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Showing posts with label PONTIAC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label PONTIAC. Show all posts

Saturday 18 May 2013

Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: 2001 Pontiac trans am. alternator


2001 Pontiac trans am. alternator replaced with aftermarket unit. The original alternator tested bad at the local auto shack. The new alternator is not charging. Does this mean I need to use a factory unit?

Country: United States
Make: Pontiac
Model: Firebird Trans Am
Year: 2001
Engine: 5.7

Already Tried:
New aftermarket alternator.


Have you tested for power at the alternator connections?

Customer replied2 days and 21 hours ago.

no. The car is not at home right now. What should I check for? Is there anything that has to be done with/to the computer when changing the alternator? If I have power at the alternator does that mean the new one is bad?
Accepted Answer


Expert:  Dave Nova replied2 days and 21 hours ago.

Nothing needs to be done to the computer when replacing the alternator. Make sure there is voltage on the large stud terminal at the back of the alternator. Then turn the key on and test for voltage on the small red wire at the plug in connector. If you have voltage at both connections, the alternator is bad and should be replaced again.

Pontiac Grand Prix GT: 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix 3.8L no cooling


1997 Pontiac Grand Prix 3.8L no cooling fans unless A/C is on.

Country: United States
Make: Pontiac
Model: Grand Prix GT
Year: 1997
Engine: 3.8l

Already Tried:
Unplugged coolant temp sensor next to thermostat, and the fans did not come on even then. Will only come on with A/C.



Does the check engine light come on with engine running?
How hot does the engine get if idling without the a/c on?


Customer replied2 days and 17 hours ago.
The engine gets warm, but I wouldn't say hot. It doesn't have a gasket problem. No CEL.

Expert:  Dave Nova replied2 days and 17 hours ago.

Fans should of course come on when the coolant sensor is unplugged. Fans also come on when the temperature reaches 225-228 degrees. Does the engine reach that temperature range or more?


Customer replied2 days and 17 hours ago.
Well, see, that's what I thought. That's why I unplugged it, but they didn't come on. And they DO run with the A/C on, which is weird, so I'm not inclined to think it's the motors obviously. The temp gauge does, but I don't know if it is accurate or not. I can shoot it.

Expert:  Dave Nova replied2 days and 17 hours ago.

Let's see what the actual temperature reading gets up to and go from there.


Customer replied2 days and 16 hours ago.
Ugh, hold on. My mechanic did not turn the vehicle ON, just to the on position. When ON, and the sensor is UNPLUGGED, they run. So it's the sensor, right?
Accepted Answer


Expert:  Dave Nova replied2 days and 16 hours ago.

That would be correct. If the fans come on with the sensor unplugged and the engine running then the computer, relays, fan motors, and wiring are all okay and this would indicate a problem with the sensor. Fans still will not come on until 225-228 even with a good sensor installed.

Pontiac Grand Prix GTP: 2004 pontiac temperature gauge just


2004 pontiac temperature gauge just stopped working.
Drove car this morning it was working.
Shut off the car, went it store, started the car and noticed no temp gauge and the cooling fans were blowing.
I do have a lower intake manifold leak....not too severe, that I'm in the process of fixing.
What would cause gauge to stop working, causing the cooling fans to kick on?

Country: United States
Make: Pontiac
Model: Grand Prix GTP
Year: 2004
Engine: 3.8 supercharged

Already Tried:
Currently using 180 degree T-stat. That was installed 3 months ago. Checked HVAC fuse, that is ok.
Submitted: 2 days and 16 hours ago.
Category: Pontiac
Value: $18
Status: CLOSED

Expert:  George H replied2 days and 16 hours ago.
Hello I will help you with your question,
Is your coolant full?
If the coolant drops below the tip of the coolant sensor then it will read cold and the engine computer which "knows" it should read normal will flag this as a problem, turn on the fans as it cannot be sure of the temperature and turn on the check engine light.
Let me know if this is the case
Thank you
Customer replied2 days and 16 hours ago.
Yes, coolant recovery tank is full and radiator is full... close to the neck.

