Electrical / Lighting Systems Upgrade Not applicable Not applicable
Q: Nobody seems to know what kind of light bulbs that the foglights on a grand prix gt uses, this is the fifth place I have asked. Maybe you can tell me what the replacment bulb # is (ie h3, 9007, h1, etc) I am trying to replace the fog light bulbs to match the xenon blue headlight blubs I put in. Can you help? Is this a big secret or what?
Brake System Malfunction When braking Not applicable
Q: Should a brake service (service front and back calipers, flush system) be done at 12,000 Km and 1 1/2 years old car to solve a problem with breaks failing in panick stops, peddle going to the ground, otherwise normal under normal stops.
A: this could indicate a problem with your master cylinder. If your car is still under warrenty have your dealership look into this problem.
Electrical / Lighting Systems Other Happens always Always
Q: Started my vehicle up one morning and everything was working ok. My DLR's came on like they always do and seemed to be working. I pulled into a parking space that had reflective glass and noticed that my DLR's were not on. I checked the fuses and the emergency brake and everything was ok there. The fuses were not burned out or anything. Nothing I have tried so far has worked. I took it to my Car dealership and they said that they were not supposed to come on unless it got darker or foggey. That is totally wrong. My DLR's have always come on when I started my car and stayed on until the regular headlights came on at dusk or until I turned my car off. Can anyone out there please give any suggestions. I can't get any satisfaction out of my dealership. Thank You.
A: have you tried replaceing your lights? i believe on some cars, the running lights are actually the high beam filament with a low voltage running thorough it, to save the filament. check them, but dont buy it if it dosent need it. check your electrical connections to the lights. but if they were loose, then your light wouldn't come on at all, even at night. i guess it depends on how its all set up. if you have seperate DLR's or ones built into the headlight.
Heating / Cooling System Malfunction Happens sometimes When warm
Q: My outside temp reads 22 degrees and its 82 today.
My air conditioner won't come on. Fan works- heater works- no a/c.
Even on auto the light for a/c won't even come on -but keep your eyes on it cause when the outside temp starts to register( numbers increasing) the a/c will come on.
A: More than likely you have a failed outside temp sensor. It is located in the grille. You can purchase a replacement for less than 20.00.
Heating / Cooling System Making Noise Not applicable Always
Q: The a/c blower is making a loud humming/ grinding noise. It increases in volume when the fan is turned to the highest postion.
Is this a recalled item, I have read about people with similar problems.
Is it an expensive/ hard to get to part to replace? Todd
A: Check on the blower motor, It's most likly the motor is shot, or something is in the duct that the motor sits in (leaves debris etc.) As far as a recall, consult the dealer or check out NHTSA's web site, they list the recalls for everything.
Q: My 98 pontiac grand prix gtp has a problem with the ignition key not being able to be removed. The key enters in fine and the car starts okay, but when the car is turned off, the key is not allowed to turn more than to the "on" position. It just seams like everything locks and the key will not come out.
There is also another problem that I think is related. The shift lever doesn't go out of park normally. I have looked at the brake sensor switch and it looks like it is working. I have to push the shift-lock release button to get the car out of park.
Do you think the problem is mechanical or could it be something electrical? Do you think the problems are related? The problems did start at the same time. Any info would be appreciated!
A: I have the same problem with my 97 what can I do to fix this problem
A. Are these cars floor shift auto trans? If the trans is not fully in Park, the ignition lock cylinder won't rotate to "LOCK" for key removal. If moving/bumping the shifter quickly into Park helps, adjust shift cable or try removing the shift 'T' handle and inspect it for smooth button operation and condition. It may be binding up.
Problems getting out of Park with the key on may require a new shift lock solenoid (or adjustment) that is controlled by the brake light switch. Turning the key one click from lock to off (shift lock solenoid gets no power) should allow you to shift out of park and into neutral (use the foot brake to prevent vehicle roll) to start the engine, and get some help.
Q: The gauge give a false reading on the amount of fuel in the gas tank
A: Check the ground for the sending unit, should be attached to the frame by the side of the tank. If that doesn't get it, remove tank and sending unit. Check resistance from top to bottom of float travel, it should go from 0-90 smoothly.
Q: The car backfires when trying to start, and it will not start at all. Please give me a hand with this.
A: This is of course a fuel injected car, and a very common mistake that people make is to step on the gas pedal while starting the car....
