Some 1988-1990 DeVilles, Fleetwoods, Eldoraods or Sevilles may experience one or more of the following driveability symptons:
Engine Surge/Miss at idle with high electrical load or A/C load
Erratic secondary scope patterns
Intermittent stalls
Intermittent loss of power
Black smoke/rotten egg odour from tail pipe
Detonation
Dieseling
Intermittent no start
Poor fuel economy
These conditions may be caused by a poor engine ground. This results in erratic EST operation as commanded by the ECM.
To service this condition it is important to remove and clean the ground stud by the starter. Install a star washer, p/n #11501869, on both sides of the stud to engine block. For location on DeVilles and Fleetwoods refer to Figure 1: for Eldorados and Sevilles refer to Figure 2.
Parts are currently available from CANSPO.
General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.