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Pontiac Grand Am Repair Questions and Answers

Question: 1992 Pontiac Grand Am LE mileage: The coolant temperature light and fuel empty light are stuck "on" yet both the temperature gauge and the fuel gauge work perfectly. The cooling system seems work fine, i.e. the fans switch on and off and regulate temperature to the middle of the gauge. In the wiring diagram found in the Haynes manual there seems to be a dark green wire that goes from the ignition switch to both of these circuits. Any ideas? Is this a common problem? In poking around I did notice that some of the contacts on the ignition switch were at > 14v. This surprised me.

Answer: It appears that the warning lamp illumination module has failed. Replacing it should fix your problem. The problem is not a common one to our knowledge.

Question: 1993 Grand Am  mileage: 65,000. Car has a slight rumble and an occasional distinct "clunk" when idling and driving on the road. The clunk is inconsistent and I can't seem to tell if any driving condition worsens it. It is coming from under the right fender somewhere. Is there anything else I can check before replacing the CV joints and the bearings?

Answer:  Your "inconsistent clunk" could possibly be bearings. Check the front suspension parts and the CV joints before replacing the bearings. However, since you said you hear the "clunk" when you are idling (we assume you mean not moving) the "clunk" would not be wheel bearings or CV joints. Under these circumstances, the "clunk" is more likely coming from the engine area. In this case, check belts, water pump, etc.

Question: 1996 Pontiac Grand Am . I need the water pump replaced. I have gotten estimates around $450.00. I was told that they have to jack up the engine to do this. Is this correct or are they yanking me around. What would be the approximate price for this?

Answer: The price is in the ballpark. Replacing the water pump with your 4 cylinder engine is a difficult and time consuming job; the whole front of the motor needs to be removed.

Question: 1994 Pontiac Grand Am GT mileage: 76,000 This one has my local mechanics stumped, hope you can help. My Grand Am has some serious ABS trouble. If I push the brake pedal slowly, it will go to the floor and not engage the brakes. But whenever I push the brakes somewhat harder the brakes do engage, but seem to pull somewhat. My mechanics and I aren't sure what part of the ABS system needs replacing, could you give me some guidance on what to do about this? Thanks.

Answer: Sounds like a master cylinder to us.

Question:  1996 Pontiac Grand Am  mileage: 69,000.  When you turn off the ignition the switch won't rotate all the way back to the off position and you can't remove the key.  If you wait 3-5 minutes, you hear a little click like a relay de-energizing and then you can turn the switch to off and remove the key.  Is it a relay problem?  Or something holding the relay in?

Answer:  Sounds like the ignition lock is causing your problems.  Replacing it should be the answer.

Question:  1990 Pontiac Grand Am 2.3 quad 4 mileage: 98,000.  My 1990 Grand Am has the 2.3 liter quad 4 engine and an automatic transmission.   When trying to accelerate quickly from a stop it shakes or seems to misfire.  If I let off the gas for a second it will recover and then accelerate normally.  It experiences no trouble when accelerating from a higher speed, only from a stop, and only if done so quickly.  Also, no codes are shown in the computer.

Answer:  Your car may be ready for a major tune-up including spark plugs, plug wires, distributor cap, rotor, fuel filter and air filter.  Also, perform a fuel pump pressure test and a compression check. Clean fuel injection system including throttle bore, idle speed control motor and passages.  Also, change your oxygen sensor.

Question:  1995 Pontiac Grand Am  mileage: 153,000.  My car's battery died.  Then I replaced the battery and the voltage gauge on it; reads really high now.  It’s at 16 1/2 to 17 volts when it’s running.  I took the alternator to be tested and they say its fine.   What do you think the problem is?  Thanks!

Answer:  We have found that the voltmeter gauge on the dash is not very accurate.  With the proper equipment, test the voltage across the battery with the engine on fast idle.  The voltage should read between fourteen and fifteen volts.   If it reads higher or lower, check for loose or bad ground connections from the engine to the battery.  If okay, your voltage regulator in the alternator may be faulty.

Question:  1995 Pontiac Grand Am  mileage: 77,700.   Can your headlamps burn out at the same time and will the parking lights and high beams continue to work?

