"maintenance" 95 Grand Prix se 3.1L v6

[toostrike]

I have 85,000 miles on this car.It is due for a transmission,radiator,and fuel injector service.I plan on having the fuel injectors cleaned at the dealership.
1.(fuel injector cleaning)It would cost about 120.00.Is that to expensive?

2.Should I get a flush and fill on transmission and radiator?

3.How much are struts/wheel in general?

4. I also want to do a general tune -up? What are the parts I need besides plugs and wires?The car has also used regular oil.Should I keep it that way?

This car has performed excellent since day one.I purchased this car from a family member recently,but I need to take care of the things listed above.I'm not a mechanic,but I know it leaks a small amount of oil.

Any advice is appreciated...

[GTP Dad]

First of all stay away from the dealer if you are looking to save money. The $120 is high for a fuel injector cleaning, should cost about half of that. As for the transmission, change fluid and filter only do not flush unless you want to replace the transmission soon thereafter.

Struts vary in price but it is usually the installation that costs money. Usually cost about $50 per side and about that much to replace. This varies by location on where you have them changed so shop around.

As for a tune-up, change the fuel filter, plugs, wires, pcv valve, clean the idle air control motor and throttle body with throttle body cleaner. This should take care of most items. If you have not changed the serpentine belt lately then you may want to change that too.

As for the oil you may want to stay with regular oil but you might want to consider a high mileage oil. It will help prevent leaks from seals like valve seals and helps with other issues. Most manufacturers are making these now so take your pick. If you wish to go with synthetic any brand will work but that is up to you.

[toostrike]

Thanks for all the great information.

[regalfriend]

85,000 miles is low....at this point your struts are probobly getting soft but not shot....i just did mine at 113000 and replaced them with Monroe sensa-trac. Im not happy with them at all.....It has a very soft ride around turns and on the HWY...over potholes they seem to be to stiff and have a jarring ride....It has been suggested to me that AC Delco are better, as a stock replacement......Ive been told that KYB are the best replacement for this car...they are stiffer and you may feel them more around town but are a much better HWY strut...Like GTPDAD said stay away from the dealer...it will cost you double ...but the coffe at dealers waiting room is usually better than your local shop

[GMMerlin]

I have 85,000 miles on this car.It is due for a transmission,radiator,and fuel injector service.I plan on having the fuel injectors cleaned at the dealership.

First of all stay away from the dealer if you are looking to save money. The $120 is high for a fuel injector cleaning, should cost about half of that.

Not entirely true!
Here is some information you should know,

#04-06-04-051A
General Motors is aware that some companies are marketing tools, equipment and programs to support fuel injector cleaning as a preventative maintenance procedure. General Motors does not endorse, support or acknowledge the need for fuel injector cleaning as a preventative maintenance procedure. Fuel injector cleaning is approved only when performed as directed by a published GM driveability or DTC diagnostic service procedure.

[StevePT]

FWIW, I own a 97 GP 3.1L w/ 108K mi. In its life, since we bought it with 5K mi on it, it has had two cans of seafoam and maybe one or two bottles of chevron fuel injector cleaner.

I had the fuel rail off along with the injectors last week when I replaced my lower intake manifold gaskets. Looking down the fuel rail, it was as clean as could be. The fuel injector tips were as clean as could be with no deposits anywhere on the metal body. The tip o-rings were slightly distressed and I changed those out, but the overall the condition of the "fuel system" was impeccable.

I've never had a "professional" cleaning and evidently it was never needed. I'd be willing to bet if I never ran through any of those cleaners, it would look just as good.

[richtazz]

If you want to avoid fuel system problems, stick with Name Brand gas stations (Marathon, Shell, BP, etc... Wehn you go to stations where they don't advertise the brand of gas they carry, there is a good chance you're getting b-grade fuel. It is usually mixed with alcohol and has less detergents in it. A friend of mine delivers fuel for a living, and there is a HUGE difference between name brand and generic fuel. Always remember, sometimes cheap IS cheap.