Ignition System Other Not applicable Not applicable
Q: how to install key switch located on dash can't
get old one out any clues desparate
A: If the car has air bags you're going to have to have someone else that knows what they're doing handle this job.
If it doesn't have an air bag located in the steering wheel then you will have to use a steering wheel puller and remove the steering wheel. next you will need a G.M. lock plate compressor tool so you can get the snap ring off to remove the steering wheel lock plate.
then comes the fun job of getting the turn signal switch/4 way switch mechanism out of the way so you can actually get to the lock tumbler assembly.
This is usually held in by one screw that needs to removed. take out the screw, remove the lock tumbler assembly, replace assembly and all other parts in the reverse order of disassebly.
You should be able to rent the tools needed from autozone since they should also have the lock tumbler assembly.
REMEMBER, DO NOT TRY THIS IF THE CAR HAS AIR BAGS BECAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH MAY OCCUR!!!!!!!!!!!
Electrical / Lighting Systems Other When driving Always
Q: driving down the road mywarning bell went off and my battery light came on it goes off when you shut off the car and restart it and about 2 minutes driving the light comes back on
A: there is a plastic box above your fuse panel make sure it is pluged in to its harnes
Electrical / Lighting Systems Malfunction Happens always Always
Q: Started out that the hazard lights didnt work and now the turn signals dont work either. tried replacing the switch but that didnt work. thought it might be the flasher, but can't locate it. can you help???
A: GM flashers are almost always in the fuse panel. 2 seperate ones for signals and flashers. Ed.
Interior Components Other Not applicable Not applicable
Q: I got the car off of a uncle who has passed away and had the battery changed. Now I can't play the radio because of a pin # that he and the salesman programed into it. I called the Pontiac garage in my area and was told to bring the car in and for a service charge they would give me the override pin! Is there any other way I can program this radio with out a fee? Thank you barbh55@hotmail.com
A: Most of the time that info is on a tag in the glove box or in the trunk. Quite often with the spare tire panel. Ed
Q: It is always when I first start my car to leave it kind of sputters then it won't go very fast and it will die. It takes it a minute to start up again but when I do get it started it shakes really bad unless I press on the accelerator and then it will stop shaking and it will drive fine.
A: Check your timing, that could cause a lot of those problems, also check to see if your choke (carberated) linkage isn't binding up, or the warm air diaphram (EFI). It could also be caused by low fuel pressure or a faulty fuel pressure regulation. Check your shop manual about how to check those.
Chris
genzaroff@hotmail.com
Electrical / Lighting Systems Malfunction When driving When warm
Q: First, driver's power window intermittent. Lately, all windows intermittent. I suspect the "master" switch ass'y. How do I remove it to test the switch without damaging the bezel?
Q: The car will idle at 2000 rpm's when just sitting still either braked or in park. The car has ~60.000 miles and has been a terrific car. The idling problem seems to subside after the car has been driven for about 15-20 minutes.
A: it sounds as though you idle air bypass valve is sticking,have it cleaned or replaced and clean the throttle body.
Heating / Cooling System Malfunction Happens always Always
Q: When I turn on my Ac it does not blow out of the vents. The dial that adjusts how quickly the air flows out has no effect. I don't hear the fan blowing. While I am driving the car, cold air will slowly come out of the vents if the car is moving, but when I come to a full stop, the air stops circulating. I checked the fuse that runs the blower motor, and it is good. Need further advice.
A: Check the blower motor switch on the console with a test light.If there is power there than have the blower resistor checked. If all this and the fuse checks out than the motor is at fault. After fixing this problem if no air comes out of the vents check the blend control door. It is operated by a cable coming off of the hot/cold selection knob. it could be disconnected and not allow cold air to come through.
Heating / Cooling System Other Not applicable Not applicable
Q: How do you install an evaporator core for a 1996 Grand Am GT?
A: If you are referring to the heater core, it is very difficult you must remove the entire center console.
And if it is equipped with the V-6, you will be under the car for quite some time.
Electrical / Lighting Systems Malfunction Not applicable Always
Q: Power Wndow on driver side does not open or close as it should. Worst case it does not move at all.