Expert:  George H replied2 days and 16 hours ago.
OK, check the coolant sensor connection and the sensor resistance if you have an ohmeter. The gauges do go bad on these years but usually the computer does not turn on the check engine light or turn on the fans if that happens.
Let me know how I can help you with this
Thanks
Customer replied2 days and 16 hours ago.

I'll check the connection.

I don't have an ohmeter.

The check engine light is not on....only the fans.

Expert:  George H replied2 days and 15 hours ago.
Sorry I don't know where I got that... You can disconnect the sensor and bridge the connector with a paperclip (don't let it touch the engine metal!) and see if the gauge goes full hot. If it does the problem is in the sensor.
Let me know how I can help
THank you
Customer replied2 days and 15 hours ago.

ok, I'll try that.



If I take it only short distances, it is still driveable?

Expert:  George H replied2 days and 15 hours ago.
As long as the coolant is full, the fans are running and the engine does not seem like it is overheating it is safe to drive. YOu can run the heater and if it starts putting out super hot air or goes dead cold you need to stop the engine
Please let me know how I can help
Thank you
Customer replied2 days and 15 hours ago.

with the clip bridged, should I be able to get a reading with the car off?

Expert:  George H replied2 days and 15 hours ago.
YOu will need to turn the key on to see the gauge move and wait for a minute to see if there is any action.
Please let me know what questions you have
Thanks
Customer replied2 days and 15 hours ago.

no movement with the gauge.

Expert:  George H replied2 days and 15 hours ago.
Sounds like the gauge died but you do need to have the codes pulled from the computer. An autoparts store will do this at no cost but I think you know this. If the code is a cooling system code you still need to look further, if you have a scanner that will show data look to see what engine temp is displayed.
Let me know what you find with this so I can help
Thank you
Customer replied2 days and 15 hours ago.
Ok, I'll check it out.

Expert:  George H replied2 days and 15 hours ago.
Please let me know what you find, any code you may get and what I can do to help
Thanks
Customer replied2 days and 12 hours ago.

Ok...

When I reconnected the coolant temp sensor, the check engine light came on and stayed on until I got it scanned.

The code that came up was "coolant temp sensor" and the reading for the coolant was, "cool."

Is it safe to say that it's the coolant temp sensor causing this problem?

Expert:  George H replied2 days and 12 hours ago.
If you clear the code and run it through a heating cycle, let it cool down and run it through one more cycle on the third cold start the code will reset if it is a valid code. The code may have set due to the sensor being unplugged with the key on.
Did you get the code number?
Were you able to see the data for the coolant temperature when the code was read?
Customer replied2 days and 12 hours ago.

I didn't get the code number, but I did see it say, coolant temp sensor.



I just asked what the scanner said about the coolant temp. and he said that it was reading as "cool."



I'm going back tomorrow to pick up a temp sensor.

I'll get you the code number tomorrow.



Thanks for your help.

Expert:  George H replied2 days and 12 hours ago.
If the engine temp shows cool when it is hot you problem is not in the gauge. While you are there turn the key off, disconnect the sensor, put the paperclip in and start the engine. If it now shows a code and shows hot on the engine temp on the scanner then you need a sensor. If it still shows cold then you have a problem in the wiring between the sensor connector and the computer.
Please let me know what you find when you get a chance to check
Thanks
Customer replied2 days and 12 hours ago.

Ok, I'll check for all of that tomorrow.

Expert:  George H replied2 days and 12 hours ago.
I will watch for your post tomorrow. No need to reply til then.
Thanks
Customer replied1 days and 17 hours ago.

Hi,
sorry for the delay, my pc had a problem.

As for the grand prix, I started the car this morning and the gauge was working properly and the fans were off.
Drove around today, shut the car off, started the car up and the gauge was working properly and fans remained off.

Did not go over to have the car scanned.

