1995 OLDSMOBILE 88

Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: Coolant loss with no visible external leaks, White smoke from exhaust on cold starts, Milky residue on oil cap, Rough idle or misfire when coolant enters cylinders

Fix: Replace upper and lower intake manifold gaskets. The plastic lower intake manifold itself often warps and should be replaced or upgraded to aluminum aftermarket. 4-6 hours labor including coolant flush.

Estimated cost: $600-1,200

Typical onset: 90,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Pink or milky transmission fluid indicating coolant contamination, Transmission slipping or delayed engagement, Coolant in radiator looks oily or brown, Transmission overheating warnings

Fix: The internal cooler in the radiator fails, mixing coolant and ATF which destroys the transmission quickly. Requires radiator replacement, transmission flush, or full rebuild if contamination occurred. If caught early: 2-3 hours. If transmission damaged: 8-12 hours for rebuild.

Estimated cost: $400-800 (caught early), $1,800-3,500 (transmission rebuild needed)

Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Excessive vibration at idle in gear, Transmission appears to 'drop' when accelerating, Visible engine movement from engine bay

Fix: Rubber mounts separate or collapse. Replace transmission mount and inspect engine mounts while in there. 1.5-2 hours labor.

Estimated cost: $200-400

Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Squealing or chirping from front of engine that changes with RPM, Serpentine belt throwing or wearing unevenly, Visible wobble of crankshaft pulley, Rough vibration especially at idle

Fix: The rubber ring between hub and outer ring separates, causing pulley wobble. Can damage crankshaft or timing components if it flies apart. Replacement requires special puller and installer. 2-3 hours labor.

Estimated cost: $350-600

Symptoms: Headlights won't turn on or stay on intermittently, Burning smell from dashboard near light switch, Dash lights or parking lights work but headlights don't, Switch feels hot to touch

Fix: Internal contacts overheat and fail, covered by NHTSA recall but many weren't completed. Switch replacement is straightforward. 1-1.5 hours labor.

Estimated cost: $150-300

Typical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi

Symptoms: No start condition with cranking but no firing, Stalling when fuel tank below 1/4 full, Loss of power under acceleration or at highway speeds, Whining noise from rear of vehicle

Fix: In-tank electric pump wears out. Requires dropping fuel tank for access. Replace pump assembly and fuel filter together. 2.5-3.5 hours labor.

Estimated cost: $450-750