If I turn off the car and wait awhile, the window will eventually move.
I'm wondering if I need to replace motor. How do I make that determination?
A: Almost sounds like the power motor is weak.......would need replacing...Ed
Q: I recently had the manifold gasket replaced due to water getting into the engine. I have an automatic transmission.
The car was returned to me with a problem where it takes several seconds (after a few minutes of warmup) to transition out of low gear and has delays in other gears as well.
I though maybe the converter lockup solenoid might be bad but a transmission specialist evaluated the car and determined it is not the transmission.
Could something have happened during the gasket replacement?
A: Some transmissions' shift point are slightly controled during warm up by the temperature of the engine. (cold shift harder, warm shift smoother) This is done using information from a sensor or several sensors (most of which are located around the intake manifold).
Have some one inspect the wiring/ hoses that run from these sensor(s).
Q: I have a 1996 grand am with a v6, today I had the car serviced but the mechanic could not get the fuel filter off. Is there a special tool needed for this job?
A: a pair of needle nose plyers to push the plastic retainer back into the fuel line while squeezing it and a wrench to remove the fuel line on the other side.
Q: when the car idles it misses. up to about 40 mph it runs pretty good. Above 40 after it gets to speed the rpms drop ,but if you need to speed up any it will not rpms wont go back up unless you let all the way off the gas then reapply. i have changed the fuel filter, it didnt help. what do I do now? I have been told to change plugs but cant find anything that looks like a plug. where plugs normally are I have got an electrical connecter with three wires.
A: THE WIRES YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT GO TO YOUR FUEL INJECTORS. LOOK FOR YOUR COIL PACK IT SHOULD BE NEAR THE FIREWALL ON YOUR VEHICLE AFTER YOU LOCATE IT TRACE YOUR SPARK PLUG WIRES TO YOUR PLUGS (NOTE THEY ARE PROBABLY ON THE BACKSIDE OF THE MOTOR)IF YOU STILL HAVE TROUBLE LOCATING SPARK PLUGS YOU COULD BUY A MANUAL FROM YOUR AUTO PARTS STORE OR BOOK STORE ($15-35 APROX COST) AND IT WOULD HELP YOU IN REPAIRING AND REPLACING
Chassis / Suspension & Steering Other Happens always Always
Q: I suspect the struts are worn out. Can I change them, or do I need professional tools?
A: You could rent the spring compressor necessary to work on them and then the only decision is whether or not to risk your hands etc....
Caution is advised.... not a difficult task but stay aware... Ed
Ignition System Chugging When accelerating When warm
Q: need to locate where the coil goes
A: 4Cylinder is on the back of the block and 6 cylinder is on top off the engine. Follow one of the spark plug leads from the spark plug back to the coil. Ed
Electrical / Lighting Systems Malfunction When stopped Not applicable
Q: The automatic door locks do not open when I stop the car and put it in park. I have to use the remote to open the doors. Switches on doors do not work either. Fuses are okay.
A: I believe that there is a relay that is triggered by the trans park section of the switch. Ed
Electrical / Lighting Systems Malfunction Happens always Always
Q: My hazard flashers do not work,no lights or sounds. The turn signals are slow and irregular. All bulbs are good. I changed the turn signal flasher. I can not find the hazard flasher to change it. Where is it if you knoe? Thanks
A: It is called a multifunction switch, it is located under the hazard button. In the steering column.
Q: Quad 4 overheating. In order... Replaced the thermostat, water pump, raditator. Had the head gasket checked seemd OK. The car overheats but only at higher speeds, mostly when in 5th gear. It even happens with the cruise control on. The electric fan seems to run more than normal after truning the car off.
A: When you had your head gasket checked, you should have replaced it, because they are only $8 and that is most likely your problem!!
Windows / Glass Malfunction Not applicable Not applicable
Q: i am looking on where to get the arm(s) for the inside of the power windows. the one to my upper right of my window has broken and i am looking on getting the whole thing or if there is a way just to replace the one arm
Brake System Malfunction Happens sometimes Not applicable
Q: abs light sometimes stays on
A: It is an ABS sensor in one of the four wheels.
Any garage can put the car on the diagnostic tester to tell you which sensor is defective.