Expert:  George H replied1 days and 17 hours ago.
Sounds like the connection may have been restored with your testing. At least you know what to do here when it quits again.
Please let me know if you have questions about this
Thank you
Customer replied1 days and 17 hours ago.
Alright, thanks for your help.

Pontiac G6 GT: I have a Pontiac g6 gt. Panoramic moonroof wont


Customer Question

I have a 2006 Pontiac G6 GT. My Panoramic moonroof has not been able to open for the last year. No dealers around me have any clue on what to look for with my issue. they just give me the oh just buy a new one. I know it's an easy fix I just need to speak with someone who can guide me through an who has seen this same issue. My problem is this: The roof won't open up. The only movement I see happening is only on The passenger side the 1st level panel pops up an inch. When i turn the moonroof dial to Level one (vent mode) it does nothing when i go to level 2 the glass pops up an inch on the passenger side and not on the drivers side. and when i turn the dial to the rest of the levels it does nothing. and to get the passenger side to go back down it takes a few rotations of the dial to get it closed again. the noises it makes is the normal mechanic noises that it usually makes it just womt open. its like its stuck. im willin to dig into it myself i just need guidence. what do I try?

Country: United States
Make: Pontiac
Model: G6 GT
Year: 2006
Engine: V6 3.5

Already Tried:
Pushing up on the glass and random tries
Submitted: 2 days and 9 hours ago.
Category: Pontiac
Value: $38
Status: AWAITING CUSTOMER ACTION

Expert:  FIXITMAN replied2 days and 9 hours ago.

FIXITMAN :
Hello, and thank you for allowing me the opportunity to help you. If I am not online when you are, please allow me time to return. Does the shade still work?
Customer : Yes it still works perfectly fine
Customer : The mechanics don't make any weird noises. It's just budge at all on the left side and only pops into vent mode on the right side
Customer : Won't budge on the left side
Customer : I updated my question with more detail::
Customer : I have a 2006 Pontiac G6 GT. My Panoramic moonroof has not been able to open for the last year. No dealers around me have any clue on what to look for with my issue. they just give me the oh just buy a new one. I know it's an easy fix I just need to speak with someone who can guide me through an who has seen this same issue. My problem is this: The roof won't open up. The only movement I see happening is only on The passenger side the 1st level panel pops up an inch. When i turn the moonroof dial to Level one (vent mode) it does nothing when i go to level 2 the glass pops up an inch on the passenger side and not on the drivers side. and when i turn the dial to the rest of the levels it does nothing. and to get the passenger side to go back down it takes a few rotations of the dial to get it closed again. the noises it makes is the normal mechanic noises that it usually makes it just womt open. its like its stuck. im willin to dig into it myself i just need guidence. what do I try?
FIXITMAN :
Thank you for the response. Typically this is either a problem with the switch or the control module for the roof. I would recommend removing the switch and testing it with an ohm meter. If you pop off the trim panel around the switch you will be able to remove the switch. I can walk you through testing the resistance of the switch then. If the switch tests fine then I would replace the module.
FIXITMAN :
Are there any other electrical concerns in the vehicle?
Customer : no everything works normal.
Customer : is there a way to reset the moonroof settings.
Customer : let me take off the switch and try that and I will respond after that.
Customer : my personal email is XXXXX@XXXXXX.XXX
Customer : i appreciate your advice because this moonroof is the reason I bought the car and ik things can be fixed for cheap and I feel this is a small problem and not a full replacement problem. But let me get back to you after I test the switch
FIXITMAN :
To reset it you can pull the LAMELLA ROOF fuse in the rear fuse panel. Let me know if you pull the switch out.
Customer : Alright so I changed the rear fuses. And took off the switch and am gonna check resistance but what specifically do I look for on ohm meter
Customer : I've checked the contacts I just need details as to what is good or bad.
Customer : The three pin has no contact to anything
Customer : From testing the contact here is what I got
Customer : o- 4,5 closed
Customer : 1- 1,4&1,5&4,5 closed
Customer : 2- 1,4 closed
Customer : 3- 1,2 &1,4 & 2,4 closed
Customer : 4- 1,2 & 1,4 & 1,5 & 2,4& 2,5& 4,5 closed
Customer : Far left is the levels from the switch 0-4 and there was 5 pins tested. 1-5. Please let me know where were at. My email is dbrownpro at gmail
FIXITMAN : Contact 4 is the common contact point so leave one of your test leads there. I need to know what the resistance reading is on #5 when switch to position 1, 1 on position 2 and 2 on position 3 if that makes sense.
Customer : I've checked the resistance on the points you just have and they all end up 0
Customer : Position1 = 4,5=0
Customer : position2. = 4,1= 0
Customer : position 3 = 4,2 = 0
Customer : i have the switch completely out of the car on my kitchen table to make sure I'm testing it correctly
Customer : what should my next steps be are these signs bad?
FIXITMAN : These readings look fine. I would now check the ground connection shown below. Make sure that it is clean and tight. If it is fine then it is either a faulty sunroof control module or the programming in the module has failed. If you know of a shop with a good computer scanner they should be able to reset the programming for you. let me know what you find with the ground.

