Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSOLDSMOBILE1996EIGHTY-EIGHT LSS FWD V6-3.8L VIN KREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISPOWERTRAIN MANAGEMENTPROM - PROGRAMMABLE READ ONLY MEMORYTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINSALL TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINSRECALL - UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD FRACTURESDEFECT/VEHICLES INVOLVED
1996 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight LSS FWD V6-3.8L VIN K
Defect/Vehicles Involved
1996 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight LSS FWD V6-3.8L VIN KSECTION Defect/Vehicles Involved
General Motors has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 1996 Pontiac Bonneville; Oldsmobile Ninety Eight and Eighty Eight; Buick Park Avenue, LeSabre, Riviera, Regal; and 1997 Buick LeSabre model vehicles equipped with a 3.8L V6 engine (RPO L36, VIN K). These vehicles may exhibit, under a certain set of complex conditions, a backfire during engine starting that can cause breakage of the upper intake manifold. This can cause a no start condition and possibly an engine compartment fire. Also, if a person was in the immediate vicinity of the intake manifold when the hood was open, and this backfire condition occurred, it could result in personal injury.
To correct this condition, dealers are to reflash the vehicle PCM with new programming software. Until the campaign repair is made, it is suggested that the vehicle hood be shut whenever starting the vehicle to reduce the chance of personal injury.
Involved are certain 1996 Pontiac Bonneville; Oldsmobile Ninety Eight and Eighty Eight; Buick Park Avenue, LeSabre, Riviera and Regal and 1997 Buick LeSabre model vehicles equipped with a 3.8L engine (RPO L36, VIN K) and built within the VIN breakpoints as shown.
NOTICE:
Dealers should confirm vehicle eligibility through VISS (Vehicle Information Service System) prior to beginning campaign repairs. [Not all vehicles within the above breakpoints may be involved]
Involved vehicles have been identified by Vehicle Identification Number. Computer listings containing the complete Vehicle Identification Number, customer name and address data have been prepared, and are being furnished to involved dealers with the campaign bulletin. The customer name and address data furnished will enable dealers to follow up with customers involved in this campaign. Any dealer not receiving a computer listing with the campaign bulletin has no involved vehicles currently assigned.
These dealer listings may contain customer names and addresses obtained from State Motor Vehicle Registration Records. The use of such motor vehicle registration data for any other purpose is a violation of law in several states.
Accordingly, you are urged to limit the use of this listing to the follow up necessary to complete this campaign.
To correct this condition, dealers are to reflash the vehicle PCM with new programming software. Until the campaign repair is made, it is suggested that the vehicle hood be shut whenever starting the vehicle to reduce the chance of personal injury.
Involved are certain 1996 Pontiac Bonneville; Oldsmobile Ninety Eight and Eighty Eight; Buick Park Avenue, LeSabre, Riviera and Regal and 1997 Buick LeSabre model vehicles equipped with a 3.8L engine (RPO L36, VIN K) and built within the VIN breakpoints as shown.
NOTICE:
Dealers should confirm vehicle eligibility through VISS (Vehicle Information Service System) prior to beginning campaign repairs. [Not all vehicles within the above breakpoints may be involved]
Involved vehicles have been identified by Vehicle Identification Number. Computer listings containing the complete Vehicle Identification Number, customer name and address data have been prepared, and are being furnished to involved dealers with the campaign bulletin. The customer name and address data furnished will enable dealers to follow up with customers involved in this campaign. Any dealer not receiving a computer listing with the campaign bulletin has no involved vehicles currently assigned.
These dealer listings may contain customer names and addresses obtained from State Motor Vehicle Registration Records. The use of such motor vehicle registration data for any other purpose is a violation of law in several states.
Accordingly, you are urged to limit the use of this listing to the follow up necessary to complete this campaign.
RENDER: 1.0x
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.