There is no problem to drive with the light on, it only means you do not have ABS brakes, it just takes a little while to get use to it. My ABS light has been on for three years as it is $200 - $300 for just the sensor.
Electrical / Lighting Systems Malfunction Not applicable Not applicable
Q: Lost dashboard lights and tail/side lights...Headlights work ...checked fuses and looked through manual for help to no avail...am afraid to drive the car at night...Brake lights still function..no fog lights either..HELP!
PLEASE????
A: Use test lamp at headlight switch terminals to test switch. Part of the switch can fail that doesn't control the headlights themselves.
Drive Train / Driveline Other When stopped When cold
Q: The transmission will not drive in any gear until the engine runs for about 2 minutes... what's likely wrong?
A: Assuming that the fluid color and level are good, and that no one has recently worked on, or changed anything with or around the transmission, ie: radiator, etc, you have fluid 'bleeding back' internally, and will need a rebuild or used unit... Ed
Q: Mr. Mechanic,
I have a few questions I was hoping you could answer for me. I have a 1994 Pontiac Grand AM (SE), and need a new driver's side door, and a new part that is right above the front left wheel, whatever that is called. Sorry. Anyways, could you please e-mail me with the cost of that.
Thank you,
Cory Lauer
A: The part above the left front wheel is the wheel well opening trim...... the door is self explanatory except for color and both items can be located using the All-Parts Finder.... We just revamped Aftermarket, try Recyclers for now..... Ed
All Part Groups Malfunction When driving When warm
Q: I replaced the transmission with a used one 3 months ago and hadn't had any problems until recently.
Recently, my check engine light came on and my transmission wouldn't shift into first gear. Once I reach enough RPM's for second gear it's fine.
My mechanic recommended I take it to the dealer because he didn't have the codes to read the computer.
The dealership said there were two faults on the computer, the shift solenoid and the computer itself. They stated that the shift solenoid replacement may rectify the computer fault. However, it didn't and they said I needed to replace the computer.
I replaced the computer and still have the same problem. I took it to a transmission shop and he looked at it and said it sounds like the dealership misdiagnosed the computer and that the computer was probably referring to the computer in the transmission.
Is there a computer in the transmission and do you think this could be the problem?
Unfortunetly, the transmission shop has 3 weeks of work ahead of him.
Thanks
A: There is a computer for the transmission but it's not inside it....... I'd look first for a possible wiring problem..... Ed
All Part Groups Malfunction Happens sometimes When cold
Q: 2.3 SOHC Automatic,
When engine is cold, the cooling fan cycles for a moment or two and the service engine light soon illuminates. The A/C and defroster was NOT on. No codes at all were obtained when jumping the ALDL connector with a paper clip. Please assist.
A: Computer turns the fan on because it thinks the engine is overheating.. My guess would be the coolant temp switch sends an incorrect signal for a second or two...... Ed
Electrical / Lighting Systems Malfunction Not applicable Not applicable
Q: Can I get a diagram of where the signal flasher goes on a 1994 pontiac grand am? It is not in the fuse box. It is a round two prom part. They say it goes under the dash but where?
A: Usualy the flasher unit plugs in under the dash near the steering column. I can't help with the exact location but I suggest you go to your parts store and buy a "Haynes" manual for your car. That manual ($10-$15) will tell you exactly where that is AND anything else you would like to know how to repair. If you decide that the manual is not the way for you to go, then just ask your parts salesman and they can look it up for you. (some will even install it free of charge if you ask them to)
All Part Groups Other Not applicable Not applicable
Q: Is there any other access to the radiator besides the resevior type access? My "low coolant" light has come on. I have added anti-freeze to the full line, yet the light stays on and the tempature gauge rises at a slow consistent rate. I am wondering if something might have clogged the area where the fluid leaves the resevior area and actually goes into the radiator. Could this also be a problem related to the thermostat? HELP ME PLEASE! I don't want to burn my motor up.
A: There should be a silver rad cap on the top / side of the radiator....
Only when cold! can you push down and turn to open this cap.... Ed
Chassis / Suspension & Steering Malfunction When driving When warm
Q: We need to replace the Wheel Bearing Bushing
in our 1994 Grand Am, can you tell us exactly
the location or do you have a diagram to help.