Pontiac Grand Am GT: have a 2003 pontiac


my name is XXXXX XXXXX have a 2003 pontiac grand am gt, V-6 ENGINE, with 55k miles on it,,,,,,my question is about the cooling system,,,,, everything seems to be ok but i have a few questions

1) i have always noticed, especially in summer, the temp guage would go up to about 210 to 215 then come back to normal which is about 200 degrees.

2) this past winter, the thermostat was stuck closed, the guage would only get to about 180 or so,,,,, the thermostat was not opening and i wasnt getting the proper heat in the car,,,,, i had the thermostat replaced,,, everything was fine,, the heat inside was good again,,, the temp guage would get to about 200 then hold steady there,,,, remember - this was during the cold weather months.

now, with the warmer weather, here is what i am getting on the temp guage.

1) at about 200 degrees, the thermostat seems to be opening fine and on the colder mornings, i am getting good heat inside the car with no problem ( AND THE AC IS BLOWING COLD TOO WHEN I TURN IT ON ).

2) when i am in traffic, with the heat and ac off, the temp guage seems to go up to about 210 to 215 before it comes back down to about 200.

i have been doing some reading online and i want to make sure that the cooling fans are operating properly so here is what i did this morning:

1) in my driveway, i started the car, let it idle in park, with no heat or ac on.

2) at about 195 to 200 on the temp guage, the thermostat seemed to open properly because the top radiator hose became very hot to the touch.

3) i proceeded to let the car idle, the temp guage slowly went up.

4) after about 15 minutes after i started the car, and with the temp guage reading about 212 to 215 degrees or so, both cooling fans came on. ( i assume that the speed of the fans was low at this time )

5) the temp guage started to slowly come back down to about 200 to 201 or 202 degrees,,, this only took a few minutes.

6) about 5 minutes later, with the temp guage still reading about 200 degrees, both fans were still on.

7) so i turned the car off, then turned back on, the temp guage went to 200 degrees and the fans were off, so i figured all was ok.

HERE ARE MY QUESTIONS

1) BASED UPON WHAT I OUTLINED ABOVE, DOES IT SOUND LIKE MY COOLING SYSTEM IS WORKING OKAY?

2) I HAVE READ THAT THE FANS SHOULD COME ON ABOUT AT 215 DEGREES OR SO,,,, IS THIS TRUE? THAT IS HOW THEY SEEM TO BE WORKING ON MY CAR.