Answer:    Yes, one headlamp can burn out on low beams and have the high beams work.  If you are asking about both burning out at the same time, we would say to check the high/low switch.  

Question:  1997 Pontiac Grand AM GT V6 mileage: 38,000.  Hello, About 2 weeks ago I went to put in gas and I put in 87 octane.  When I drove about 5 miles, the car started to have a rough idle and the check engine light started to blink, fearing it was bad gas, I let it go to empty, filled it up with super (92 octane) and put in a fuel treatment.... and it still has a rough idle, poor acceleration...and man I cant afford to take it in.   What can I look at to find a problem?   The spark plugs are good and everything appears to be fine.  But it's not....   PLEASE HELP!

Answer:   We think that you may have some plugged fuel injectors.

Question:  1990 Pontiac Grand Am 2.5L mileage: 116,000.  Something wrong with the clutch.  Wife driving said hard to get in gear for 2 or 3 red lights; then went dead at red light.  Did not have any resistance on pedal.  Engine was idling and went dead when clutch pedal was depressed and would not restart.  Engine is now locked-up; will not turn with starter.  Have installed new master cylinder and slave cylinder for hydraulic clutch.  That did not do the trick.  I think something broke inside bell housing and locked up the engine.  From what I have described what do you think happened and how much to fix?

Answer:   Sounds like something has come apart inside the clutch assembly.   Remove the transmission, inspect, and replace any damaged parts as necessary.  The cost will depend upon what is broken.

Question:  1996 Pontiac Grand Am  mileage: 125,000.  I drove the car for 6-8 weeks with the coolant light on prior to getting service. I checked the level and it seemed ok so I thought it was nothing major.  The local Pontiac folks told me the head gasket had a leak and there was anti-freeze in the engine.  They also said the problem was caused by not changing oil in 12K miles. They said they cannot/will not repair the engine and that it needs a new engine.  They are quoting $3,300 for a remanufactured GM engine with 3 yr - 50K warranty.   Any advice?

Answer: From what you have told us, $3,300 sounds reasonable to replace the engine.  Antifreeze in the oil would indicate that you have severe internal engine damage.

Question:  1992 Pontiac Grand Am  mileage: 78,000.  I walked out on 1 Jan and found the headlights on.  Got the keys to start engine fearing dead battery, the car started right up.  The lights were not on the night before.  Turned off car, removed key, light switch off, headlights stayed on.  Hit high beam, headlights went off, high beams came on.  Pulled out headlight control unit from fuse panel, headlights stayed on.  Unplugged each light individually and in high beam/headlight pair, thinking it might be a short, lights stayed on.  Had to unplug lights to get them off.

Answer: There may be some damage in the headlight wiring causing a short between a power wire and the headlight wire.

Question:  1993 Pontiac Grand Am mileage: 124,000.  Hi.  I have a 1993 Grand Am with a High Output Quad 4.  The blower motor for the heater/air conditioning suddenly stopped working.  I checked the fuse, and it was OK.  When I change the heater settings, I hear the usual pneumatic sounds that go with it, so I know that the car is responding to the controls, there just is not any forced air.  If it's of any consequence, I just had the alternator replaced 2 weeks ago, due to a very obviously bad front bearing.

Answer:    First check to see that you have 12 volts to the blower motor.  If yes, blower motor has probably failed.  If no, it may be the blower motor relay or there is a speed control resister causing your problem.

Question:  1990 Pontiac Grand Am 2.5 mileage: lots.  I am trying to replace the timing chain and tensioner.  I need to know how the dots line up--thanks for your help.

Answer:     A Mitchell or Chilton auto repair manual will have diagrams showing timing chain sprockets.  The manuals also give step-by-step instructions.  Click here to find out more

Question:  1989 Pontiac Grand Am  mileage: 88,000.  The car does turn over, but does not fire.  Could this be the modular or maybe something else?  Please let me know as soon as possible.

Answer:   Here are some things to have checked:  1.  Check to see if the timing belt/chain has failed,  2.  Check for ignition spark at spark plugs,  3.  Check for fuel pressure.