We have the new part, but there are no instructions.
A: I would suggest going to the parts store and getting a chiltons manual on grand ams.
It will tell you how to change everything on your car. I own 4 grand ams and it was a life saver.
Heating / Cooling System Malfunction Happens always Always
Q: My heating system is not working. The air conditioning is fine but the temperature control does not change from cold to hot. I checked to see if the temperature control cable moved when I turned the knob and it does and the fuse is fine but still no heat. What could possibly be wrong with it?
A: There is most likely a valve under the hood that redirects hot water to the heater core . If it is defective , no heat . If there is an electric to vacuum control interchange , check that part as well .
Chassis / Suspension & Steering Vibration When driving Always
Q: I have a vibration in the front of the car that is transfered through to the steering wheel. The vibration starts at about 55 mph and amplifies as speed increases. The vibration in the steering wheel is felt as a side to side motion.
A: Could be a few things. First try rotating the front tires to the back and see if that changes the problem if it does your tires could be out of balance or have a broken belt you will have to take it to a tire shop to have them checked.
Q: while driving there is a noise at the rt wheel the alternater belt were bad ,the aternater bracket were loose a bottom engine mount bolt were missing
A: The alt and engine mount bolt are not going to give you a noise in the rt rear wheel,sounds like you have a wheel bearing problem in the rt rear.fix your alt and motor mounts.
Electrical / Lighting Systems Other Not applicable Not applicable
Q: I can't locate my flasher. My hazard signals work, but my blinkers don't. Where do I find these dang things?
A: Both are usually in the fuse panel.... sometimes the 4 way flasher (hazard) is remote...
Turning on the hazard lights and following the sound will locate that one..... Ed
Q: My Pontiac Grand AM is having problems with its radiator fan. The fan is not turing at all or at any temp. When idling it just keeps climbing. I checked out the relay and it is fine. My question is: is there a temperature sensor or a switch that tells the motor to kick on? I would like to find out before I replace the fan motor. Thanks, Dylan Garcia
A: Fan switch is usually located in the engine intake manifold. Usually 1 wire, green in colour. Ed
A: If motor does not run, the washer pump might be burned out. If moter runs, hoses or nozels might be clogged. Take hose off washer bottle and blow air through it with air compresser. Should work.
Chassis / Suspension & Steering Malfunction Not applicable Not applicable
Q: My tilt keeps breaking. The steering column makes a popping noise and then the steering wheel just flops around..making it VERY hard to drive. We have tried taking the steering column cover off but we can't seem to get it off all of the way. Is there something we are doing wrong? HELP..I need to get this fixed asap..Than you :)
A: Pull the steering wheel. Take the lock plate cover off. Remove the turn signal lever. Take 3 screws out of turn signal switch. Pull switch up out of the way. Look down in the column for 3 large phillips screws. Tighten these screw very tight. They all come loose. It is a common problem.
good luck
Chassis / Suspension & Steering Other Happens always Always
Q: I have a rather unique power steering pump.
It has some type of electical device attached to it called variable effort steering(ves). I cannot get this unit to stop leaking despite having replaced the seals 3times in the last year.
Is there ANYWAY POSSILBE to by-pass that connector and place a regular pump on this car.
The cost of a new dealer supplied pump is just wayyyy out of my budget, at the least how can I stop that leak, it's throwing fluid all over the engine compartment.
thanks.
A: You should check the parts stores in your area for the power steering pump that you need. They are a lot cheaper than the dealer. Trying to replace the pump with a different type will only cost more as you would need different lines, brackets and a different steering rack to keep everything compatable.
Heating / Cooling System Other Not applicable Not applicable
Q: The fan that keeps the engine cool will not turn
I've had the relay replaced, it runs hot when I
turn the A/C on and after I turn the switch off
all the antifreeze boils out. How can I get the fan next to the radiator to run to keep the engine cool?
