robert383 Posted December 22, 2005 Report Share Posted December 22, 2005 Anything I shoud be on the lookout for? Replacing my burned 94 Concours (posted just before hack but will state what I found in a new topic). Drivers window out of track and owner says SES light but clears after oil change. My first experience with OBD II and wondering if it is all it is cracked up to be. Can I feel safe any codes I pull will cover any major issues? Have my 27 pages of codes printed, LOL and reall hope this car is a good one. 84,000 so just broke in I hope. Thanks and so glad the forum is back up. Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted December 22, 2005 Report Share Posted December 22, 2005 Here is some OBD ll information: OBD history, protocols, drive cycle, disecting a DTC, and the codes: http://myweb.accessus.net/~090/dtcobd2.html If you have a laptop or palm pilot you can buy Autotap OBD ll diagnotic scanner, I am buying it after the holidays. For $200, you can read real time data and spot trouble. I can't wait to put the laptop in my passenger seat and monitor real time data.. Can't wait http://www.autotap.com/autotap_for_windows.html I plan to get the enhanced GM parameters, look at this list that Autotap can monitor, I LOVE IT! http://www.autotap.com/enhanced_parameters_gm.asp I had come AC problems last year, this system would have immediately spotted it... I would not buy it until I did the following (not necessarily in this order): 1) check for codes 2) drive it on a highway at 70 with a few WOTs while watching the coolant temp and feeling for shimmy and vibration. Does the car hop on bumps, does the rear hop or mis-track? Rear knuckles can cause skidishness. 3) during that drive, I would want to find a long incline (impossible where I live). 4) look into the coolant tank 5) ask for service records, ask when the coolant was changed last, ask if green coolant was ever used 6) check the trunk spare tire area for wetness 7) look at the oil and tranny pan for leaking 8) check the oil and tranny fluid (smell the tranny fluid). 9) look at the tires for uneven wear 10) check all assessories and controls, windows, seats, radio 11) how does it start, how old is the battery, any whining? 12) after the ride, lift the hood and smell for oil, tranny fluid or coolant. 13) hit the brakes and feel for shutter or vibration indicating 'warped' rotors Any deficiencies can help you to negotiate the price.. Good Luck Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robert383 Posted December 22, 2005 Author Report Share Posted December 22, 2005 BodybyFisher, Thank you very much. Printed and will use as a check list. Have the protocol info and code list printed. Fell in love with this car (wanted another Concours but rare) and the STS was suggested. One thing I have learned on this forum repairs can be expensive if out of the DIY relm. Good clean cars are hard to find in Michigan or way over priced. Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted December 22, 2005 Report Share Posted December 22, 2005 By the way, I find this information to be interesting: http://vehicletest.state.ma.us/obdqa.html#whatisobdcheck Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canadian95sts Posted December 22, 2005 Report Share Posted December 22, 2005 robert383, Trust me when I say you will not be disappointed buying an STS. They are awesome. This last summer i talked Bigjayzway into looking at an STS to replace his deville, he found a sweet deal on a 98 STS. Even within the cadillac brand, I like to say that the STS is the "Cadillac" of Cadillacs. Matt A good friend will come and bail you out of jail...BUT, a true friend will be sitting next to you saying, "darn...that was fun!" www.madd.ca Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robert383 Posted December 22, 2005 Author Report Share Posted December 22, 2005 Thanks Matt! I think it was Big Jay or maybe you that planted the STS seed so really hope to find a decent one. Good to get some reassurance that I am headed in the right durection. Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CadiKing Posted December 22, 2005 Report Share Posted December 22, 2005 robert383, Trust me when I say you will not be disappointed buying an STS. They are awesome. This last summer i talked Bigjayzway into looking at an STS to replace his deville, he found a sweet deal on a 98 STS. Even within the cadillac brand, I like to say that the STS is the "Cadillac" of Cadillacs. Matt I SECOND THAT! Matt is apsolutely correct? STS' ROCK! The fourth item listed General Motors Driving Cycle is the way to test drive! If I'm not mistaking, if it were possible Driving that cycle will cause the car to self diagose. Perfect way to be current on the codes. By an STS! You won't be sorry! I had my Stabilitrac going nuts last night! What a blast in the snow! Car gets four new tires today and an alignment...That's why I had to go nuts last night... That's why I'll be going nuts tonight! Best of luck on your search! Don't settle for anything less than an STS! my .02 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robert383 Posted December 22, 2005 Author Report Share Posted December 22, 2005 Thanks a million everyone. Been a hetic week with my Concours burning so if I don't get back to each and every one of you please understand the help so far has been priceless. Hope to get some wheels before Christmas. Merry Christmas (I know, should be Happy Holidays) to everyone. Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robert383 Posted December 23, 2005 Author Report Share Posted December 23, 2005 Got one.....Well, in the AM. It's bad. Loved my DeVille Concours but not even in the same class after driving. I am excited. What a car. Sure many posts will follow (as someone said this is the Cad of Cads). WOW, to you STS lovers. Thanks, Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted December 23, 2005 Report Share Posted December 23, 2005 Stop Bob you are teasing me.... I need to sell my Deville, which I love, and buy an STS.... can't wait. I am very interested in your impressions since you had a Concours... Glad you found one... Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robert383 Posted December 23, 2005 Author Report Share Posted December 23, 2005 Bodyby, I loved my Coucours (94). Lacking in some aspects but after a divorce..... The NorthStar....bad (good bad). I drove an StS and will own in the morning. As suggested by some on the forum (the Cad of Cads). Owner with me but a different car. With the 94, the performace seemed impressive. STS, different car but first impression, a true allaround car. So tight as conpared to my DeVille. As the fire stuff slows down I hope to share my STS honest opnion. First impresion? Bad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BSchlossmann Posted December 23, 2005 Report Share Posted December 23, 2005 I seemed to recall from earlier posts on this forum that the 97 were for some reason more prone to head gasket failures. I would make sure take you change the anti freeze at the required intervals, in combination with using the coolant tabs. This is probably good advise for everyone to follow. Enjoy your new vehicle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KHE Posted December 24, 2005 Report Share Posted December 24, 2005 I seemed to recall from earlier posts on this forum that the 97 were for some reason more prone to head gasket failures. I would make sure take you change the anti freeze at the required intervals, in combination with using the coolant tabs. This is probably good advise for everyone to follow. Enjoy your new vehicle. I wouldn't say a '97 is more prone to headgasket failure. If anything, a '93-'95 Northstar would be more prone to head gasket failure due to lack of cooling system maintenance with green coolant. Kevin '93 Fleetwood Brougham '05 Deville '04 Deville 2013 Silverado Z71 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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