Comments: 1-15, 16-30, 31-45, 46-56
My "service engine soon" light came on several times. I brought it into the shop 3 times before they finally "fixed" it. First I was told that I must not have tightened the gas cap all the way. so they just reset the light and sent me on my way. Apparently these cars have a some kind of a sensor to detect leaks in the gas tank and I guess it is a known problem for it to trigger the service engine too soon light if the cap is loose.
The second time it came on (only a week or so later) they thought the cap had a bad seal so they replaced that.
The third time, a few weeks later, it came on again and they had to drain all the gas and take out the gas tank to replace the sensor inside. The light has not came on again.
A few weeks ago I had to put gas in again. When I opened my gas door I discovered that the cap was not on at all. Which makes me question if they fixed anything at all or if they just disconnected the light.
I had these EXACT same problems with mine! I had to bring mine in 5 times for the same problem. The diagnosis was the same as yours and they replaced the same parts. The last time I brought it in, they "upgraded" the software somewhere and hasn't lit up since (about five months ago). I am also very disappointed with the stitching on the rear leather seats. It's very sloppy looking. Other than that, it's been an extremly enjoyable car to drive!
I also had this problem with my 2001 Grand Am GT. My service engine soon light kept coming on, but my mechanic put liquid dye in my gas tank to find the leak, and apparently all Grand Ams with the 3.4 have a pinched gas tank O-ring. So if they didn't replace it and your light is staying on, then more then likely they just unplugged it.
Mine just did the same thing a week ago. Called the dealer, and they said the same thing. If you look in the owner's manual (which everyone has), it will tell you the various scenarios that it could be. It all has to do with the emission system, nothing serious. Be worried when the Service Vehicle Soon light comes on. Now, that is when there is a problem. Read your manual, and all your fears will dissappear. No car is perfect. Be thankful you have the 3.4 SFI, and not the 2.2 banger.
I have also had the same problem with my 99 Grand Am. The service engine light came on once because the gas cap was not on tight. Now it came on again. I took it to Auto-zone and they did a diagnostic check on it. It said evaporation control emission leak (small). I am not going to pay the dealer to fix it. My sensor probably went bad. Oh well the car drives fine anyways, but that orange light can be annoying.
I am having the same problem with my 1997 Grand Am GT. The check engine light came on at the same time as the ETS warning light. I checked the manual and I re tightened the gas cap. Both lights went off. Now three days later both lights are back on. I replaced my gas cap with a new one, but the lights are still staring me in the face. The car is running just fine. Should I take it in for repair? I do not want to get into any costly bills at this point. What do you suggest? Thank you... web sites like this are great to learn from!
My 99 grand am is at 103,000 miles. The SES light came on as well as the trac off light. Now my car idles very low and sometimes even quits while stopped at a red light or stop sign. I put fuel injector cleaner in the gas tank, but that wasn't the problem. I went to California and took her to the mountains and I came back to Texas. When I press the gas I get horrible shaking until she shifts into second and third gear, but even then I don't get much power. I'm baffled, any thoughts?
My wife's 2001 GT had the service vehicle light come on and I check everything and ran some fuel injector cleaner thru and high test gas. Guess what, light is still on because service vehicle light means a headlight is burnt out! Now I can't figure out how to change the headlight because the ram air intake seems to be in the way. Any help out there?
The Ram Air Intake cover can be lifted up and off easily by removing the plastic "bolts/screws" that are located in various places along the top of the cover. Once this is removed, you can get to the headlights very easily. I had a lamp blow and took me forever to figure out how to get the headlight assembly out to change the bulb. The owner's manual talks of "quick clips" but it doesn't accurately show you how to remove the clips holding the assembly in place. You must push back on the lever, while pulling up at the same time to remove the assembly as one unit. A couple hours, and a few swear words, and I finally figured mine out... be careful when pulling the bulb out of the assembly as well - I broke what I thought were cheap retaining rings that hold the bulb in the assembly, and ended up paying $27 A PIECE for replacement plastic parts.
I'm in the process of purchasing a 2001 Grand Am GT. What is Ram Air?
Thank you to Jan. 14, 2004. my service vehicle soon light came on in my 2002 Pontiac Grand AM GT and I was perplexed as to the reason - burnt out headlamp. thanks to this forum I obtained the solution...thanks.
Thanks! That service vehicle light soon had been coming on for me to, I do have a burnt headlight so it all makes sense to me now.
I have had the same thing happen to my 2001 GrandAM GT, but it was different reasons. Right now I have sadly four service lights on... The Service Engine Soon light is on and blinks sometimes in my car, but, I was told it had to do with my spark-plugs. My ABS and Trac Off lights are on even though I press the ETS button and, my Service Vehicle Soon light is on. For a little bit I thought it could have been my Diablo module, but then remembered it's been in there for awhile and the lights were not on after installation. My ABS and Trac Off lights are on and I replaced the tires not too long ago due to having pretty much slicks on my car. I don't know if the tire place has to reset the codes or whatnot, but I do know that the lights havn't shut off. Also when I accelerate my car, there is kind of a bog down of the motor that I believe could be caused by the bad spark plugs. This car has had its fair share of problems, but when it runs good it's a beauty of a car.
I love my 2001 Grand Am GT. There is a puzzling problem and I hope that someone can help. I bought the car used two months ago. The service engine soon light came on shortly after. I took it to a garage and the code said it was the O2 sensor. I had it fixed for $170.00, 80,miles later, guess what.. it came back on again. I took it for future diagnostics and they said it "may" need a Cat. at $500.00. I went to an auto parts store to price this item. The car is to new and they could not imagine that it would need one since it would have to be specially ordered. They suggested that I let them do a diagnostics for $68.00 and they were sure that it was a vacuum leak. I dropped it off for the day. They couldn't find the problem either and want me to pay for two hours of diagnostics to research the problem. I haven't committed to that yet. They turned off the light and didn't charge me. 80 miles later it came back on. Each time that it has been turned off, it comes back on at about 80 miles. I am hoping that someone else had the same problem and can point me in the right direction.
Also, most of the time it starts hard, cranking for about 10 seconds and then there is a strong smell of exhaust. HELP! If you could e-mail me direct I would appreciate it.. dpratt@prattson.com.
On the cat and the computer has a 8 year warranty
or 80000 miles don't pay those guys a cent check with gm.
We are having an awful time replacing the headlamp bulb on my 2000 Grand Am GT..We've tried EVERYTHING and nothing seems to work. Any suggestions?