A: If you replaced the relay and the fan still doesnt operate,check the coolant temperature
switch, usually found on the thermostat housing,
by turning the key to the on position and unplugging the electrical connection. You should hear a click from the relay and the fan should operate. If no click is heard, replace the switch, if click is heard and no fan operation replace cooling fan. Note: check ALL connections to the cooling fan circit.
Heating / Cooling System Malfunction Happens always Always
Q: The air flow seems to be weak in all settings.
With ac on, or just in the vent mode. I also have a leak in the blower area. Water is collecting in my glove box. I've tighted down the vent trap. Should I replace?
I've also noticed that the trap door doesn't seem to open in any setting. The motor seems to turn just fine in all settings.
There doesn't seem to be any abstructions in the vents themselves.
What could be causing the restricted air flow and water leak?
A: The trap door moves to change air flow directions..
If it's in-operative, you may have found the weak air flow problem..... Ed
Q: I have a coolant problem that looks no leaking but the side of engine, I can see little bit of coolant.
Looks like leaking from engine side. When I start to drive, I can hear water sound. I replaced water pump. My car had overheated one time.
A: Let engine warm up completly and then shut off and open hood and watch carefully from where the coolant leaks. Ed
Q: This happens when car is hot and when coming to a stop.
A: IF the car is dying when you brake then it is your lock up convertor solenoid in the transmission. This is a several hundred dollar fix but worth it to be able to stop with out killing the engine. It could also be your brake rotors being worn. If that's the case you need to get them turned or buy new ones. I would suggest new ones since current GM rotors are almost too thin to turn.
Q: I have a 92 grand am VIN 3, automatic trans.
No faults have caused the Service Engine Soon light to come on.
I am dealing with several issues and i don't know if their related.
First:
When the car is in open loop the car will accerate irraticly. The engine and transmission are seem to be locked since the engine doesn't rev up when i give it gas and it doesn't move, however, the car doesn't stall. This condition corrects itself when the ECM goes to closed loop. I have located the GM service CD roms and their fix for this problem is a new PROM. Have you heard of this fix working before i go out and spend 85 bucks on a new one?
Second:
When i am in third gear and go to accelerate the car will chuggle. If i let my foot of the gas and just accelerate lightly it is fine. The problem occurs when i want to give it a little bit of gas. If the transmission shifts down everything is fine. I don't know if this could be related to the prom, or if build up on the intake valves that could be causing this. What is your take? Is there an easy way to check build up on the intake valves?
Is there a PCM on this vehicle i am unaware of?
I have had the lock up converter solenoid changed about a year ago when it went bad.
A: I say that you should replace the prom.
This will likely fix all of your problems, because it is very common for these to 'go out'.
I had the same kind of car and problem. I did this repair which fixed it, and made run like a champ. Good luck.
Q: Engine turns over. Will fire with starting fluid. Dash lights, such as battery, oil and other ignition related sensors do not light up when key is first turned on.
A: check your fuel pump
check the fuel relay
check for fuel leaks
Ignition System Malfunction When starting When warm
Q: The car cranks fine when cold. After driving a while, if you turn it off, it will have to cool down before it will crank again.
If it is warm, it will run for a few seconds, but it is a very, very rough idle and then it will die.
After it cools back down, it will start again. Could it be the coils and how can we tell?
Thanks.
A: check coil and check for incorrect ingnition timing
Heating / Cooling System Other Not applicable Not applicable
Q: I need pictures on how to change a water pump on a 1992 grand am 2.3 fuel injection (OHC) quad 4 I just cant find any thing on how to change them
A: Join alldatadiy , they should have what you need . If you see this responce before Dec 31 , it will only cost you $19.95 for a year . Site address is www.alldatadiy.com .
Electrical / Lighting Systems Malfunction When starting Not applicable
Q: when starting car up all idiot lights stay on
the check oil, low coolant, check gauge and the
turn signal or flashers dont work as well all the bulbs were replaced.
