1993 LeSabre Custom-several issues

As said above, I have a 1993 Lesabre Custom.

Even since I got it, it has several issues, one being gas mileage. I have replaced the air filter, 02 sensor, plugs and wires, and the PCV valve, but to no avail. I get about 12-14 MPG.

Since I have had the car, when the heat is on, after it has warmed up, you can smell a "maple syrup" odor (coolant?) when the heat is on. Sometimes, you can see steam come out from underneath hood. After a few minutes, the smell goes away and the steam dissapates and does not return. The temperature light does not illiminate on the instrument cluster when this is going on. The radiator cap was just replaced.

There is also a semi-constant squeaking noise (kind of like a hamster wheel or the sound of tires screeching) that goes in and out when driving the car.

Recently, the Check Engine light came on while driving in traffic. After following the directions found on this forum to get the codes, I came up with the "55" error, which is a bad ECM, if i remember correctly. The car was taken to a repair shop, where they came up with the diagnosis of a bad transmission solenoid.

questions:

1. Anything else I can try and repair to increase MPG?
2. With the smell/odor issue and squeak issue, any thoughts on what might cause this to happen?
3. Does the repair shop's diagnosis of "bad transmission solenoid" go with the issues that are with the car?

Thanks in advance.

Post back the first 10 digits of your vin no.
Code 55 has 2 different meanings depending on vin.
Could also be egr valve code on vin L 0r 1.
What codes did the repair shop get?
MT

Post back the first 10 digits of your vin no.
Code 55 has 2 different meanings depending on vin.
Could also be egr valve code on vin L 0r 1.
What codes did the repair shop get?
MT

Car is at the repair shop right now, can't get you the VIN.
Sorry.

(kind of like a hamster wheel or the sound of tires screeching)

That sound could be the water pump. When they leak it is usually from the shaft seal weep hole on the bottom of the pump and it drips on the belts causing sounds like tires screeching. The hamster wheel sound may be the bearings in the pump. Have you added any coolant lately?

You could also replace the fuel filter along with the other parts you mentioned.

You said you replaced the 02 sensor, plugs and wires, air filter and PCV valve, but what about your fuel filter? It could possibly be clogged. As for the smell, if you can smell it inside the car, it's more than likely your heater core. Also, try running your car while inspecting everything under the hood. You could have a small leak from a heater hose. Or...that squealing noise could possibly be your water pump, and if it's worn out and making noise, then it could be dripping coolant, causing the steam you mentioned.

You said you replaced the 02 sensor, plugs and wires, air filter and PCV valve, but what about your fuel filter? It could possibly be clogged. As for the smell, if you can smell it inside the car, it's more than likely your heater core. Also, try running your car while inspecting everything under the hood. You could have a small leak from a heater hose. Or...that squealing noise could possibly be your water pump, and if it's worn out and making noise, then it could be dripping coolant, causing the steam you mentioned.

I have been adding coolant recently. I thought it might be the water pump- I just thought I'd ask and see what you all thought before I had the shop replace the pump.