Question:  1989 Pontiac Grand-Am  mileage: 92,000.  The crank sensor is bad and needs to be replaced.  I purchased a new crank sensor and a Haynes book for the car.  The Haynes book says that the crank sensor is 0.05 inches from the crankshaft reluctor ring and it protrudes through the engine block; however, I can not locate the sensor anywhere.  The coil packs (the car has a distributorless system) are in the back of the engine and I could not get a good look there, but I have searched everywhere else and have been unsuccessful.   Please tell me where I can find the crank sensor and if there are any useful tips to be employed when replacing the sensor.  Thanks

Answer:  The crank angle sensor is located under the coil packs.  Be careful when removing it that it does not break off in the block.

Question:  1993 Pontiac Grand Am Quad 4 mileage: 123,578.  My 1993 Pontiac Grand Am with a 2.3 liter Quad 4 engine is running ruff. It is missing and won't idle.  When checked the #1 & #2 cylinders don't make any difference in the motors idling when the fuel injectors were disconnected only cylinders #3 & #4 make a difference.  The injectors are functioning.  The plugs show signs of weak spark the other cylinders are fine.  Compression tests show all cylinders good.  The coils have been checked.  The ignition module replaced.  What could the problem be?

Answer:  Your reported symptoms would point to a breaking down of spark plug wires.  Replacing them should fix your problem.

Question:  1988 Pontiac Grand AM  mileage: 112,000.  car just out of garage! Starts and runs just fine for awhile, and then the yellow check engine light comes on and it stalls and will not start again until about an hour.   Had the same problem 2 years ago and it was a computer module that was places under the dashboard somewhere, can't remember the name of it!  If there is such a thing as an oil module I also had one put in. I had no oil pressure and an oil switch also was put in.  I keep spending money and the darn car is doing the same thing!  Some one said the engine was going but it doesn’t even burn one drop of oil and nor does it smoke at all!  As you might have figured out, I am a novice when it comes to my car!  Thank you for listening, I do hope you can give me some good advice but if you can’t, that’s ok too!  Thanks again,

Answer:  When the car has stalled, check for spark at the spark plugs, check for fuel pressure and check for power to the fuel injectors.  This should narrow down the cause of your no start.  You might also try scanning the computer for fault codes.

Question:  1995 Pontiac Grand Am  mileage: 123,127.  Okay here’s the deal.... recently the car was acting up and then it just died.  The lights and gauges work but the car will not start.  I have charged the battery, jumped the car, and replaced the alternator.  Now that I have replaced the alternator, the engine won’t turn over.  I don’t know whether it is the starter or ignition switch.  How can I find out?  The engine doesn’t click or make any noise when trying to start it.  Please HELP!

Answer:  Here are some things to check.  Load test the battery.  Check that the battery cable connections are clean.  Check for 12 volts to starter solenoid with the key in the start position.   These things should be checked first then the ignition switch, neutral safety switch, starter and starter solenoid.  One of these may be faulty.

Question: 1994 Pontiac Grand Am 2.3 quad 4 mileage: 78,381. My 94 Grand Am service engine soon light keeps lighting up. I tried retrieving the error codes from the computer by jumping the a & b terminals on the computer. I did not receive any codes (flashes). I had been having problems with stumbling during acceleration and occasional stalling. I have replaced the fuel filter, spark plugs, vacuum lines, M.A.P. sensor, catalytic converter, and oxygen sensor. The car is running better, however the light still comes on after running for a while. I have reset the computer. But the light still lights up. The fuel injectors sound to be working using a screwdriver I here them clicking. Do you have any insight?

Answer: Jumping the A and B terminals on the computer may or may not give you the stored fault codes. The proper way is to scan it with an OBDII scanning tool. This will pinpoint malfunctioning components. These pocket scanners are the most valuable tool in the box and they can be bought for under $80.

Question: 1994 Pontiac Grand Am  mileage: 90,000. How much should it cost to replace (rebuild) the automatic transmission in this vehicle?

Answer: Two different automatic transmissions were popular in your vehicle. To rebuild the three-speed model should cost approximately $1000.00, the four-speed model, approximately $1600.00. All this is assuming that you have no damage to any of the "hard parts" (gears, etc).

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