I think I may have a spare, from some spare parts I have from a previous (1986) Riv I had some time ago, including an inverter, dash cluster, GCC,CPS, switches, all 3 computers, programmer and radio.

The auto-level does not work. Is that most likely the sensor?? it never lights up on the dash.

The passenger window does not roll down right, and there is a grinding noise, I suspect the gear on the motor. Is that right??

And that is about all of the issues with this car. Nothing really major--but just a few things that are a hassle, and the miss, which I REALLY need to take care of!!

Thaks for any help!!

Jack.

[Guest F14CRAZY]

I'd bet on the miss being from the coil pack. Swap in one from I believe a '92+ 3800, or just say a '95 Park Avenue. Salvage is ok for this one. Don't pay over $60 for it.

[Guest EDBS0]

U B readn here

[manikmekanik]

Check your ECM codes, you may have a bad cam sensor.

Your engine/drivetrain is same/similar to the Reatta, and a GM service manual is an invaluable tool in diagnosing/repairing your problem, get one, or goto Reatta.net for tech literature/diagnostic help.

And...

If you like the Riv, wait 'till you try a Reatta! Watch for one for sale in your area, and check it out, take a test-drive if you can, you'll end up getting one within the next year, if any more are left!!

In the meantime, join the Buick club of America!! I can sponsor your application for membership!!

[alexhouston]

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