It randomly won't start because of the factor security system. I read somewhere on-line that leaving the key in for 10-15 minutes (or until the Security light stops blinking) will fix it. It always starts after that, but it's annoying. I'm not sure what triggers it, and from what I've read it's documented in the owner's manual (which wasn't in my car when I bought it used) and there's nothing that can be done.
Also, the upholstery has started to come loose on one of the back doors.
Other than that, it hasn't given me problems. It's small, drives well, and I like it alright for what I paid for it.
This is exactly what my car did a few weeks ago, I printed some things off this site for the mechanic to read over. He tried jumping it off, after a while it did start, but he said he thought it was because the key had been turned on for 15 minutes or so. He thought that's why it started, and he said that he thought it had something to do with the security system (I didn't know I had because I bought the car used and it didn't come with a owners manual), and to try that next time it didn't start. So today at lunch my car didn't start, so I tried it and yes it did start.
I also have a constant ticking after I start it, sounds like it's coming from the steering column or ignition.
What the heck it that??
Those are my two problems with my car that I've had for 3 years.
That ticking noise coming from your steering wheel column is your multi-function switch which costs about $300 (Canadian currency). If the car is still under your 3 year/60,000km warranty, have it replaced as it's a defect. I had mine replaced. My 2003 Pontiac Grand AM review is on this site under "A nice first car" if you want to see my problems with my car.
Jason.
Well I just read this comments about the security systems and I am happy to find out what might help my car. I will inform the forum is this lovely secret work, I ended up stranded because of it.
My 2003 Pontiac Grand Am is doing the clicking (sounds like the blinker is stuck on but at a more rapid pace). I called the dealership, they said it was my multi-function switch, but I brought it to a garage and they said that it was my "flasher", so I got that replaced instead (against the dealer's plea, not to replace the flasher because it would be a waste of money) and... it did not fix it!! I am being told that it is either a short in the wiring or the multi-function switch. Word of advice, don't replace the flasher, it ended up costing $110 and it did nothing!
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