This causes a lean condition and often a backfire. If this has happenned a few times, it may have damaged the Mass Air Flow Meter...... or created a large vaccuum leak which would only aggravate the problem further......
If this does not sound like your answer, please send me the rest of the details... how/ when/ where/ why.....and we will help.......Ed
Q: The dealer told me I needed and vaccum hose replaced and new spark plug wires.
Without the cash on hand, I drove it home and it smelled like something was burning.
A friend looked at the car and he said it was a vaccum hose on the exhaust pipe.
He fixed it, I put some gas in the car, and it started making a popping sound so I parked and now it won't start, but it will turn over. Then it starts making the popping sound.
Can anyone help me on this one? This all happened inside of two days. Thanks.
A: First thing to do is to undo the last thing you did....
Let's see if it will start again.....
If so or if not, let me know the info surrounding the complete picture and we will help..... Ed
Q: I want to buy Pointac 1995 Grand Prix SE "RH Passenger side molding" without the dealer coz that is too expensive.
Can I buy another way? How? Where?
THX a lot
A: Use the Recycler Parts-Finder... interior parts are almost never made in the aftermarket, unless the car is a classic.
Many junkyard cars have near perfect interiors, and while there will be more 1980's cars than anything else, there are new cars in there that have been in wrecks and whatnot.
Electrical / Lighting Systems Malfunction When driving When warm
Q: Taillights won't work. Headlights and everything else works just taillights don't work. I hooked up trailer lights and they worked for a minute and then quit.
A: Check the fuses. If thats not it, check the ground on your lights. It could also be if a bulb is blown the others won't work. Check all of the above.
Q: Problem is intermittent, upon acceleration, car stalls and I have to pull over.
After about 15-20 minutes, car restarts and runs fine for a couple of days.
Changed fuel pump relay and it ran great for 9 days then problem reoccured.
Did fuel pump relay check again with same results, bad fuel pump relay - Help
Q: I am having a problem with my car overheating. I have had a low coolant light on for a couple days and took it to a quick lube store and had them check the system and they said there was no leaks. Since then my temp has been running hot and I'm not sure the fans are running correctly.
Could the problem be the thermostat?
A: Yes. the thermostat might be burnt up. If it is light brown then its burnt up. replace it.
Electrical / Lighting Systems Malfunction Not applicable Always
Q: The "LOW COOLANT" light flashes on and off from the time the car is started and driven until it is parked and turned off. The radiator is full of coolant and the car is not running hot. The temperture gadge is on cool.
Interior Components Other Not applicable Not applicable
Q: How do I remove the glove box?
A: Begin by opening the glove box. In each corner of the box you should see at least 2 screws. Remove them. Check underneath the box for additional screws and remove if found. Grab both sides of the box and squeeze them inward lightly and pull the box out. If it doesnt come out, check inside the box for more screws.
Chassis / Suspension & Steering Malfunction When driving When warm
Q: How do i change the power steering pump?
A: Your best bet is to pick up a decent manual for your car, Like a Chiltons Manual. It should be pretty detailed & give you a good idea on how do do it.
Ignition System Other Happens sometimes Not applicable
Q: Does there have to be a certain amount of charge
in the battery before the car will try to start
can there be a relay in the ignition will pick up. the charging rate is 14 volts. but at times when you disconnect the ground cable the engine dies.
A: The engine dying when the cable is disconnected is normal. The computers in todays cars are very sensitive to "rough" voltage output. They rely on the battery to "smooth" the electricity put out by the alternator. When the battery is disconnected the computor also shuts down.
Q: I changed the fuel filter (was plugged), and the car still will not run properly. It will start but has no power. Problem seems to get worse as car gets hotter. What should the proper fuel pressure be? Am I on the right track?
A: I believe that you are on the right track, my fuel filter was plugged and it actually burned out my fuel pump (which is located inside my gas tank) it took me a while to figure out it was the pump and after replacing other things I came to the conclusion that it must be. I suppose it depends on the car, but my nissan has a 36 psi for its v-6.
Good Luck, you are on the right track (proper maintenance is always key though)
Q: It takes between 8-10 seconds of cranking to get the engine to start. (92 Pontiac Grand Prix with 3.4 liter twin dual overhead cam engine, 93000 miles.) Here is the history.
Recently, I had the coil packs and module replaced because the car starting running rough.
At the same time, I asked the technician to change the engine oil & filter, tranny oil & filter, the serpentine belt, all 6 spark plugs and the fuel filter.
