So I purchased this beautiful SSEI two weeks ago, and I've just been working on it constantly. I've basically finished up everything, but there's still a few issues that I can't resolve on my own.

1. The power steering seems a bit wacky..it tries to fight me when I take a turn.

2. I cannot get the A/C to work for anything. (Does anyone know how to jump the compressor on these cars so I can test it?)

3. I need door clips for the outer SSEI driver side panel. The original owner of my car got into a wreck, and he ended up putting on a door from a SE. I still have the original SSEI panels and I'd like to get them put back on.

Here's what my car looks like, you can see the SE panel on the door currently.

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1996 Bonneville SSEI - 173k miles

The power steering issue you described sounds to me like the pump went bad. That's exactly what it felt like when the pump on my 96 SSEI needed to be replaced. They are simple to replace on these, just take the passenger side wheel off.

I have not ever successfully jumped one of these AC compressors because they are so far down and the connector is right near the belt, so I don't know how to get in there. hopefully someone more knowledgeable on AC will chime in.

The body clips would be easy to get at a you-pull junkyard.

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- Rachael

Do you know if your A/C compressor is engaging? Does the display on your Climate Control flash?

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Resident Tightwad

Screw you, Photobucket.

@zuper8 - I appreciate the advice. I'll have to go look for some clips. As for A/C, I'd hope someone could help me get a guide for it.

@Sirius - The compressor is not engaging at all. My guess would be a leak because I know how these GM vehicles tend to be with low Freon, however it could be anything.

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1996 Bonneville SSEI - 173k miles

I agree that low refrigerant is likey your problem - it's a good place to start anyway. Unless you have the equipment to service your A/C, you might be better off taking it to a shop. They'll be able to find/verify any leaks and recharge the system and then it should work good & last a long time.

Winter is just around the corner, so if you don't have funds to fix the A/C now you can probably tough it out until chilled air is no longer needed and save a few bucks for repair next spring.

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Resident Tightwad

Screw you, Photobucket.

Yeah, I think I'll just wait for now regarding A/C. Other then that, do you know anyone that has any of the outer door panel clips for sale? I'd like to get some from a person that has them in stock rather than trying to pull them off another car which could end up with me breaking them.

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1996 Bonneville SSEI - 173k miles

I'm sure you could use 3M body moulding tape to hold on the panels. That's how the 2000+ generation is.

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-Car Guy Carl
"Penelope" - 2003 SLE - 247k Miles
"Sydney" - 2000 Honda S2000 - 98k miles

Even without having the clips?

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1996 Bonneville SSEI - 173k miles

The weld studs on the SE door on the upper row are in the weong spots the the SSEI panel. The lower row of weld studs are just not there on the SE door. Au-Ve-Co makes a screw in stud that is ment to be used when replacing door skins. New door skins dont have these studs at all. I post up more detailed info later. See my signiture for info on the door panels.

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Dave

INFO FOR CONVERTING SE TO SSE BODY HERE=>>http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/forum/detailing-appearance/topic39372.html
http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/forum/performance-brainstorming/topic43633.html
2002 Pro Stock Pontiac Firebird**GM 399 Splayed Valve Engine
1996 Pontiac Bonneville SE/SSE **100% Transformation from SE to SSE Complete**Lowered 2.00inches too**

I added details on the door clips to my original build thread

http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/forum/detailing-appearance/topic39372.html

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Dave

INFO FOR CONVERTING SE TO SSE BODY HERE=>>http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/forum/detailing-appearance/topic39372.html
http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/forum/performance-brainstorming/topic43633.html
2002 Pro Stock Pontiac Firebird**GM 399 Splayed Valve Engine
1996 Pontiac Bonneville SE/SSE **100% Transformation from SE to SSE Complete**Lowered 2.00inches too**