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Question:  1996 Pontiac Sunfire mileage: 136,000.   When I put the key in the ignition it will not turn.  The key is not broken and will go in and out freely.  A friend said that my car may have an anti-theft device that locks the ignition if someone tries to put the wrong key in it (my mother borrowed the car), is that a possibility?  If it is, how do I get it unlocked?  If it isn't, what else could be the problem?

Answer:  Try putting the key in the ignition and turn the key while turning or rocking the steering wheel left and right.  The steering wheel lock sometimes binds the ignition switch. If that doesn't work you will need to replace the ignition switch.
 

Question: 1997 Pontiac Sunfire GT 2.4 Twin Cam mileage: 137,000. My 97 Sunfire GT (just off warranty) with the 2.4L Twin Cam engine has developed a leaky water pump. What are the proper steps in replacing the pump? The pump is hidden under the exhaust manifold from above and hidden by the transaxle and steering rack underneath. It appears that the exhaust manifold should be removed for best access to the pump. If so, do I need new exhaust gaskets? Many of the gaskets on the car such as the transmission pan are of the reusable type. Besides, of the few parts stores I found that actually can get the pump, none even list the exhaust gaskets. I've done a lot of water pumps in my life, but this application is completely different engineering from what I'm used to.

Answer: Some engines do not have exhaust manifold gaskets, some do. If your car is equipped with exhaust manifold gaskets and you cannot find them at the local parts house, you may have to purchase them at the dealership. In order to answer the rest of your question, we would have to spend an inordinate amount of time, which we do not have considering the thousands of questions we get each week. A Mitchell, Chilton, Haynes, dealer auto repair manual or a specialty repair book for your make of car will have step-by-step instructions so you can judge for yourself the difficulty based on your level of experience. Also, most public libraries will have books on the subject you are searching for or you can the 2Carpros Bookstore for specialty books the might also assist you. Just click the hyperlink above and then click on your make of vehicle below the books displayed.

Question:  1995 Pontiac Sunfire 2.2L mileage: 174,000.  My car won't stop squealing, especially when it rains, but recently when it hasn't.  I've gone through two belts in the past four years.  The last belt was quiet for half a year because the mechanic told me to replace the water pump, which I did (under warranty).  Their explanation was that the belt was too dry, so I believed them.  The service advisor poured a little water on the belt to demonstrate, and instantly the noise was even louder.  After the demonstration, he applied some silicone lubricant and the noise disappeared.  I don't believe that this solved the problem because the noise came back again. A neighbor told me that the tensioner might need to be replaced because the spring could be worn out.  I brought that up with the service department, however, they said it was fine.  Is there anything else that I can check to solve this problem?

Answer:  Try replacing the belt tensioner and install a new belt.   If the tensioner is weak, it will allow the belt to slip slightly causing the belt to glaze.  A glazed belt would be the cause of your squeaking problems.  We no of no belt conditioner that would quiet a glazed belt for any length of time.

Question:  1997 Pontiac Sunfire 2.4L mileage: 128,000.  Where is the fuel filter located.  I bought one to replace the old one at 40,000, but I can't find where it is located.

Answer:  The fuel filter is located in the rear by the fuel tank.

Question:   1998 Pontiac Sunfire 2.4 mileage: 105,000.  Dash lights keep flashing on and off not often mostly in the mornings, now car will not start.  What could cause this?

Answer:    From what you tell us, it sounds like you may be having trouble with your charging system.  Have your battery load tested and check the alternator output for voltage and amperage.

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