I Bought An 03 Cadillac Deville DHS For $500

[@markofexcellence5209]

Make sure to flush that coolant every year and replace it with HOAT coolant. Keep those head bolts from ever pulling. That is a requirement if the engine does not have Northstar Performance head bolt fix. Mine had 320k, no electrical issues or anything. It's a solid car and I've owned several. I'm an expert on them now, you don't seem like a dummy. It will serve you well.

[@damiun79]

Do have any suggestions on a heated seat problem?

[@markofexcellence5209]

@@damiun79 What problem are you facing specifically? Just not working?

[@damiun79]

@@markofexcellence5209 just not working

[@Moist_Handshakes]

@@damiun79 The heating elements can break in the seat and replacing is not worth it. At least that was the issue with my old Benz.

[@andrewcogger7586]

@@markofexcellence5209 how often do you change the transmission fluid? i have an 08 dts, only 70k miles but i was thinking i should do the trans

[@VCGGBPS2]

when I changed my alternator taking the car apart and reaasembly was the easiest part. Installing the alternator itself was the problem.

[@tim_A_turner]

I bought a 2002 DHS with 168k on the clock. Needed a front spring. It's at 174k now with no signs of head gasket failure

[@OLDS98]

I enjoyed watching this video for DHS. I knew about DHS and DTS and Deville. I rode in a Deville from that era that had full digital gauges. Your really explained a lot about Northstar. I hope you get well soon. I heard they fixed the Northstars right before they phased them out. I know they ended up in other GM cars ( Bonneville GXP etc).

[@bigalsbikeandauto]

OLDS98 2004.5 + was supposedly the redesigned Northstar without headgasket issues. My father has an 05 with a Northstar he bought new and I will say no headgasket issues at all to this day.

[@MelodyOo]

I appreciate your devotion to saving these old cars I feel the same, wish if there were more people preserving them. my first car was a 1989 Chevrolet Caprice was my dad's car but gave it to me when he bought a 1999 Lexus LS400 shame the Lexus got T-boned was a very reliable car and very comfy, had an amazing gold badge and trim too, lasted over 10 years.. I also always had a soft spot for a 1996 Impala ss black, it's so rare to see one in good condition in stock nowadays..

[@Skyman08]

Those old Lexus are great cars.

[@TommyTellTheTruth]

Thanks for sharing.. :) i just bought a 2001 Deville DHS today for $500 he wanted $700. It needs a water pump and that is it. For now...lol Only has 139,000 miles. it has been well maintained.

[@dallaswilson7925]

Had this issue as well on a 92 Rivera. It was the alt. Once replaced no more issues

[@DEREK-iw4tw]

The dog just sits patiently in the passenger seat lol so cute

[@paullapiana4418]

Its the armature coil the in the alternator. If oil gets on them with the heat coming off the armature, the protective covering on the armature evaporates giving you inconsistent voltage. The longer you run it while driving, the hotter its gets and the less voltage it will produce. To remove the alternator, try looking for access holes through the wheel arch on the side of alternator. Access for sockets.

[@emeyer6963]

Cadillac Forums pretty good place for tech tips on these.Had a 2000 and when they are on point they make great driver's.

[@davidadamson3345]

They sure do Smoothe as butter & handles like a race car & the duals sound so good gettin on it

[@Nightbird.]

"The Northstar is a great engine when it's not having issues with the head gasket..". That's like saying someone is a good parent when they aren't beating up their kids..lol.

[@dalesworld1308]

Do the headlights dim when you turn on all the accessories like wipers and blower? Have you put a meter to the battery to verify the voltage reading? If so and there is no belt or bearing squeal it probably is the regulator in the alternator.

[@CVO_GUY]

I own a 2006 Chevy SSR and I know with these if the battery ground is not making a good contact it will cause intermittent gremlins. I'd definitely check that prior to getting into alternator replacement esp. with this vehicle. Good luck.

