Man, that old 2006 Bonneville I picked up last month was acting like a moody teenager – totally unpredictable. So I grabbed my toolbox and dove into the greasy mess. First up, the famous engine stalling issue everyone complains about.
The Mystery Stall
Right after filling gas, the darn thing would cough and die at stoplights. Felt like I was driving a zombie car. Popped the hood and sniffed around the purge valve near the engine. Sure enough, looked dirtier than my barbecue grill after July 4th.
- Unplugged that little plastic valve thingy
- Hosed it down with brake cleaner spray
- Let it dry in the sun for 10 minutes
- Plugged it back in snug
Boom – stall problem gone. Didn’t cost me a dime.
Power Window Tango
Then the driver window started doing the funky chicken dance – down when I pressed up, halfway then stuck. Real headache when it rained last Tuesday. Pulled off the door panel (only three screws, super easy) and found the window switch module.
- Popped out the plastic switches with a tiny screwdriver
- Saw nasty black gunk on the copper contacts
- Scrubbed them clean with an old toothbrush and rubbing alcohol
- Stuffed everything back together
Now it slides up and down smooth like butter. Still can’t believe dealerships charge $200 for that “fix.”
Check Engine Light Blues
Then that stupid orange light started mocking me every morning. Borrowed a scan tool from AutoZone (free loan!) and got error P0171 – lean condition. Sounded fancy but really meant vacuum leak city. Sprayed carb cleaner along all the rubber hoses while the engine ran.
Suddenly the engine revved like crazy when I hit this cracked elbow hose near the airbox. Cut off the damaged inch with my pocket knife, shoved the hose back on, clamped it tight with a zip tie. Light vanished after two drive cycles. Didn’t even need new parts.
Final Thoughts
These old Bonnevilles are tough cookies once you stop overcomplicating things. Grab basic tools, stay calm, and remember 90% of “major issues” are dirt or loose parts. Now I’m just chilling waiting for the next gremlin to show up!
