What should you do to tune up your 1999 Pontaic sunfire 125000 miles Original everything no major fluid changes?

Answer 1

I own a 1996 2.2 Sunfire I got with 127K miles. It did have it's oil and tranny fluids changed regularly along with the fuel filter, so that was a plus. Everything else that came with the car off the dealer's lot was still on the car. I know this because a family member owned the car before I got it in 2005. I can only speak for a Sunfire with the 2.2L engine. If your 1999 Sunfire is similar , change the spark plugs and wires; the air and fuel filters; the PCV valve, and the serpentine belt. These items are readily accessible, though the fuel filter is located under the car above the rear axle. Inspect the exhaust system: loose or missing hangars, cracks or holes in the flexible pipe from the manifold between the pipes leading to the catalytic converter too. Change the oil and oil filter! Have the trans fluid serviced. If it has never been serviced, consult a trusted mechanic first! Sometimes high mileage transmissons that have never been fluid serviced shouldn't be. Worn parts tend to become problematic with the newer fluids. While under the hood carefully inspect all your radiator hoses for wear, ballooned or excessively soft near the clamps, as that could indicate a pending failure. Also check the bypass hose as well as the water pump for leakes, check the heater hoses and over flow reservoir too. If changing your hoses, change the thermostat. Look for oil leaks from the valve cover and either tighten the bolts or replace the valve cover gasget. Inspect the areas around the power steering pump for obvious leaks. It's a good idea to siphon as much fluid out of the pump and replace it with fresh Power Steering fluid. I did the same procedure to thing to the brake fluid reservoir. It's not the same as actually bleeding the brakes, but it can't hurt either. Inspect the battery terminals for corrosion and clean as necessary with baking soda mixed in clean water to neutralize any acids that could be present. With the engine running, listen to the alternator for obvious clicking or whining as that indicates worn bearings and will soon fail. Mind did failed at 128K, right after getting the car. Other noises you will usually hear are a deep clicking that comes and goes while idling. I'm told that's a typical sound of worn wrist pins on the pistons. Will they fail? Possibly. The 2.2 L engine has proven to be one of GM's better motors. It also has a timing chain, not a typical belt found on newer engines. Yes, it's worn, but my engine's still running strong with now 158K miles. It still gives me 25 mpg city/33 mpg on the highway. Doesn't use any oil, although it has developed a small drip at the seal between the trans and rear oil seal. I may need to fix that so my drive way doesn't get messed up to much. It even started up in a 1/2 second when the air temperature was -15 degrees in early February. That's about all I've done to my car, so far. Next project is to change the rear shocks and front struts. I may have my mechanic tackle the fronts.