Comments: 1-15, 16-30, 31-45, 46-60, 61-75, 76-90, 91-105, 106-120, 121-135, 136-150, 151-158
2001 Grand Am 2.4L Problems and fixes:
Car not starting regularly/Security light: The fix:have the mechanic disconnect the security system. It is a flaw in the system and cannot be fixed easily. The mechanic won't believe that it will work but after 2 months of back and forth to the dealer (either unable to reproduce or unable to pull a code) I told them I wanted it done, and have not had the problem since (about 5 years now and no one has ever attempted to steal my car).
Turn signal constantly clicks: New turn signal lever ~150 with labor.
Car dies randomly/battery light: The car outlives the alternator. Go to an auto part store and purchase a new one. They are easily replaced with a little know how (I have no Know how and was able to do it)
Good Luck!
To 19:33: GOOD FOR YOU!! I always encourage people to do as much of their own repairs as possible. Also, never pay attention to what a dealership mechanic says about disabling various systems. They are discouraged from doing that and aren't even taught HOW to. Even non-dealer mechanics are often clueless about these things. I'm a car enthusiast and mechanic and I love my 2001 Grand Am (one of 4 vehicles I own, and the oldest). It is flawless and yet to have ANY problems beyond a burned-out light bulb and front brake pads at 70,000 miles at a cost of $17. They were replaced in 15 minutes on my lunch break. It was so simple my wife could have done it easily. It pays to learn about fixing your car. I had a friend who just paid $900 for a brake job. That comes out to well over $800 in labor cost. That's ludicrous.
I have a 2000 Pontiac Grand Am GT. I had to replace the fuel pump 500 dollars.. Head gasket leaked 2 days after I got it luckily the dealer fixed at no charge. Now I have a security light issue that will not allow the car to start. I leave the door open for a little bit it will start. I had the ignition switch and cylinder changed by a pontiac dealer. The next day it started again and I took it back I haven't heard anything since I took it down this morning.. will give a later update.
Well I bought this car in June of 2008 as a graduation gift for myself, and I have a 2000 Pontiac Grand Am GT. I really can't say I have had any major problems like you people have, I mean just regular wear and tear, and I don't know a thing about cars.
I had a accident in the car the next month. I bought it in, the front passenger side, and the car was running like a champ like nothing happened. I have had the front struts and brakes fixed.
I took the car to Jacksonville, FL from Arkansas. However, I needed a transmission fluid change and the car started acting like it didn't wanna move while I was there (scared for my life).
I have had a problem one time with it not starting up, but that was the only time, I think it might need a new ignition switch.
Overall, I must say this is not a bad car like you people are making it out to be. Don't be trying dog your vehicle out and it might last you a while.
I just recently put warranty service on it, but any other problems I shall keep you updated.
My momma always told me if you treat your car like a baby for maintenance, it will last you a very long time, and she had a 90 Grand Prix for 10 years. LOL.
I bought my 01 Pontiac Grand Am three years ago. One year ago, I had to have the lower gasket replaced (was told it would be around $1500, so my dad did it for me) and my ac/heater fan only works on 3,4,5. My turn signals do not make the constant noise like everybody else has mentioned-they sometimes just don't work. If I flip on my hazards then shut them off, the turn signal works fine for a few days. I read on another article that there was a recall on the switch that affects that, but that was the only one I saw, so not sure on the validity of it. The only reason I still have this piece of crap is because it was totaled in a hailstorm so I was able to pay it off. As soon as its goes out, it's going out to the scrap heaps!!
Oops forgot to add, about a week after purchasing my 01 Grand Am, the check engine light kept coming on. The mechanics told me it was because my gas cap wasn't shut all the way; the next time it happened they said it was dirt on a sensor in my wheel well. My interior light also fell out of the ceiling later the same year I bought it. Haven't figured out how to make it stay so I just shoved it up into the hole it came out of LOL.
First off, I would like to say to all those who have only had minimal repairs to your Grand Am... CONSIDER YOURSELF LUCKY!!! I have babied my car for the 8 years I have had it, faithfully changing the oil, tune ups, and check ups. I have had many of the problems stated here even with the extra care I have exercised with my car. As for the brake problems... probably the worst and most expensive of the bunch. I am very disappointed with GM products and will never buy another. I am quite pleased to see that GM went broke and hope they have learned that when you continue to manufacture garbage you do eventually lose the customer. Maybe we will see better products in the future... although I for one will never take that chance again!!!
On my 2003 Grand Am I've had to do the following:
Replace all 4 window motors/regulators.
Replace the intake manifold gasket (anti freeze leaking) thru extended warranty.
Replace the fuel pump ($600).
Replace all struts thru extended warranty and the ride is hard and bangs when on rough road.
Rebuild/clean/re-lube the steering wheel multi switch assembly (for random clicking)with dielectric grease.
Replace windshield washer bottle and repaired hard line leaking due to holes (next to battery).
Replace fuel pressure regulator (gas smell in car).
Dashboard is curling up bad on drivers side (Not Repaired).
Multiple intermittent brake noises (went away after struts replaced).
Short brake life.
Replace AC control knob twice.
Resurface headlight assemblys.
This car has had the most repairs done to it of any car I've owned, all being GM.
May Pontiac RIP.