[@marcmcfarlane789]

Bloody hell George is this why you sold me the car man I laughed for 20 minutes bro when you said that actually it was a gut Buster love your video I just bought a 2003 Cadillac Seville STS I've had a SLS 94 I didn't have any head gasket problems with the 94 but it sure showed up on this 2003 I'd like to connect with you and talk about remedying a lot of problems a lot of problems haven't showed up yet as of your DeVille but it's a good gauge

[@treydaughtry6662]

Bought 05 DTS for $3000, replaced the oil pan gasket, valve covers, front engine mount and rear main seal cover over a course of 2 years...$3,700 later 🤫 and I've had it for 5 years after no problems

[@vaquero141]

Get well soon man!

[@bertgrau9246]

I had the same thing happen with a 1998 Chrysler changed the alt. Fixed it. The thing is had to move the radiator up about 3 to 4 inches to get the alt. Out. The repair manual left out a few steps. I did what you are planning. Replaced with a NEW alt. Not reman Good luck sir

[@angelcorrea1345]

transmission silynoid? i bought a 2004 cadillac and the transmission has a hard time to shif, could that be the problem?

[@chevellesbc]

The internal voltage regulator is on the fritz def replace alternator

[@Rob_1515]

Beautiful caddy Ive always been a Cadillac fan

[@BREN70S]

Feel better soon dude 😊😊😊

[@loveit9125]

I have a 95 concours with the northstar 4.6 when it says battery not charging means bad alternator no problem after that but when they run good no car run better than a deville they drive hard all day long I love those cars they run in hot and cold weather no problem I'm going to rebuild me another one one day

[@bossmansal67]

Make sure you get the northstar head stud kit while you're at it!

[@Maybe1Someday]

Ive had this problem before, what your gonna wanna do is put a 100 shot nitrous kit on it.

[@bigalsbikeandauto]

I think George would agree with this idea!

[@terrymickie8140]

THAT would be VERY interesting!!

[@verderriscursey]

my pops had one of those ol school Lincolns with the expensive suspension in it....the regular inexpensive shocks fit right in....rode just fine...no more low rider issue...lol

[@rhiantaylor3446]

After 200k miles I would expect the alternator to be at end of life - at least the brushes anyway :)

[@bigalsbikeandauto]

True, but remember, the engine was replaced in the past few years, so it's either a low mileage or a brand new engine/alternator!

[@bigalsbikeandauto]

Unless they took the alternator off the original engine...

[@rhiantaylor3446]

Just a thought before you spend on AC Delco - if this was a VW it would typically be caused by a failed wire to the alternator - essentially the wire that starts it up with an initial rotor current. Even without that wire, an alternator can sometimes start on its own from residual rotor magnetism, mine did so above about 3000 rpm. Unless it is a 1 wire alternator, there needs to be a voltage reaching the alternator from the ecu, that starts and then controls voltage/current generation.

[@williamhill4242]

Big Al's Bike & Auto I totally agree. Sometimes engines are sold, without the accessories (I.e. water pump & alternator). So, this could still very well, be the original alternator.

[@rhiantaylor3446]

Only true for PMA alternator conversions.@@Nitrogang

[@KenKulig]

Beautiful car, paint is excellent for the age. Well worth fixing alternator. Good luck with it!

[@barrywalker7002]

I have owned and worked on cadillacs for 20 years (..all models except the SRX or Escalade), but you DO NOT have to get into the sub-frame. to pull the alternator, the easiest way is to release the tention pulley, lift up the front end of the viehicle, and it basically drops right out after a couple of bolts and taking off the splash guard/plate.

[@sirmugman]

other then the rust on that rear arch there it looks okay, other then the fact its breaks need looking at that's a lotta dust or brown break dust, also is that a vynal roof or what?

[@EdgyNumber1]

Re alternator: Go old skool and get an automotive multimeter and check the voltage output. If it's good strong output, you have a wiring problem. Tech manual with wiring diagram will be key to tracing the problem.

