1994 88 Royale Help Plz

I am trying to pass the Virginia State Inspection for my 1994 Eight Eight Royale. I need to fix several things. This is my first car, I got it as a graduation present from my grandmother. So I have been learning things about cars, repairs, and costs. I got the a dealership to run some tests on my car which was a waste of time and money.

List of problems:

* bad oil leak underneath from lower intake gaskets
* need new break pads in the front
* check engine light comes on every now and again (the guy said I need a new PMC chip to even start addressing the problem, but the guy at auto world said there was no such thing as a PMC chip)

For the Oil leak I bought a new lower intake gasket manafold. If someone could tell me how to replace this, that would be greatly appreciated. I also bought a new bolt for the oil pan.

I have never changed my brake pads so I need instruction on this also.

As for the check engine light the gut at autozone hooked up the obd II reader into my car and there was a link error so he said check my fuses. Any other thoughts?

I know this is alot but thanks for your time.


If you can help me with any of these problems let me know. Thanks.
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I would strongly suggest getting a service manual for your car. A Chiltons manual specifically for your car would be a good choice. A factory service manual would be even better, but tend to be expensive.

The intake manifold job is a bit complicated for a first-time repair, and involves concepts, (such as how to clean gasket surfaces properly, how to properly use a torque wrench) that are not explained adequately in most manuals.

Brakes are easy to do. However, they are very unforgiving if done incorrectly (ie, the car will not stop!!)

I would suggest get the best manual you can find and review a procedure before starting. Start with the easy jobs first, like an oil change.
Also, I have found that often written instructions do not provide good guideance; and nothing beats being shown, hands on, by an experienced instructor, so a high school level auto shop course would help a lot. Perhaps a local school offers one through the adult-level continuing- education dept.

You definately need to get a chiltons. About $20 at Autozone or the likes.

yes, there is no such thing as a PMC chip, but there is such thing as a PCM (powertrain control module) which is the computer in the car that keeps track of the trouble codes. I belive the name of the chip is a PROM chip, but I'm not sure. You could probably get the whole unit from a junk yard for 20 or 30 bucks (big metal box under and behind glovebox after you take off the hush panel).

You can learn how to change your breaks and the gasket in the chiltons, and if you have questions find a friend who is car-savvy or ask here. :)

Oh, if you really need to get the brakes done, you need a torx wrench (t-55 i think, not sure) to remove the calipers. There are 2 bolts, maybe three that you need to loosen. Oh, and don't let your caliper hang by the brake hose once you get it off--use a bit of wire or coat hanger. Otherwise you risk ripping your tube. The brake pads should just clip in and out of the calipers.

But, again, you should find someone who has done brakes before so that you don't have a brain fart and wreck your car due to bad brake installation.

Well, good luck and I hope you learn to love your car, these old "grannymobiles" sure as hell can run!

#1 - Your car has an OBD-1 System. It may even have an obd2 connector, but the PCM is definitely an obd1. It is possible to read the codes with a small wire to the connector(obd-1 style connector ONLY) (flashing check engine light). Otherwise, you'll need a shop with a good (snap-on prefferably) scanner.
#2 Buy a haynes manual for such things as the brakes. They're fairly simple and inexpensive.

Lower intake should not be attemped by a first timer without thorough knowledge and the proper tools!!

Why? I did it. I also patched the burnt EGR passage in the plastic upper with JB weld and a copper pipe. It's been nearly a year and no problems. And no, it won't suddenly fail and cause the car to explode.

Sideshowbob, I am referring to the lower intake gaskets which require complete removal, including fuel lines injectors and all hardware, I am not saying a non professional can't do it, but this is different than removing the throttle body. If you read the tone of the questions asked by the original poster, I am basing my comments on the seeming lack of experience in these types of repairs.

True. But the fuel rail / injector assembly is fairly simple to remove. The main concern is proper torque on the manifold bolts. If followed to the letter, the haynes manual is (for this procedure) excellent and allows just about anyone with a wrench to do this. The heater manifolr must be removed, however, and silicon is a poor sealer to use here. Mine has begun seeping. Perhaps a large O-Ring with light sealer would be an improvement here. Also, take care not to break the plastic elbow from the lower intake, it's difficult to source a new one. But seriously, each of the items requiring removal is very easy and if the bolts are taped to their respective parts (alternator, coil bracket, yada yada) there's no reason he couldn't do it. I would, however, recommend that he have someone with a bit of experience looking over his shoulder).