My 1995 Eldorado Touring Coupe is in the shop (again). I bought the car a little over two years ago with only 42K miles (CarFax report came back clean). Ran great for about 3 months, then the car started running a little rough and stalled a few times driving along. Took it to a shop and had the EGR replaced. The mechanics said there was a lot of carbon built up and they decarbonized it. I had been putting in 89 octane and switched to 93. Was averaging about 21-22mpg (highway+traffic)
About a year after I got the car I started having problems with performance so I had the car tuned up (#1) at about 65K miles and the fuel pressure regulator replaced - mechanic said it wasn't holding pressure. Ran well for about a year. Had the car tuned up again (#2) at about 85K miles because it was starting to run rough again and was putting out a bit of smoke (fuel efficiency dropped about 20% almost overnight ~17mpg). Drove okay until about a month ago then almost overnight (at about 87K miles) the fuel efficiency plunged again and the car started smoking. Had the car tuned up again (#3) and the fuel pressure regulator replaced again, and #7 fuel injector - mechanic said it was dumping fuel. The shop recommended replacing all the injectors, but I decided against it due to cost. Picked the car up from the shop (mileage was still down, only about 19 mpg), drove fine for about a day then started smoking again. Parked it for a couple of weeks, looked at new car prices, and finally decided to tow it in for repairs. This time #5 injector was dumping fuel so I'm having the rest of the injectors replaced ($OUCH$) as they recommended and another tune up (#4). I'll get the car back Monday or Tuesday. Don't know what to expect...
Has anyone else had problems with the fuel injection system on Eldorados? Could the 89 octane for a few months have messed up the fuel injection system? Seems like octane only would matter during the combustion process within the cylinders) Can I expect the car to run properly now? What else possibly could I have to fix?!?! There are no error codes, and I change the fluids regularly.
My shop has warrantied the portion of the work that I've expected them to, and I take the work to a national chain that I've had good experience with in the past (other locations). Is this bad luck? Should I look for a new shop?
I also had problems with the traction control/anti-lock lights coming on, and the shop replaced the sensors - rear, both sides, twice each before the lights went off for good. They put in aftermarket sensors the first time and the problem persisted. Now they'll only put Cadillac parts on. Anyone else have problems with putting aftermarket parts on Caddy's?
The car has been garage kept since new and looks nearly brand new and is fast, smooth and fun to drive when it works. I was hoping to put 150-200K miles on it without a ton of major repairs. It sucks when a car looks so nice but has problems. Has anyone ever gotten over a hump of repairs to have smooth sailing?