A: you probly need to replace the ccm.i had this happen on a 92 grnd am also.hhh
Interior Components Other Not applicable Not applicable
Q: how does original radio come out so that i can put a new non-factory radio in it.how does the molding around the radio come off so that way i can put my new one in
A: you have to locate all the screws you will need to take out which are inyou glove department under the plastic dash peice that goes around your factory radio and one that is between your steering wheel and the plastic around your deck
any questions BryanX45@hotmail.com
Bryan
Q: sounds like a bad bearing and it's coming from the oil pump(?) or right under the valve cover. it's a constant rattling noise when the car is running. sorry my wife just got this car from her mother and i'm not too familiar with gm cars and such. i'm a subaru owner myself and i know alot about import engines and such but i just want to make sure i make the right diagnosis on this one. any help would be great.
A: needs lifter or cam work done. That sound you hear is from the rocker arms.
Q: i was driving home when all of a sudden the car just died, i pulled over and tried to crank the engine but it just cranks and doesnt seem to even want to start, thinking its the fuel pump bbut how do i make sure its not the injectors or something else
A: check for spark, if there is no spark you will need a new cranksensor.
Q: TAPPING SOUND CLOSE TO TIMING CHAIN COVER I THOUGHT IT WAS THE VALES BUT I HAD THEM CHECK IT RUNS GOOD IT JUST THE TAPPING COULD THE CHAIN BE HITTING THE COVER IT HAS 43000 MILES ON IT
A: What size engine? If this car has a timing belt, it could be becomming worn and frayed. Replacing a timing belt (as opposed to a timing chain) is considered normal maintenace, though too few people do it.
Electrical / Lighting Systems Malfunction Not applicable Always
Q: When I turn my lights on the dash, lights go out. This includes the light on the radio display and the light for the shifter lever on the automatic transmission.
When I turn them off, the lights are okay. I have checked the fuses, even changed a few, but I'm still driving in the dark and I can never tell how fast I am going because I can't see the speedometer.
A: The problem is most likely right inside the headlight switch....... Ed
Drive Train / Driveline Making Noise Happens always Always
Q: Very loud grinding noise. Sounded like a bad bearing in a belt operated device, but after removing belts, it persisted. Got very loud, then suddenly stopped and there was no oil pressure. Oil level is fine. Could it just be a gear in the oil pump that went? BTW this is the 2.5L engine.
A: Yes, it could be.... but this is a scary thought....
Check for pressure at one of the block plugs in case it was a cam bearing that spun.... Ed
Q: I think my clutch is going to go. When I let the clutch out the engine revs for a long time before it starts to move. I was just wondering how much a new clutch will cost and if thats really the problem?
Q: My 1990 SE has power windows and they don't seem to want to go up, especially in colder weather. Do I just have to replace the motor for the windows?
A: Try putting some "soap" in the window side channels to reduce the drag on the glass. Ed
Ignition System Won't Start Happens sometimes When cold
Q: In the winter my 1990 Pontiac Grand Am 2.3 Quad 4 won't start, it cranks but won't start. Sometimes if you go back later that day it will finally fire up. I've had the computer replaced, a new fuel pump,its been hooked up to a computer many times...one garage said it had no "cranking something" so we replaced the control module. It still happens. It went all spring and all summer until the other day, I go out in the morning and it doesn't start. It surely as something to do with the cold weather, freezing and below. One guy said since I bought an off brand control mudule that is the problem. Help.
A:
The coils, if original, are junk on these engines. They have been updated. Batauto.com has a page with instructions on checking troublecodes. It also has a forum suitable for the detailed info you need.
Q: Whenever I put up my driver side power window, I hear a squeal and the window loses power on the ascent. Recently, the passenger side began showing the same symptoms. Is it the motor going or just the wiring?
A: sounds as if the regulator is binding remove the door panel and try to see, if not the motor might be going
Q: There is a seal near the front of the car on the exhaust that is rusted and coming apart. i need to know what the part is and how to fix it. the car is very loud and yes i have already changed the muffler and the surrounding piping.
There are no holes in the pipe that i can find and no reason for the exhaust to be so loud.
Please tell me what you think and your suggestions. Thank you.
A: If this seal that you mention is rusted and coming apart , why was it not repaired first ? Any hole can make the car exhaust to loud . You may also want to check the exhaust manifold .
Q: Sometimes when accelerating from a complete stop, the car starts to move very slowly and seems to be dying.
It goes slower and slower and it seems it's about to stall... then something kicks in and it takes off. A couple of times, it did actually stall then start up again.
