Just picked up a 96 GSX

[KnappGSX96]

Hey guys, I just got a 1996 GSX for free from a neighbor. The car had been sitting for a few years in his garage before I got it, and I have a few questions about it.
1. Oil Temp gauge doesn't move. Could the gauge be broken or could the sender be bad?
2. The trans seems like it is having trouble shifting. When I'm going 50 mph the rpm is at 3k that seems a little high but I checked the fluid level when it was warm and in neutral and the fluid level was decent.
3. When you open the door should the window automatically shift down 1/4 an inch so that when you close the door the window doesn't hit? I'm only asking this because on my buddies BMW 330i the window shifts down when you open the door.

I appreciate any help you guys can give, Thanks!

 

[IHeartMyHonda]

Congrats on the free car!
1, the sender could be bad, or the wire to the sender could be broken. I would inspect for a broken wire first, as it is super easy to see (bottom front left of engine, behind the oil filter)
2. No. 2g auto trans should be at about 75 at 3k rpm. Sounds like you're not getting 4th gear.
3. No. Dsm windows dont auto adjust for door opening.

 

[chrysler kid]

There is no oil temperature gauge on a 96 gsx. Are you asking about the coolant temperature or the oil pressure gauge

The oil pressure gauge just clips on the sensor under the oil filter. Its very likely it just got unclipped and fell off

3k rpms depending on temperature is not crazy, but usually my gst shifts into 4th after 40mph

This isnt your BMW. These cars are purely mechanical. If you have never done a timing belt on a car before you should sell this car immediately while its still running fine. They require alot of technical expertise and attention to keep them running. Your car is 20 years old, it needs attention and constant maintenance. You might be in over your head on this car unless you get under the car and perform lots of maintenance now

 

[IHeartMyHonda]

There is no oil temperature gauge on a 96 gsx. Are you asking about the coolant temperature or the oil pressure gauge

didn't even catch that. Yeah, no oil temp gauge.

This isnt your BMW. These cars are purely mechanical. If you have never done a timing belt on a car before you should sell this car immediately while its still running fine. They require alot of technical expertise and attention to keep them running. Your car is 20 years old, it needs attention and constant maintenance. You might be in over your head on this car unless you get under the car and perform lots of maintenance now

I think that's a little extreme. No sense scaring someone away from a great platform because you think they aren't cut out for it.

OP, I say do some research on what it takes to maintain a car like this. If it seems like it's too much for you to handle, by all means, move on to something else, but don't make an informed decision.

 

[93AWDDSM]

Tehcinally chryserkid is right.. these are not for “the average” person. They are not a Honda, it’s a DSM and it will make you spend money and acquire tools specifically for it. Especially with a car that’s 20-25 years old.

That being said, Great car and even better you got it for free. Do every single maintenance thing you can to it before any aftermarket go fast parts (we’re trying to up the reliability part where these cars lack).

Lastly, just have fun. If you’re learning as you go, this platform will definitely help push your knowledge further.

 

[chrysler kid]

didn't even catch that. Yeah, no oil temp gauge.



I think that's a little extreme. No sense scaring someone away from a great platform because you think they aren't cut out for it.

OP, I say do some research on what it takes to maintain a car like this. If it seems like it's too much for you to handle, by all means, move on to something else, but don't make an informed decision.

Yeah im harsh, but he needs to know how deep the can of worms goes on a 21 year old car.

Better to be scared now, then scarred later by a mechanic who has no idea how to work on the car later.

Btw that's the primary reason this forum has so many knowledgeable users who post here. We were all screwed by a mechanic at some point and had to take up the jobs ourselves

 

[jinscho]

Yeah im harsh, but he needs to know how deep the can of worms goes on a 21 year old car.

Better to be scared now, then scarred later by a mechanic who has no idea how to work on the car later.

Btw that's the primary reason this forum has so many knowledgeable users who post here. We were all screwed by a mechanic at some point and had to take up the jobs ourselves

I'm going to have to agree with this sentiment. I learned VERY quick just how deep I had to dig to uncover all of the Gremlins in my Spyder and only now, 6 months later, am I happy with it as a RELIABLE daily. I also jumped into this platform knowing it was going to require regular tinkering.

However, before you decide to jump ship, take some time to browse through these forums and you'll realize very quickly just how passionate DSM owners tend to be. I wouldn't trade my DSM for any other car. It's the best headache I've ever had.

 

[KnappGSX96]

Thanks for the replies, I'll search the forum and research how to start maintaining the car. When I get a break from school I'll start going threw this list. http://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/dsm-maintenance-guide.476550/

 

[PlanZero]

Free GSX? Better just get rid of it now. Where are you located I'll take it off your hands.
Auto DSMs rely heavily on the TPS for shifting. After changing fluid AND filter, try calibrating your TPS to see if it helps. That alone will be your trial by fire hehehehe