3) LASTLY, SHOULD THE FANS TURN OFF AT SOME POINT OTHER THAN WHEN I TURN THE CAR OFF?,,,,,,, IF SO, AT WHAT TEMP SHOULD THEY TURN OFF?,,, MAYBE I DIDNT LET THE CAR RUN LONG ENOUGH FOR THE FANS TO TURN OFF THEMSELVES.

by the way, I AM NOT LEAKING ANY COOLANT FLUID AT ALL.

i do think that all is ok based upon all that i have read about these 2003 grand am gt cars,,, MOST OF WHAT I HAVE READ SAYS THAT THESE CARS TEND TO RUN " ON THE HOT " SIDE,,,, THAT MY READINGS ON MY TEMP GUAGE ARE NORMAL,,,, i am not looking for any kind of electrical schematics or anything like that since i would not troubleshoot this car on my own,,,,, everything is way too compact under for the hood for me to do anything on my own.

YOUR THOUGHTS AND ANSWERS ARE APPRECIATED,,,, THANKS.

Country: United States
Make: Pontiac
Model: Grand Am GT
Year: 2003
Engine: V-6


SOLUTION:


Based on the information you have given, your cooling fans are operating as designed. Please note that your gauge readings may not exactly match the reading the computer gets from the coolant temperature sensor, but should be close. The system is designed to turn the fans on at 223 degrees and off again when the coolant reaches around 200-210 degrees. High speed operation is commanded if the coolant temperature reaches 230 degrees.

The reason the computer runs the engine coolant temperatures high is that this helps to reduce exhaust emissions when idling.

If there is anything else I can help with, please let me know.


Customer replied1 days and 20 hours ago.


HI DAVE,

OK, SO MY SYSTEM SOUNDS LIKE IT IS RUNNING OK,,,, BUT LET ME GET BACK TO WHEN THE FANS SHOULD TURN OFF THEMSELVES WHEN THE COOLANT GETS BACK DOWN TO THE 200 TO 210 DEGREE RANGE ---- THE TEMP GUAGE SEEMED TO DROP DOWN TO ABOUT 200 DEGREES ( MAYBE IT WAS ABOUT 202 OR SO ) AND THE FANS KEPT RUNNING,,, ABOUT 5 MINUTES LATER I TURNED THE ENGINE OFF, THEN TURNED THE ENGINE BACK ON, AND THE FANS WERE OFF SO I TURNED THE CAR OFF,,,,,, SHOULD I BE CONCERNED AT THIS POINT THAT THE FANS DID NOT TURN OFF WHEN THE TEMP GAUGE GOT BACK DOWN TO ABOUT 201 DEGREES OR SO? SHOULD I HAVE LEFT THE CAR ON LONGER TO SEE IF THE FANS WOULD TURN OFF BY THEMSELVES?


?


Expert:  Dave Nova replied1 days and 20 hours ago.

I would not be concerned about this. If you left the engine running a bit longer, the computer would register the temperature and would have turned the fans off. Sounds like everything is working as it should and you should have nothing to worry about.

Customer replied1 days and 19 hours ago.


THANKS DAVE,,,, I APPRECIATE YOUR HELP,,, BYE
Customer replied1 days and 19 hours ago.


HI DAVE,

ONE MORE QUESTION ABOUT GAS MILEGE,

AT 55K MILES AND 10 YEARS, THE CAR HAS NEVER BEEN TUNED,,,, I DO GET A LITTLE ROUGH IDLING WEHN I AM STOPPED,,, BUT IF I DRIVE THE SPEED LIMIT HERE,,,, 55 MPH, I CAN GET ABOUT 22 TO 23 MILES PER GALLON WITHOUT THE AC ON,,,,, I DONT WANT TO SPEND $150 FOR ONLY 6 NEW SPARK PLUGS,,,,, DO YOU THINK MY MPG OF 22 TO 23 AT 55 MPH WITH NO AC ON IS GOOD GAS MILEAGE??? WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Expert:  Dave Nova replied1 days and 19 hours ago.

Ideally that car should get around 26 to maybe 27 mpg. This of course depends on fuel quality and other factors. Winter blend fuel gives you less mileage than summer fuel. Try cleaning the throttle body first, this should at least help to cure the rough idle. Remove the air intake hose between the engine and the air filter and use throttle body cleaner spray and a soft cloth to clean the interior of the throttle body (throttle blade and bore) Open the throttle blade by hand so the bore can be cleaned around the perimeter of and behind the throttle blade.