[@swirlgalaxy]

Hope you feel better Caleb!

[@z400b]

Almost certainly alternator brushes, as they get near the end of life they wear short and make intermittent connection. Some alternators the are easy to replace, some not... 😁

[@777warhero]

I had an Impala SS do that on me. The alternator would charge off and on. Put 2 alternators in it. They were used, but they were GM alternators. Still did the same thing. Solenoid later went out in the trans, and I sold it to some guy. Don't know if he ever fixed it. He was planning on either putting the V8 from it in a dune buggy or fixing the trans and selling it. Edit: I also put a new battery current sensor in it and it did not fix the issue.

[@fields1336]

I had a 99 Devil ( not a type o) The north star 🌟 almost sent me to the Poorhouse, engine rebuild $4200 .....worth of car $1300 People with say oh shit you got a Northstar, that was my introduction to the North Star..

[@Integrity.is.everything]

Damn he didn't like your comment. Gave everyone a like except you. You must have offended his sensibilities

[@bossmansal67]

Shoulda asked them for the Northstar Performance Head Stud Kit instead of a rebuild.

[@williamsampson4926]

Yeah I watch the Car Wizard on U Tube and he thinks the Northstar is one of the worst GM Engines he's like why! He did the head bolt thing and it was a real pain so he said he'd never do another one again

[@coreybeats3335]

@@Integrity.is.everythingyep !

[@jgfrakes2736]

Check your negative battery connection. I experienced voltage drop as the negative came loose from the battery. My serpentine belt broke twice in one year too, and that really affected my ability to charhe the battery, hahaha!

[@2K-Tan]

Had an 1993 NA Miata that did the intermittent Alternator thing based off engine revs. When I ran the motor out the battery would charge. Just turned out to be a loose belt that needed to be replaced and everything was fine. I'm sure you've checked that already but if not that could be all it is.

[@bigfleet6974]

Bro ur intro is legendary

[@johnhull6363]

Feel better...Al. Not a bad looking caddy

[@dangerzone8304]

What should I look at in this car to buy it ?

[@greghinners]

I think it's a loose connection somewhere. You might inadvertantly tighten something loose by replacing the alternator. Run down to AutoZone etc and have them test it on the car.

[@mrcee6512]

You can change the alternator through the right front passenger wheel well. By the way the song on your channel.. is that "Kool and the gang- Joanna"?

[@jameswhite1319]

Thanks for sharing

[@dmocksautosnstuff]

Most definitely the alternator but sometimes check the fuse box.

[@tomolson3575]

Sounds like the brushes to the comutater have reached there length of travel . A good test is to while engine is running, reach down and ping on the alternator case with a metal pipe or something similar . If it starts charging it will at least need a brush set . No fun but necessary . Stay with the Delco if possible . Good car !

[@gabrielanthony3339]

There is a group on facebook for these vehicles, may want to check it out. A lot of people with ground wire and alternator issues, etc... I purchased a 02 DTS last year for $500 as well... hard to say no lol. Put a cat on her and ran great. Currently have 04 Deville too. 4th NorthStar but I personally have never had starting issues outside of a battery.

[@whipaholictv]

A lot of people hate these northstars but man it’s really a good motor besides the head bolts and head gaskets blowing but if you take good care I’ve seen them hit 300k no joke

[@bigalsbikeandauto]

Whipaholic Tv same!

[@dnuttall2363]

possible faulty charge relay if fitted?

[@biggmikemaynetvtx]

I love Cadillac I can't keep them on my Facebook market place buy them out .

[@shepshepherd]

Not a common sight in the UK (they can sometimes be seen in areas around USAF bases, though), but I really like this era of Cadillac :)

[@showgirlsaroundtheworldada4484]

It had a new engine or a used engine in it?