Prior to this service call, the engine never took over 2-3 seconds to start even in the dead of winter here in Buffalo, NY. It takes a lot longer first thing in the morning or after it has been sitting say 20 minutes or so.
It seems to start OK if I try to start it right after driving it.
I checked the web site and saw you mentioned some things about the fuel pump relay and turning the key to the on position, waiting 3-5 seconds so the fuel pump will pump gas to the engine so that it will start easier.
When I do this, I hear the pump turn on for the 3-5 seconds but the car still has to crank 8-10 seconds.
My mechanic said that all was fine until he replaced the fuel filter. He has tried 3 different fuel filters but to no avail.
Never has the car had a starting problem until now. I filled the fuel tank up with gas and the next morning it started fine but hasn’t started right since. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you can answer this one then you beat many a mechanics who have looked at my car.
What are your thoughts,
A: Clean the idle control motor(iac). Check fuel pressure and coolant sensor. Does it set trouble codes. Also have your mechanic check for leaking injectors.
I live in western ny also.
All Part Groups Upgrade Not applicable Not applicable
Q: door handle brakes. I want to know if there is an aftermarket part that is better than the OEM door handle??
A: I never did find an aftermarket handle. I had an 88 Grand Prix and put 3 on the drivers side door. The small metal piece attached to the bottom of the handle on the backside kept breaking on mine.
All Part Groups Malfunction When driving When warm
Q: The temperature gauge runs into the hot side and light comes on.
I replaced sending unit and it's still the same.
Had the shop put it on the computer and the temp was fine and the fans cycled at the right temps.
??
A: Hmmmmmm..... difficult to say..... could be a resistance problem....
Or could be electron induction from a wire running close to the temperature system wiring, or just the computer misreading the sensor....
Also the guage may be inaccurate...... Ed
Ignition System Other When starting Not applicable
Q: Okay, I have a problem with my 1990 Pontiac Grand Prix. It won't turn over. The key turns, the car will make all the noises, but when you turn the key to 'start', it's like it won't turn any further. I was told it was the ignition switch, I changed that (what a pain!), then I was told it was the tumblers in the ignition itself, but upon inspection of that part of the car, and after unsecuring the steering column on the interior of the car, and pulling the steering wheel, I can't seem to find a way to get into that metal casing that houses the tilt control and the linkage and tumblers for the ignition. Any help would be much appreciated as to how I should proceed. In fact, a diagram or schematic might be nice. One more thing, is there a way to get that ignition cylinder/tumbler chamber out without taking that housing off? Thanks. My email: Blainethepain44@aol.com...Nick Webb...
A: Tilt has to come apart and that requires a special puller. Local library may have the diagrams for you. Ed
All Part Groups Malfunction When driving When warm
Q: Stalls and cuts off when decelerating or slowing, service engine light comes on. Upon start up, engine revs up high, drops and revs up high again, then levels out.
A: Remove and clean the idle air control motor and channel with a good quality carb spray.......
Then disconnect the negative battery cable for about 1 minute.... Ed
Windows / Glass Malfunction When driving When warm
Q: My 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix has power mirrors, both outer and power rear view mirror.
The outer mirrors only will move one way, the passenger side moves out and nothing else, the driver side moves in and nothing else and the rear view does nothing. Do you think the motors are shot? I think that its odd that both mirrors will only move the same way.
Is there any way to release the side views to adjust them?
Drive Train / Driveline Malfunction When starting Not applicable
Q: My Pontiac Grand Prix 1989 clunks into reverse and stalls out..
It happens more when the car is cold and doesn't happen as often if it is driven. If you give it a little gas before you go it helps but not always. All forward gears shift great and no stalling.
I was thinking it was more of a vaccuum problem because of its intermittancy and that it happens when its cold versus warm, but I'm not sure.
A: Idle air control motor needs to be taken out and cleaned. Ed
Q: Brake pedal won't push down. Hard pedal. Pulled abs system and the bar from the pedal that goes into the system has a plastice washer that broke in half. Could this be why it is not allowing the pedal to go down?
A: The plastic washer will not affect the operation of your brakes. Look under the hood where the brake pedal bar comes out. You will see a big circular device called a brake booster.This is a vaccuum assisted mechanism that uses engine vaccuum to assist your foot force when you apply the brake. The booster gets its vacuum from the engine by way of a hose that comes from the engine and is usually hooked up to the left side of the booster. Follow that line from engine to booster and see if that hose has come off or if there are cracks or holes in it.
