QuestionI have a 1992 4 door Cadillac Sedan Deville that isn't working properly. The problems are as follows: inflatable restraint light is on, loss of power and fuel economy (yes I changed the plugs, wires, distributor cap and rotary button); and last but not least, the transmission doesn't like to shift into first. I was thinking that maybe the alternator and battery might something to do with these issues but I'm not an expert.
AnswerHi David,
Thanks for the good feedback. What you are looking for is a factory service manual for the 1992 Deville/Fleetwood.
I did a quick Internet search for you. You don't have to go here, but this is what you are looking for.
http://www.factoryrepairmanuals.com/1992-1993-cadillac-deville-fleetwood-fwd-six
Good luck!
Hello,
Being that I am not at the vehicle makes things difficult, but we will try.
I am not sure as to why you think a battery or alternator might be the problem. That is the charging system and has nothing to do with the stated problems, unless there is something more going on that would lead you to believe these components could reflect a problem that you have not stated.
As for the air bag (SRS) light, there are many components in this system that could cause the air bag light to be illuminated and unfortunately, there is no good way to diagnose the problem without changing parts on agues. I happened to go to air bag school through GM in that era and I have worked on thousands of these steering columns.
You have 3 sensors. Two at the bumper and one in the center of the dash. One of tem could be the problem. There is the wiring and the ECM (Computer). Then there is the clock spring in the steering column and the air bag module as well as the air bag.
The most common problem I ran across was a defective clock spring. The clock spring is located in the column after the air bag and steering wheel is removed and then the lock plate. Specialty tools from a parts store are required to remove the clock spring.
If the computer is not functioning properly, you can have shifting problems as well as poor performance. Was the vehicle checked for diagnostic codes?
The most common thing I tell people in your situation is to get the absolute best diagnostic tool for the car. That would be the 1992 factory service manual and in his case for a 1992 Deville. You will find a factory service manual for sale on Ebay or Craigs for less than $100.
The manual will walk through even the novice just about any problem encountered with the vehicle. The manual takes away the guesswork saving time and money. I would highly recommend this for you so you are not wasting money for repairs not needed.
Yes, I am the expert, but I am not at your vehicle to diagnose the problem either and the complaints you give are very general that can have an array of solutions. I do not want to see questioners waste money on guesses which is all you can get without being at the vehicle.
Obtain the factory service manual, review the diagnostic flow charts and see if you can correct your problems. If you need assistance, then we can work on these problems together.
Good luck!
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