2002 SSEi (VERY pic heavy) - update on P.2 & P.3

[nubuilder]

(my "search/opinion thread"; has some more info too)

Bought my Bonneville on Feb 3. So far it really hasn't gone anywhere, but I wanted to get some pics posted. Forgive me as these were just quick shots on a nice sunny day we randomly had. Got it with 157,800mi on it in Dodge Center, MN. I really like the color combination with these wheels. The lady said she was the second owner and the owner before her was an older couple. She had service records since 2007 and 77k when she bought it. I have those records (I'll try to post them soon).















It looks like this speaker has been replaced, but I don't know with what (if it was a factory speaker or not; doesn't look like it since they didn't use the factory connector).


Wasn't expecting to see this! Now I need to find a CD magazine for it....


Do all back seats look like this with this gap? It's about the same on both sides. This makes it look a little bigger than it is.


The headlights are horrible and pathetic. I'm going to try the method on there that involves sanding and using polyurethane. I also need 1 new fog light.


This is my 2nd biggest issue right now :(. I pulled everything out of the trunk just today. No holes...yet. I've done some research on here and it looks like there's a few problem areas. I think mine is within the trunk lid itself. I removed the two rubber plugs from the bottom edge of the lid and the one on the right was more corroded (not much) that the left one. (I did remove the carpet too) My third brake light looks to be mounted properly from the outside. I didn't have a chance to inspect the bolts holding anything on really. Right now I suspect the large plastic "light" fixture (not sure what you guys call it).


My #1 issue is a misfire. I did get the car to AutoZone and it was just a generic P0300 (I believe) code. I have AC Delco 41-101 plugs and 746EE wires on order. The previous owner's records do not show the plugs being changed, or the S/C oil, or the transmission fluid/filter. I'm hoping to do both in the spring. (Anyone have P/N's?) The car also needs tires and a brake job (pulsing, but not pulling), an oil pressure sending switch (pegged at 120), and wipers. I think I'm going to order some all-weather mats from WeatherTech for it. I have HuskyLiners floor liners in both my trucks and love them, but they don't make them for hardly any cars.

That's all I can think of right now. Seems like I find/notice something else every time I drive the car. lol I might have some radio lights burnt out along the bottom of it, but nothing major. The bulb behind the temp gauge is out. The interior is very clean with no tears in the seats. I do however need to condition them and soon! The exterior is in decent shape. I need to adjust the sunroof as the back edge is low. I'd like to remove the entire interior this spring and make sure there's no water/rust underneath. I'm hoping this won't be too difficult to do. (the most interior work I've done is removing the dash on my S10 [took 3hrs coming out and going back in] and installing a sound system in my K1500)

I'm happy with the car and excited to start driving it, but the misfire and tires need to be done first.

Any questions, comments, or concerns are welcomed and appreciated!!!
Matthew

[00Beast]

Car looks good. I wonder if the backseat wasn't installed poorly and it looks like the corner was pushed back...

I have a magazine for you, otherwise IIRC Pioneer JD1212S is the same magazine: http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-JD1212S-D ... B00006I5NE

[vogie01]

From my experience I have found that the trunk leak is the seal on the trunk and is not the lid. It seems due to the age of these cars the tack gets old. Must remove the seal, clean it and the metal and add new tack to seal it.

[nos4blood70]

Overall car looks good. Loving the color.

Maybe the seat just needs to be pushed in and it'll be fine? There's 2 clips IIRC that hold it in along with two bolts on the bottom.
The speaker looks factory, I wonder why they didn't used the connector.

Looks like you've got some work to do, but other than that, it's an awesome car!

[ga93sle]

Looks nice, it's refreshing to see someone trying to put a car right instead of just complaining that it's old and falling apart.

[nubuilder]

Car looks good. I wonder if the backseat wasn't installed poorly and it looks like the corner was pushed back...

I have a magazine for you, otherwise IIRC Pioneer JD1212S is the same magazine: http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-JD1212S-D ... B00006I5NE PM sent

Overall car looks good. Loving the color. Thanks!