Q: This an oil drip problem. Not leaking to bad about 1 quart a month. I have a book on the engine and tracked the leak down and the book tells me that the leak is from the Oil Pump Drive gear.
What is this and is it a project to change myself.
The other problem is the car will stall when it warms up and I am coming to a stop but will start right back up.
I am thinking it is a fuel pump because I am getting no code from the ECM.
A: Your stalling problem is possibly caused by a torque converter not unlocking when the brake is depressed.
When this occurs it feels as though you are driving a manual shift and fail to push the clutch upon stopping.
The reason the vehicle has to warm up first is because the converter selenoid does not function until normal operating temp.
Your oil leak will need to be inspected by a professional.
Those cars are not known for the leak you describe.
Fuel System Won't Start Not applicable Not applicable
Q: It dosent seem like it is getting gas.
I have already replace the fuel pump and filter and still no gas, would the fuel relay switch prevent it from getting gas?
A: Yes... If the pump running while cranking the engine, I would check the fuel pressure regulator....
Also note, it is the computer that switches the injectors on and off...... Ed
All Part Groups Upgrade Not applicable Not applicable
Q: I have no idea what my car needs for proper care and diagrams of the vehicle.
I need a manual for the car but all there is out there is those Chilton's books but they have all sorts of cars in one book...
Would this book be a useful source, or is there any other thing out there in more depth?
A: Try your local GM dealer and see if they have an old one that they will sell you. Ed
Q: My GP sounds like it has a miss on the engine.. it's running hard so it sounds like it's not running on all 6 cylinders.
It's got a pop like a small backfire. Recently it's had a brand new trani put in it, and we found some wires that were a little rubbed and bare.
Also I've taken the Cat. Converter off and replaced it with a straight pipe.
I've been told by my father and 2 engineers that it's probably not a major thing and shouldn't be expensive but since it could be one of a million things does anyone know about this or have the same problem.
If you need more info on the sounds or anything let me know. Thanks for your time and I look forward to any help you can offer!
-James
A: Look at the coils and ignition wires, at night time. The darker the better. Be extremely cautious around moving parts!!!!!!!
See any stray spark?
jesse7779@hotmail.com
All Part Groups Malfunction When driving When warm
Q: My sons car keeps overheating. We've changed the thermostat and got a new radiator cap. Took it to a mechanic and he said thermostat is working properly and water pump is ok. Radiator fluid was leaking but only when running car never had puddles in driveway but radiator and coolant reserve were empty. Put radiator stop leak in radiator and hasn't leaked since but car still overheats. Sometimes you can drive 50 miles and it doesn't overheat and other times can go 3 miles and it overheats. Could it be a head gasket? If so is there anyway I can see if it is a head gasket without taking it to a mechanic.
A: Let the car run with the radiator cap off and full of water if the head gasket is bad you will get air bubbles in the radiator.
Also check the oil to make sure your water is not going into the the motor.
Heating / Cooling System Malfunction Not applicable Not applicable
Q: When I turn my AC on , the air is only coming out through the long top vent near the windshield and on the bottom of floor of the car, but no air is coming through the other 4 vents in the front of the dashboard. Can you tell me if the door to those vents is closed and how would I get access them into reopening them without taking the car to the dealership, so I don't have to pay alot of money?
A: LOOK AT THE VACUM LINES COMING OFF THE HEATER CONROL SWITCH AND TRACE THEM TO THE VENTS YOU WANT OPEN FIND A SMALL PEICE OF WOOD OR A BRACKET AND OPEN THE DESIRED VENTS AND LEAVE THEM OPEN WITH BRACKET THIS WILL LEAVE THEM OPEN AT ALL TIMES
Q: When I try to start the car, it turns over and starts, but I have to hold the gas to the floor.
Runs for a few seconds at verry low idle then dies and spits fuel out the carb air intake.
Seems like it isnt getting fuel until it dies and spits it out the intake.
Last time it ran when you gave it any gas you could hear a hissing noise that went faster or slower depending on how much gas you gave it.
Also it would stall if you put it into gear before it warmed up.
A: If there is black smoke from exhaust the carb is flooding over.
Q: Hello, I'm working on a 76 grand prix. I'm replacing the starter but now I can't figure how to put it back on. I have all the wires screwed on, just can't line things up now. Any suggestions?
A: What engine are you dealing with? Did the original starter have any shims?
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