I'm looking for something to replace my quickly dying S10 Blazer (trans is going south at a rapid rate), and I came across a 91 Canadian Firebird at a local dealer. Has 121,000KM (about 75,000 miles), upsides is thats its super cheap-guy is asking $600, I'm sure I can get it for $400, its in decent shape in and out. Down side is that its a hardtop, auto trans, and 3.1L engine that doesn't start. Has good voltage on the gauge, but when you turn the key to start, the temp gauge pegs high and the brake light comes on. I didn't dig too deep into the car for fear that I would acidentally get the car to start thereby raise the asking price by a thousand, lol. It appears to have an alarm installed, and I'm wondering if it might have a starter interrupt installed as well. The part that worries me tho is the temp gauge pegging high. Is this a car that I should run from, or is it a potentially easy fix? I'm quite mechanically inclined, if I know whats wrong I can fix it, I'm just not terribly great at electrical diagnosis. I'm also not against pulling any parts off the 2.8L in my truck if need be.

 

asylist,

Welcome Aboard!

Your find may not be as bad as you might think. While you might continue to argue with the owner for a better price, citing the "problems" that you've found, rest assured that what the dash gauges and lights are doing is completely normal. Almost every GM vehicle with a temperature gauge made between 1980 and 1994 has the temperature gauge "peg" when the ignition is turned to the start position. There is also a "bulb test" feature that should illuminate every warning light on the dash when the engine is cranked, including the BRAKE warning lamp.

We won't tell the owner if you don't. Just continue to push for a better price, but don't be afraid of what you see.

Good luck.

 

Hehe...I won't :-P None of my S10s had that temp gauge "feature", but I seem to remember my 89 Grand Am Turbo doing that, so I was thinking it might be a Pontiac "feature". The dealer guy seems to think its the alarm, tho after doing some late night research, I'm beginning to think it might be a VATS issue. The way I understand it is that the VATS will interrupt the starter, ignition, and fuel, so that I wouldn't even be able jump the starter solenoid, correct? When I put the key in, and turn to Run, the security light should illuminate, then go out in a couple seconds. If it doesn't, most likely its a VATS problem. If it does go out, then chances are its a bad wire, bad starter, bad switch, etc?