[@brianandrews7099]

Sounds like the voltage regulator built into the back of the alternator is failing (cutting in and out). Sometimes, the regulators also have the brushes built into them (not sure if the Delco alternators are designed that way). You can take the alt out, pull the black plastic cover on the back, and just replace the regulator for 1/3 to 1/4 the cost of an alternator, as long as the bearings are still quiet when you spin the pulley. You don’t have to split the alternator case to do this job. Just a few screws hold it down.

[@kipduncan5020]

That was my first thought also. Swap V R then go to AutoZone and have alternator tested before you reinstall!

[@michaelterrell4440]

Recently purchased a 2003 Deville DTS that had the exact same issue with not charging the battery. The body ground from the alternator was fraud and the communication wire leading to the PCM was hanging loose and actually severed. $13 for new ground wire and case of connectors, running like new!

[@mustangsally5901]

Any of these issues should throw an error code. Have you run an ODBC test on the engine and electrical system?

[@jayratford6681]

Did you check your grounds? Or ever get this resolved...?

[@cutemike39]

I hope u feel better al.

[@tsukisan6765]

Al, I have always wanted one of these from the time they were new, but I am not willing to buy an old car with an engine known for major problems. That thought would always be in the back of my mind every time I drove it, which is too bad because I love DeVilles. Do you know what DHS stands for? DTS is DeVille Touring Sedan. What is the H in DHS?

[@bigalsbikeandauto]

The H stands for Deville High-Luxury Sedan

[@jeffreysegal2065]

I had an '00 Deville alternator fail, as well as a few other GM alternators that failed. When they start to fail, they go within a day or 2. If it's still going, it is probably something else. Last thing that happens is the dash lights and switches start firing off like 4th of July. Then its dead.

[@lskz2798]

Gotta like video just because of the intro 😂😂😂

[@stephensmith3018]

I agree that it is the voltage regulator in the alternator. Time to replace the alternator good for another 100K

[@herbiehusker1889]

That Cadillac looks like it is in pretty good shape.

[@stevewaller6577]

I was surprised it started after sitting for a while, I would try and rule out a bad sensor or dry wiring before investing in the alternator, if you have a meter, connect it to the battery as you drive to asses what it's doing, if you don't try running the car with everything electrical turned on and if the lights go dim you know your loosing power, just a thought.

[@bigalsbikeandauto]

I had the battery disconnected for the time it had been sitting, had reconnected it just before starting the video. I'll look into that!

[@jgfrakes2736]

I bought a 2003 Deville DTS in 2018. Still going strong and reliably. ITS GOT 248K miles, btw...

[@davidjames666]

The oil leaking on the alternator is the most likely the problem. The brushes get oil and sand in the brush springs, and they don't flex onto the armature as it should. The problem is is mostly not from spilt oil on filling up, but rather a leaking cam shaft seal.

[@davidjames666]

Honestly, spraying wd-40 i to the tiny hole port of the brush old down, then spraying the back of the alternator with compressed air will remove the sand from the back of the alternator.

[@PearComputingDevices]

I used to detail and work on these at a GM dealer back in the day. It's true, it's not a simple task. That engine barely fits as it is. But it sounds to me like your rectifier unit within your alt has gone out. It's either that or your computer since like many other high end GM cars at the time would do a little more then just poll the unit. This is why some cheap low end alts simply won't work. The computer has no way of controlling it in the same manner as it was designed, so the cheap alt might charge the battery a bit too much! I had a Freestar SEL designed like this. The lower trim levels used a cheaper self regulating unit, the computer would simply just poll it and if it's got a charge. The SEL and LIMITED models used a little more sophisticated controls since also the ALT should be 160 amp vs 120 amp. But the online store sold me a 120 amp Motorcraft unit, unknowingly. Installed it, sure enough charges that battery but then will throw out a voltage and engine warning.The alt couldn't communicate with the computer. OPPS! No store outside of the dealer had the correct alt. Not cheap. But, you don't want to be stranded in zero below weather like we get here.

