29th Jun 2011, 10:18
As a former member of a national Grand Am owner's club (I no longer have my Grand Am), I saw lots of these cars with well over 200,000 miles on them and nary a problem. My 2001 SE never had a problem of any kind. These cars are some of the best built cars ever made.
The stalling problem sounds like too much fuel is being dumped into the injectors. Most likely a defective sensor or one just needing adjustment. This should be a very minor and very inexpensive fix.
As for installing new front brake pads, this is a 15-minute job requiring only a wrench to loosen the caliper pivot bolt and a large "C" clamp to compress the caliper. I did mine on my lunch break. It took 15 minutes. The cost was $14 for the pads.
Window clips WERE an issue on these cars. They often broke from children (or inconsiderate adults) slamming the doors. I never had this issue, as I told my passengers "Don't slam the doors."
As a mechanic and car enthusiast, I'd recommend the Grand Am to anyone looking for a good used car. They are one of the best values around. Mine was flawless up until I traded it for a Fusion in 2009.
8th Sep 2016, 00:50
TCC solenoid, for torque converter lockup... replace it... side of the transmission inside the wheel-well.
27th Jun 2011, 17:08
Don't put another dime into it... clean it up and sell it for what you get for it... it still has value.
Cars can be a huge money pit... and you are just beginning the game with your car.
Consult your Consumers Report Annual Auto Guide that comes out every year in April before you buy another car... in it has many used cars to fit your budget... beginning with cars under 4000.00 dollars.
Also, pay a mechanic to check for any major problems, and get it on a lift to check for frame and/or body damage. Do your research before you buy any future car.