Maybe the seat just needs to be pushed in and it'll be fine? There's 2 clips IIRC that hold it in along with two bolts on the bottom.
The speaker looks factory, I wonder why they didn't used the connector.

Looks like you've got some work to do, but other than that, it's an awesome car! The biggest part I'm worried about is the trans pan drop and filter change.

I've haven't searched yet, but is there a thread on here about removing the back seat/rear deck? I think there is... Found it!!! link

From my experience I have found that the trunk leak is the seal on the trunk and is not the lid. It seems due to the age of these cars the tack gets old. Must remove the seal, clean it and the metal and add new tack to seal it.

There is a spot along the bottom edge of the trunk opening that isn't straight, but it looks like the metal under it is bent too. I'm guessing this isn't supposed to be like this. I'll get a pic or two when I can of it. Does anyone sell a new seal for the trunk opening?

Looks nice, it's refreshing to see someone trying to put a car right instead of just complaining that it's old and falling apart.

Well, if the car had (maybe does, haven't looked underneath yet) major rust holes or dents, I'd be a little less optimistic, but the issues I have right now seem to be very fixable. And believe me, I've had 2 trucks before these 2 that I was definitely not optimistic about. It's funny because this is the newest vehicle that I've ever bought! lol

[harofreak00]

Your floormats are reversed driver for passenger sides.

[nubuilder]

Your floormats are reversed driver for passenger sides.

Dang! Nice catch! (can't get anything by you can I? lol)
Those were just thrown back in for the test drive and I never changed them back. They were in the trunk when I first saw the car. We threw them in quick when it was 10deg out for the drive.

[nubuilder]

Maintenance Records - Summary Page (from the binder; haven't looked through the receipts yet)

9/28/07 -- 76,571 -- coolant flush/new fluid, 2 heated seats repaired, new fuel filter
10/8/07 -- 76,752 -- replaced S/C solenoid
10/22/07 -- 76,964 -- MAF sensor
11/15/07 -- 77,287 -- thermostat replaced, new fuel tank
3/28/08 -- 83,181 -- driver's side mirror replaced
4/14/08 -- 83,706 -- 4 tires, 4 wheel alignment, brakes repaired, CVC boot, new battery
12/1/08 -- 92,726 -- intake manifold gasket, cabin air filter, air filter, coolant flush/new, brake flush, power steering flush
12/17/08 -- 93,344 -- oil pressure sending unit
4/15/09 -- 98,434 -- valve cover gaskets, all rotors replaced, 3/6 coil pack
6/11/10 -- 112,326 -- 4 wheel alignment, MAF replaced
6/25/10 -- 113,000 -- rotors replaced
8/25/10 -- 116,847 -- A/C compressor replaced, A/C drier/oriface tube replaced
1/13/11 -- 117,060 -- new battery, new rear shocks

Seems like the summary ends there. I'll have to go through everything and double-check it all, but that'll be another day.

It kinda looks like they were chasing something...replaced MAF twice, fuel tank replaced, S/C solenoid, only 1 coil pack.

Looking at some of the last ones, oil changes got quite a bit less regular.....

1/22/08 -- 80,762
7/11/08 -- 88,106
11/29/08 -- 92,729
2/26/09 -- 95,207
4/15/09 -- 98,435
8/15/09 -- 103,064
5/6/10 -- 109,695
7/14/10 -- 114,018
1/13/11 -- 117,060
8/1/11 -- 126,642
10/21/11 -- 130,554
12/29/11 -- 134,795
3/9/12 -- 140,703 -- high mileage 10w30
6/18/12 -- 148,221 -- synthetic blend 5w30
10/27/12 -- 155,197 -- synthetic blend 5w30

Yeah, I saw those last 3 receipts on top and ended up going through looking at all oil change receipts. Maybe I'll get a chance to look through all the receipts and see what all has really been done in better detail.

[nubuilder]

I have a couple small questions....

1)Does anyone have the accessory air pack that came with the car?
Looking through the manual, it appears the air button and chuck on the edge of the trunk is for filling the tires. Kinda cool...if it works.

