Why does the check engine light in my Sunbird turn on when I start my car?

It's okay if your check engine light comes on when you first start your vehicle. This is a sign that your vehicle is testing its circuits. The light should go off shortly. Bring your vehicle in if it doesn't.

Are Pontiac Sunbird engine noises bad?

Strange engine sounds can be a sign something’s off in your Pontiac Sunbird. Knocking or tapping could be a symptom of low oil. Whistling could mean a belt is misaligned or there's an intake leak. Squealing may be caused by a loose fan belt, and grinding could be a sign that something is wrong with your brakes — not the engine.

What could damage a Pontiac engine? [ordered-list-1-item-3-1]Are you unknowingly damaging your Pontiac Sunbird engine?

Certain driving habits can damage your engine and should be avoided. These habits include 'running on fumes,' flooring the gas pedal while the car is in Park, or pushing 'the pedal to the metal' before the engine has warmed up. Steer clear of these habits to help protect engine performance and efficiency.

Can I add water to my Pontiac Sunbird radiator?

It’s not recommended you put water in your Sunbird radiator unless it’s an emergency. Under normal circumstances, use a 50/50 mix of water and coolant or a pre-mixed coolant. But, if you need to keep driving while out of coolant, using water is better than driving with an empty coolant reservoir.

What can cause the engine in my Sunbird to suddenly stop?

If your Sunbird car engine suddenly stops, it could be due to overheating, low fuel, a faulty ignition system, sensor problems, electrical system trouble, or mechanical issues.

Who fixes Pontiac Sunbird engines?

For Pontiac Sunbird engine repair, trust your local Firestone Complete Auto Care. You can make an appointment today at any of our thousands of locations across the U.S.

Engine Repairs for Your 1986 Pontiac Sunbird

Learn about

1986 Pontiac Sunbird Trim Options

Select your Pontiac Sunbird trim level to learn more about Pontiac-recommended engine repair. Use the following chart to find information.

L4/1.8L

L4/2.0L

Repairs for Your 1986 Pontiac Sunbird

Stuff wears out. Even your Pontiac Sunbird's many parts and pieces. We’re here to help when something stops working. Select a service or repair below to learn more about what we can do for your 1986 Pontiac Sunbird.

We’re Trained to Care for Pontiac Sunbird Engines

Pontiac Sunbird engines are known for their reliability. You may have even been thinking about that when you bought it. Even so, pieces and parts can break down over time. Sometimes plans go sideways. If they do, you’ll have to find a dependable 1986 Pontiac service center — quick! That’s where Firestone Complete Auto Care comes in. We've serviced more than 500 million vehicles since 1926, and our technicians know Pontiac Sunbird engines. If you think something’s wrong with your engine, schedule an appointment at your convenience. Firestone Complete Auto Care offers both trustworthy and affordable engine repairs.

Illuminated Check Engine Light on 1986 Pontiac Sunbird

If your Sunbird check engine light is on, it’s time to get it looked at. A steady or flashing check engine light could signal a serious issue with your vehicle's ignition, Causes may include a faulty oxygen sensor, worn spark plug, a problem with your catalytic converter, or a leaking engine vacuum, to name a few potential sources. Bring your Sunbird in for an on-board diagnostic check and we'll determine exactly why your check engine light is on. Other signs your Pontiac Sunbird engine needs some TLC are essential fluid leaks, or misfiring.

Engine Repairs for Your 1986 Sunbird

When your Pontiac Sunbird engine needs repairs, our technicians will make sure you understand what’s going on before they start working on your engine. We never do any work without your sign-off. If a repair isn’t urgent right now, we’ll let you know. If it's necessary for your safety, we'll make sure you understand that, too. We want to give you all the details you need to make an informed decision about your engine repairs. Turn to Firestone Complete Auto Care for your 1986 Sunbird engine repairs and you can drive easy knowing that we use Pontiac-approved parts and fluids — cambelt, motor oil seal, sensors, or another part.

1986 Pontiac Sunbird Engine Q&A

Why does the check engine light in my Sunbird turn on when I start my car? It's okay if your check engine light comes on when you first start your vehicle. This is a sign that your vehicle is testing its circuits. The light should go off shortly. Bring your vehicle in if it doesn't.
Are Pontiac Sunbird engine noises bad? Strange engine sounds can be a sign something’s off in your Pontiac Sunbird. Knocking or tapping could be a symptom of low oil. Whistling could mean a belt is misaligned or there's an intake leak. Squealing may be caused by a loose fan belt, and grinding could be a sign that something is wrong with your brakes — not the engine.
What could damage a Pontiac engine? [ordered-list-1-item-3-1]Are you unknowingly damaging your Pontiac Sunbird engine? Certain driving habits can damage your engine and should be avoided. These habits include 'running on fumes,' flooring the gas pedal while the car is in Park, or pushing 'the pedal to the metal' before the engine has warmed up. Steer clear of these habits to help protect engine performance and efficiency.
Can I add water to my Pontiac Sunbird radiator? It’s not recommended you put water in your Sunbird radiator unless it’s an emergency. Under normal circumstances, use a 50/50 mix of water and coolant or a pre-mixed coolant. But, if you need to keep driving while out of coolant, using water is better than driving with an empty coolant reservoir.
What can cause the engine in my Sunbird to suddenly stop? If your Sunbird car engine suddenly stops, it could be due to overheating, low fuel, a faulty ignition system, sensor problems, electrical system trouble, or mechanical issues.
Who fixes Pontiac Sunbird engines? For Pontiac Sunbird engine repair, trust your local Firestone Complete Auto Care. You can make an appointment today at any of our thousands of locations across the U.S.