[@jgfrakes2736]

The radiator removal method is the best way. Nothing in the way after that. 2003 Caddys usually have alternator death of you have an amplifier drawing too much current, or when they start over-charging voltage (over 14.5 v) Caddy Devilles are generally shitty to work on, especially front suspension/steering components.

[@lllllelamp2308]

Love your channel brah. GTKRWN

[@ralphburrows8073]

hope you feel better man. being sick sucks the dogs ass.

[@Gibson3755]

I owned a STS, it had a hatch underneath. Check to see if this model has one.

[@bohemialite6371]

Get well ...it took me almost 3 weeks to get well if it's that you have a cold. The car good deal nice but a big headache

[@peterbollans9982]

faulty relay, if not defo alternator, not too fussed on the landau roof other than that nice and clean apart from rear wheel arch

[@bilalahmed2123]

Sick car. Besides the engine issue, it was built in an era when GM was making good cars ! Highly seems like the alternator.

[@AutoAuctionRebuilds]

I’m sick as hell too man. Get well.

[@thelastmemphian]

Auto Auction Rebuilds penis

[@KStatus7]

@@thelastmemphian wtf 😂😂😂😂😂

[@neilhale4529]

I owned a Lincoln Continental that had a factory retrofit of Taurus SHO suspension replacing the airbags.

[@starxlr7863]

How did that work out for you? Just curious if the ride quality changed or not.

[@neilhale4529]

@@starxlr7863 It was already that way when I bought it. Previous owner was a police detective in a suburban PD. I only owned it for a year and a half. Started having electrical shorts in the lighting system and was working 60 hours a week at the time.

[@starxlr7863]

@@neilhale4529 Ok. But how was the ride quality? Was it more firm or still soft like a regular Continental?

[@neilhale4529]

@@starxlr7863 Can't say how different it was from any other '91 Connie. But it was stiffer and more crisp than my aunt's stock '98 Taurus.

[@williamsampson4926]

Northstar is a great engine when it doesn't have head bolts pulling out or head gasket issues LOL

[@justinhouston1765]

So is the Cadillac deville 2003 a good buy

[@iiiamdiablo]

Can you put a 5.3 ls4 out a gxp in one of these

[@roachlarry1488]

The valet key disables access to the trunk and gas door. I had a 2000 deville that had a valet on off switch in the glove box and figured out this same problem thru KZbin.

[@robthedriver11]

Ha ha first comment love your videos man keep up the good work

[@FXPips11]

@ 00:01 You won the internets for me today brother, been there.

[@F_K_S]

I tell you what I had with my 2001 caddy, the load level in the back was running on and off and when I would park it then it would make the humming sound on and off and the battery would die, so I just disconnected it and everything was good

[@maxpenrose9480]

The powers of a car that you have to remove the radiator & Radiator fans or the subframe to change an alternator that is the power of a car built by General Motors where none of the engineers communicated with each other

[@starxlr7863]

False you do not have to remove the radiator. The cooling fans yes because it will give more room and its super easy to do. I've had worse cars to work on before and believe me this is not one of them. GM, Ford, Chrysler, Mercedes, Toyota, Honda, VW and the rest of them all did the same thing.

[@googleaccount1132]

NOT A BAD CADDY MAN. I LIKE THEM TOO, BUT, I PREFER MY BUICK PARK AVE ULTRA SUPERCHARGED!!! THESE 2 CARS ARE FAIRLY CLOSE IN PERFORMANCE AND COMFORT! I GOT 3.5 PULLEY AND 3 INCH EXHAUST WITH COLDER PLUGS AND INTAKE I RUN 14.11 AT 100 MPH!!! WITH CUSTOM PCM TUNE FROM ZZP 93 OCTANE ,GREAT SLEEPER BOAT SURPRISES EVERYONE AT THE QTR MILE! BOUGHT IT FOR 750 BUX !