2)Is there a way to change how the car behaves when you lock/unlock the doors?
I'd like it so that it didn't honk when UNLOCK is pressed twice, and if possible, honk when LOCK is pressed twice, not every time (this is the way my trucks are and I like it that way; not as obvious when locking the doors).

[vogie01]

Maintenance Records - Summary Page (from the binder; haven't looked through the receipts yet)

9/28/07 -- 76,571 -- coolant flush/new fluid, 2 heated seats repaired, new fuel filter
10/8/07 -- 76,752 -- replaced S/C solenoid
10/22/07 -- 76,964 -- MAF sensor
11/15/07 -- 77,287 -- thermostat replaced, new fuel tank
3/28/08 -- 83,181 -- driver's side mirror replaced
4/14/08 -- 83,706 -- 4 tires, 4 wheel alignment, brakes repaired, CVC boot, new battery
12/1/08 -- 92,726 -- intake manifold gasket, cabin air filter, air filter, coolant flush/new, brake flush, power steering flush
12/17/08 -- 93,344 -- oil pressure sending unit
4/15/09 -- 98,434 -- valve cover gaskets, all rotors replaced, 3/6 coil pack
6/11/10 -- 112,326 -- 4 wheel alignment, MAF replaced
6/25/10 -- 113,000 -- rotors replaced
8/25/10 -- 116,847 -- A/C compressor replaced, A/C drier/oriface tube replaced
1/13/11 -- 117,060 -- new battery, new rear shocks

Seems like the summary ends there. I'll have to go through everything and double-check it all, but that'll be another day.

It kinda looks like they were chasing something...replaced MAF twice, fuel tank replaced, S/C solenoid, only 1 coil pack.

Looking at some of the last ones, oil changes got quite a bit less regular.....

1/22/08 -- 80,762
7/11/08 -- 88,106
11/29/08 -- 92,729
2/26/09 -- 95,207
4/15/09 -- 98,435
8/15/09 -- 103,064
5/6/10 -- 109,695
7/14/10 -- 114,018
1/13/11 -- 117,060
8/1/11 -- 126,642
10/21/11 -- 130,554
12/29/11 -- 134,795
3/9/12 -- 140,703 -- high mileage 10w30
6/18/12 -- 148,221 -- synthetic blend 5w30
10/27/12 -- 155,197 -- synthetic blend 5w30

Yeah, I saw those last 3 receipts on top and ended up going through looking at all oil change receipts. Maybe I'll get a chance to look through all the receipts and see what all has really been done in better detail.

I would not worry so much about the oil changes and concern yourself on which intake gaskets were changed. If the LIM has not been done you should get it done with the metal ones along with new metal value covers gaskets that are metal as well if they are not already.

It seems they used a cheap MAF as it was replaced at 77k & 112K. The cheap ones don't last and can some times make you think it is something else or it can be very intermittent.

[2003 SSEi]

I have a couple small questions....

1)Does anyone have the accessory air pack that came with the car?
Looking through the manual, it appears the air button and chuck on the edge of the trunk is for filling the tires. Kinda cool...if it works.

2)Is there a way to change how the car behaves when you lock/unlock the doors?
I'd like it so that it didn't honk when UNLOCK is pressed twice, and if possible, honk when LOCK is pressed twice, not every time (this is the way my trucks are and I like it that way; not as obvious when locking the doors).

Yes the Air Button is for inflating your Tires and other things. IF you have the key turned to ON (with the engine off or Running) and press the Air button, you should hear the compressor turn on.

Yes, there are Driver 1 and Driver 2 Settings, that control a bunch of options that can change the Lights, door unlocking and even the climate controll settings. These are found in the manual and done thru the DIC

[nubuilder]

I would not worry so much about the oil changes and concern yourself on which intake gaskets were changed. If the LIM has not been done you should get it done with the metal ones along with new metal value covers gaskets that are metal as well if they are not already.

It seems they used a cheap MAF as it was replaced at 77k & 112K. The cheap ones don't last and can some times make you think it is something else or it can be very intermittent.

So in other words I still probably have a cheap MAF at this point. I guess at some point I'll have to look for a used OEM one then.