Customer replied1 days and 19 hours ago.
HI DAVE,

I FORGOT TO MENTION THAT ABOUT 65% OF MY DRIVING IS NORMAL CITY DRIVING, THAT IS, STOP AND GO,, WAITING AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS,, ETC.,, ETC,,, WITH THAT SAID, IS MY MILEAGE OF 22 TO 23 MPG STILL PRETTY GOOD???,,,,, I HAVENT BEEN ON AN EXTENDED HIGHWAY TRIP ( 50 MILES OR MORE ) WITH THE CAR SO MAYBE I WOULD GET 26 TO 27 MPG ON SUCH A TRIP,,,,WHAT I AM THINKING IS THAT $150 IS A LOT OF MONEY TO MAYBE TO JUST PICK UP AN ADDITIONAL 1 TO 2 MPG,,,,,, WHAT DO YOU THINK?,,,,,ALSO,,,IS THROTTLE BODY CLEANER BASICALLY GUMOUT IN A SPRAY CAN?,,,,AND THANKS FOR THE TIP ON CLEANING THE THROTTLE BODY,, GIVE ME YOUR THOUGHTS ON MY MPG WITH ME TELLING YOU THAT ABOUT 65% OF MY DRIVING IS CITY STYLE,,,, THANKS.
Customer replied1 days and 19 hours ago.
DAVE,

AS TO CLEANING THE THROTTLE BODY,,,, SO I SHOULD DISCONNECT THE HOSE RIGHT WHERE IT CONNECTS INTO THE THROTTLE?,,,,, THEN USE THE SPRAY TO CLEAN THE METAL PARTS INSIDE??, PLEASE ADVISE,,, THANKS.
Accepted Answer


Expert:  Dave Nova replied1 days and 19 hours ago.

With an average of city and highway driving, 22 to 23 mpg is right on target. This means you are actually getting 26-28 mpg highway driving. Replacing the plugs now would not likely net you any increase in fuel economy. Wait until you hit 100k to replace the plugs. Throttle body cleaner is basically Gumout in a spray can. You can use carburetor cleaner spray from Walmart (about $2 a can) and it will work fine. Yes, disconnect the hose right where it connects to the engine, this is the throttle body. Clean the parts inside.


Expert Type Pontiac Technician
Category: Pontiac
Pos. Feedback: 97.4 %
Accepts: 1790
Answered: 5/16/2013
Experience: ASE Master Certification. GM World Class Certification
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Customer replied1 days and 19 hours ago.
DAVE,

YOU HAVE BEEN GREAT !!!! TAKE CARE,,,, BYE,,,,,, REGARDS,, BRIAN
Customer replied1 days and 19 hours ago.
DAVE GAVE ME MORE INFO ABOUT MY CAR THAN ANY MECHANIC THAT I HAVE EVER TAKEN MY CAR TO,,,, HIS SERVICE WAS GREAT !!!

Expert:  Dave Nova replied1 days and 19 hours ago.


Thank you for the positive feedback.
If you ever need anything in the future, be sure to ask for me by name.

Dave Nova




Pontiac Grand Am SE: I have a 96 pontiac grand am. The dashboard


I have a 96 pontiac grand am. The dashboard "Theft Light" comes on, the car cranks, but then immediately dies. I talked to a mechanic who said it was probably a bad key or lock and if he had to replace the lock, it would be $300 to $500. Does that sound reasonable and does that sound like the problem?

Country: United States
Make: Pontiac
Model: Grand Am SE
Year: 1996
Engine: 4 liter

Already Tried: 
Holding the key in tightly, using 2 other keys.

SOLUTION:
The problem is most commonly due to a failure in the ignition lock cylinder which houses the passlock security sensor. Replacement cost for the ignition lock cylinder is around $300 at most shops, slightly more at others. Replacing the ignition lock cylinder should fix the problem.