[@showgirlsaroundtheworldada4484]

You have to go from the bottom to get the alternator out...it takes a while...I've done 3

[@dimele]

I think that there's a diode pack in the back of the alternator and therin probably is the major problem. They probably can check the whole entire alternator out add a starter rebuild place or even like an Advance Auto Parts

[@123456789marquise]

It’s your alternator. My pops 03 deville did the same thing at 234k.

[@richardsmoczynski9675]

First off I've had 2 devilles a 2000 and 2003 the head bolt issue was only in 97,98,99 that is it , gm fixed that in 2000,a lot of people don't know what they are talking about or are mistaken overheated created by the purge tube , or water pump seized from the pulley belt , and there are crossovers on the driver side of motor that are gaskets that harden and leak. These motors are very good . of course up have to take care of them as all motors . very misunderstood and a lot of false info out there . never had a prob with a aftermarket alt , as a have heard issues, one issue I could kill Cadillac for is the oil pan gasket and oil pan plenum gasket . there's 2 gaskets that need to be changed a lot if people only do the bottom one. Love these cars and the motor . if up can fix this car up can fix anything . lol

[@Msardinas86]

Just recheck your connections again before you change the alternator. But such a nice car

[@45AMT]

Check the wiring to the alternator and battery I do believe you have a bad alternator though. I had one in a Nissan that did the same thing. I hope you get to feeling better you sound kinda rough.

[@josephortiz9721]

i got a 2000 deville i love my car i paid 1600 love my car . i had work done and now runs like new

[@danielbritschock3873]

We owned a 02 DHS gold I loved it!!! But the engine shit the bed sadly at 88K😭

[@chadharmon5716]

Feel better the flu 😷 is really bad in your area

[@wallacegardner5090]

rebuild kit for the alternator

[@patricksmith5457]

Clean, shame about the rust.

[@bigalsbikeandauto]

Fred Garvin just that one spot!

[@Samuelfish2k]

Fred Garvin You call that clean? I’d hate to see how dirty your car is.🤦🏻‍♂️

[@richardsmoczynski9675]

When u live in Wisconsin and deal with way too much salt these nothing up can do but let it sit in garage . but I drive it daily . it is sad cause they rust real bad on rear quarters and lower rocker panels . mine has a lot of rust but is mint mechanical. I hate body work

[@willadventure4adventures226]

Bought a 2000 deville with 72000 on the od perfect shape from a older gent already changed out the DeX cool, awesome cars just keep up with the maintenance. Dash covers suck though.

[@yefenofphoto]

Big Al, need an update on the Fleet,seems the the Aura is gone.

[@mediaguy4037]

You could find an alternator for that car for pretty cheap, no more than 20 30 bucks. I see brand new ones people replaced in the junkyard all the time.

[@bigalsbikeandauto]

Definitely some good used ones out there, just want to make sure the alternator is definitely the problem before going through all the labor of removing it only to find out it's not the problem!

[@usmansheikh1653]

I have a Cadillac Deville 2002 180k very reliable ! Very comfortable ! I’ve had to change couple things . But compared to my Mercedes s 55 04 & jaguar xjr 2003 it’s much more reliable! The only car that beats the reliability of the caddy is my Lexus ls430

[@BB-tc6gz]

For that price, I'd roll the dice on a Northstar too, I suppose.

[@cartertomlin7105]

Silly big Al!

[@billygreenhorn9275]

Internal voltage regulater

[@LlyleHunter]

An area of concern in the Northstars are the timing belts.

[@tylermacleod4012]

Timing belts don’t exist on these engines. 3 timing chains with tension shoes. Areas of concern for these engines are overheating and blowing the head gasket (if they don’t overheat you’ll be fine) as well as oil leaks are common in almost all that you will see. I find that most of the time you can just keep the DEF left on and can turned all the way down mine never goes over 200 on the coolant temp