I will look through the records and see if it states which intake gasket was done along with what gaskets were used for it and for the valve covers. I'll do a search on here on how to change the LIM and UIM with a S/C (I'm sure there's a thread).

I have a couple small questions....

1)Does anyone have the accessory air pack that came with the car?
Looking through the manual, it appears the air button and chuck on the edge of the trunk is for filling the tires. Kinda cool...if it works.

2)Is there a way to change how the car behaves when you lock/unlock the doors?
I'd like it so that it didn't honk when UNLOCK is pressed twice, and if possible, honk when LOCK is pressed twice, not every time (this is the way my trucks are and I like it that way; not as obvious when locking the doors).

Yes the Air Button is for inflating your Tires and other things. IF you have the key turned to ON (with the engine off or Running) and press the Air button, you should hear the compressor turn on.

Yes, there are Driver 1 and Driver 2 Settings, that control a bunch of options that can change the Lights, door unlocking and even the climate controll settings. These are found in the manual and done thru the DIC

Any idea where they may be in the manual? I'll look at the Index tonight and see if I find anything.


Thanks guys!!!

[nubuilder]

Got the plugs and wires changed last night. A shop my buddy works at let me bring the car in. It was nice to do it inside!! Plus, they had a lift open so I got get the car up in the air.

Changing the plugs was WAY easier than I was expecting. I was lucky and all came out easily. First I removed the wires from the front 3, keeping them attached to the coil and laid out on the core support in order. I blew out the plugs with air first, cracked them loose, finger snugged them, then blew them out again. A spark plug socket and a 3in extension was perfect for all of them, except the back right (driver's side) one which required a second 3in extension. The process took me between 1.5 - 2 hours, but probably could've been closer to 1hr. I like taking my time. I used anti-seeze on all the plugs and dielectric grease on both ends of the wires.

I also believe I found my miss-fire.....





These came from the back middle and back left (passenger's side). Any idea what caused this? Could it be bad injectors? (I hope not!)

The car is running great now. I got up to around 5psi of boost. Now this car is a blast!!!! (as it should be)

I have quite a few pics from under the car, but I'll post those later. For now, I just wanted to get these up and let you guys know.

[nubuilder]

Just found out....my front passenger carpet is soaked. I have a small heater aimed at the carpet now.

Driver's carpet is dry. Not totally sure about the rear passenger carpet or rear driver side. I'm hoping this is the doors and not the sunroof, but I was planning on pulling the interior out this spring.

[nubuilder]

Undercarriage Pics

I basically just snapped away while I had the car up on a hoist at someones shop.
I'm thankful to them for allowing me to work in their garage and use the hoist.













































Was that enough pics for you guys??

[nubuilder]

Headlights

Before





After







Technique used HERE. Thank you crash93ssei for posting this!!!

I removed the headlights. Sanded with 400, 600, 1000, 1500, 2000. I put on 3 light coats of polyurethane, waiting 4 to 8 hrs between. They're by no means glass smooth (mostly due to contamination), but they sure as heck look amazing!

I installed Philips CrystalVision Ultra bulbs in the lows, highs, and fogs (once I get another fog light lens and sand both of them). I'm very happy with the light output of them. I went with these because they're a slight upgrade, but still available at parts stores (mainly my local Farm & Fleet). Ordered them off Amazon for $60.

[BonneMe]

I'd clean off those pans and see if you've got a leak somewhere, of if that's just our typical MN winter grime buildup.

I'd also attack that rust in the trunk with a grinding wheel and POR-15. Looks like a fairly solid car with a few things you can fix, be sure to meet up with the MN folks when we have a meet!

[crash93ssei]

Car is coming along very nice! Those plugs were NASTY!!!!

That could have been caused from knock / detonation from a previous owner not using premium fuel, or just old beat up plugs in general.

[Hotwheels]

Love the car - one of my favorite color/wheel combos. I was actually arranging having my father in law getting an identical blue '02 SSEi with bent 5's out in UT for me, but it sold today.

Looks like it's coming along nicely - looks really clean underneath for a MN car. Looking forward to seeing the progress!