Other times, I'll be driving, then it would lose power and slow down, then go back to normal again.
The engine also runs rough, and it does a lot of shaking.
I've changed the fuel pump and fuel filter, and the spark plugs have about 10,000 miles on them.
There's nothing else wrong with the car. I've spent a lot of money since I got it 3 years ago.
My mechanic has done a scan on it, and we still aren't sure what it is. Any Ideas? Thanks for your help.
A: Some things come to mind....
A plugged exhaust convertor....
The automatic transmission torque convertor clutch is staying engaged. Which is like trying to slow down a manual transmission car without pushing in the clutch pedal.....
It may also not be shifting down correctly .....Ed
Q: The check engine light comes on all the time on my 2.3 quad 4-16 valve. A code 44 means lean exhaust.
What is making it have lean exhaust? It smells funny and smokes different kinds of smoke... please help me.
A: Vacuum leaks / plugged injector / overheating / poor quality fuel, etc. will all cause a lean exhaust. And so will a faulty oxygen sensor..... Ed
Electrical / Lighting Systems Other Not applicable Not applicable
Q: I want to attach a trailer wiring harness to my Grand AM. Is there a diagram available? I'm using the standard 4 flat harness.
A: Try a trailer supply place for one of those. Unplug the car harness and connect an adapter with harness between the connections on the car. Five minutes and no mistakes. Ed
Electrical / Lighting Systems Other Not applicable Not applicable
Q: Can't find the flasher. I pulled the fuse box down and looked behind it but didn't see the flasher there. I also found the hazard flasher by turning the switch on and following the sound. I thought perhaps the turn signal flasher would be in the same place (behind middle console) but it wasn't. Any ideas as to where it is?
A: Almost always plugged into the fuse panel on a GM. Ed
Heating / Cooling System Malfunction Not applicable Not applicable
Q: It takes a very long time for the heater to put out any heat. I have put in a new thermostat (195 deg.) Also the radiator has been flushed and new antifreeze has been put in. Last winter it worked very well. But this year it just won't heat up. Any suggestions?
A: Flush system and put 7lb rad cap on. Make sure antifreeze is full to top.
Q: When I go to accelerate from a stop the engine does not have much get-up to it. It then (normaly after I depress the gas a bit more) will take off like a rocket. This does not happen one hundred percent of the time. But often enough to get me in trouble if I need it to move. Also when ever I put it in to drive it will shake alot. If I move it out of drive to neutral it will smooth out. But when I put it back in gear, It will shake again. I would think that both issues may be caused by timing. the only problem is that it can not be timed. The computer does all of that since it has no distributer. Any ideas?
A: Your fuel filter needs replacing. It should be replaced every 5 thousand miles. I used to work for GM
Q: I need a picture of timing chain tensioner and spring for dual over head cam 2.3. I replaced the chain and have a lot of slack, tentchner is not taking the slack out
A: There is a ratcheting plunger and you preload the spring in the housing of that plunger. Then you install it very carefully giving the tensioner plate a half twist and the spring releases. (Don't forget to LOCK TIGHT your 10mm bolts that hold it in place - very important!!!)
All Part Groups Other Not applicable Not applicable
Q: can you tell me what a quad module driver is? my check engine light came on and i did a code test and it said code 26 which is a quad module driver..help!
A: The car's computer uses quad drivers to control groups of components. You have to isolate which component is causing the quad driver error. Some type of good service manual will most likely be needed to aid diagnosing and tracking down the faulty component or electrical circuit that is failing.
The quad drivers are internal protection for the computer so that when a component fails it doesn't wipe out the computer.
Q: 2.5 litre engine light comes on runs rough,code reads 14(coolant sensor)has been changed along with cat and o2 sensor but still persists
what is it?????????????/
All Part Groups Malfunction When driving When warm
Q: my power antennna doesn't work,where can i get a wiring diagram?
A: A Chiltons or a Haynes manual will have wiring diagrams in the back of the manual. More often then not the power antenna motor has given up on a car that old. Sometimes you can find replacement power antenna's at Wal-Mart for a good deal. By the way good luck gettin to the antenna.
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