Comments: 1-15, 16-30, 31-45, 46-60, 61-64
Well, my 1997 Grand Prix GT is somewhat possessed. I also have a problem with the fan speeds 1-4 not working, but with a significant twist. When the fan is placed in speeds one through four, the headlights go out! Also, the travel computer or driver info display or whatever you call it (give fuel data, door open status, etc.) also goes out. A new resistor for the fan blower failed to fix the problem. Two mechanics have had a go at it, but without success. Has anyone else had this combination of symptoms?
To the commenter with the "engineering Degree". GM's aren't really that hard to work on. Sure your 1987 Dodge Ram may be easier to access, but not only in the engine mounted longitudinally because its rear drive, but it's also a truck and they generally have huge engine bays. My car is front drive and that buy it's very nature adds a degree of difficulty or two. As for your comments about GM: Maybe you should submit your resume to General Motors, you clearly have it all figured out.
To the person with the engineering degree, is it really so compicated to take off a couple bolts that hold the body brace onto the car to change the battery? Besides, your 1987 truck is dated and has very little stuff in the engine compartment when compared to a modern car so there is obviously going to be a lot of room in there when compared to the Grand Prix. Is the truck a 4-cylinder too? If so, even more reason why the thing has so much room.
I just paid $500 to put an intake manifold gasket on my 98 Grand Prix SE with 121000 miles on it after it kept overheating and shutting down on me while driving. 2 Months later, I'm still losing antifreeze and can smell it when I drive. My car overheats on long trips even when I have added antifreeze. I don't know what to do or what could be wrong with it now that it has a new gasket on it. I bought this car to travel cause its nice for highway driving, but I am terrified to drive more than 400 miles to anyplace with this hunk of junk. Any suggestions on what might be wrong with my grand prix this time?
Wow, somebody who has no idea what a Ramcharger is. No, it doesn't have a 4 cylinder, only V-8's (with very rare 6 cylinders). Dated? Well maybe in some respects, since they quit making them in 1993, but they still have a loyal following because they were one of the best 4x4's ever made and a lot of people wish that Dodge still made this vehicle. The Durango, which replaced it, never measured up to it in terms of 4x4 capability and dependability. This has nothing to do with your Pontiacs, just addressing one of the comments above. Actually, there are many Ramcharger reviews on this very site. Check them out, and you'll see why the "engineer" was touting his. Dozens of reviews and not a sad face among them.
I am an owner of a 1997 Pontiac Grand Pr GT, 3.8L since 1999. The car has exhibited all the problems folks on this board have had. My car now has 125,000 miles or so and I drive in hot south Florida. Lately the problem that pains me the most is the constant low coolant light on. I had my radiator replaced about years ago, and over the last year I have been adding coolant (not Dex-Cool) to my reservoir. I have used radiator stop leak on two occasions and I am not sure if that was the right thing to do. Now the problem is more severe cause the light is going on daily after replacing coolant. It is hard to spot the leak and I do not see indications of coolant leaking into the block. I was told it was the radiator and I am about to go out and get a new one. Does anyone have any advice (other than junk or sell the car) on the radiator issue? What is the expected outcome?
I will summarize my other problems in order experienced:
1. Water pump failing at around 50K miles.
2. Fuel indicator does not work.
3. Both front light lens caps falling off, and again on factory replacement. The third generation are holding up better. But use some electrical tape to secure.
4. Wiper motor recall issue.
5. Power rack and pinion recall issue.
6. Lost fan blower speeds 1-4, only 5 works. Had it repaired, but problem occurred again. Some wd40 will take care of the "frozen" blower motor. This problem cannot be easily diagnosed as most mechanics I have taken it to came up blank. I will live with it, but it is aggravating!
7. Electric door locks no longer work.
8. Electric windows are weak, and often do not move unless you "assist" them.
9. Poor gas mileage, averaging about 16 mpg.
10. Ignition switch broke and cannot be turned off nor can a key be put in. I start the car without the key by turning the switch. The ignition is in an always on position, and battery can die if I do not run my car daily.
11. Low coolant indicator always on. This is my present problem that I need help on.
Overall this has been a disappointing car experience. I can see why GM and the other domestics are struggling. I am from Detroit and have close connections to the auto industry even though I never worked there. I have always owned American and will continue to buy even though it is tempting to go Japanese or German. I just feel more proud driving my American Car even with all the problems. The grand prix would be great if all the ancillary systems worked. The engine is well designed, but all the other systems are poor. Unfortunately the folks in Detroit cannot address this fast enough as market share has eroded to the point where they cannot sustain their massive size. This downsizing will further hurt all the domestics. Thanks for you help!!!
I have a 2000 GTP with 105 k miles which has been somewhat reliable, it is fully loaded with a supercharger, I have had issues with it when it was new, The foggy headlights, the radio indicator went out and the tranny was less than smooth (I think it was burrs on the valve body). The issues got less when I stopped taking it for service. At least they didn’t make them worst. The dealers are the major problem with these cars. The car has been great ever since they stopped servicing it. Last week the low coolant light came on, but the coolant system is full. I will choose to ignore it. I change the oil when the computer tells me too, and I have only put 2 tires at 70k (I don’t rotate them) and brakes on it at 90 k.
I relate to all of the postings above. I have a 1997 Grand Prix GT, and have the leaking windshield.
Went through 3 drivers side window regulators (which are hard to find), 2 fuel pumps lights, the radio (possessed) and steering wheel.
Level 1 and 2 on the AC do not work, sometimes it sounds like something is dying when I turn the air on.
When I turn the wheel, it sounds like something is dying on the front end of the car.
I was driving the car 3 weeks ago and it just died. Towed it to the mechanic - a friend, I have not spent much money as dealers or GM do want a hefty price to maintain their autos. Rear view mirror $400.00. Ouch, I got a cheap one from AutoZone that does the same thing!
Anyway, my car died, the fuel is fine, the fuel pump hums to the $3.00 a gallon. I have spark and the car will start and run for approximately a minute, and all the lights come on and the car will shut off. It does not give a computer error, it has gas 60psi in the fuel rail, and it is getting fire. The Body Control Module was not the fix, the main brain was not the fix, also the fuel filter was replaced and I am stumped. The car ran fine with the check coolant light flashing as always. When the car starts all of the gauges jump when you press the gas. Then it dies. If any one else has had or knows how to fix, I would greatly appreciate it. This rental is killing me.
The fan not working on level 1 + 2 is due to a faulty resistor. It may be because of the window leak finding its way down to the fan speed control module.
As for the car sounding like it is dying when you turn the wheel: have you checked the power-steering fluid level? If it is not leaking than maybe its the pump itself. That or it could be any number of suspension issues.
I hope everything works out for you.
I have had a '99 Grand Prix for the past 6 years and I swear it's in the shop more than in my garage. Just last night it died while I was driving it. I hate it and will never buy another GM product again!
I have a 1997 grand prix and it has around 70,000 miles. I have had the basic problems, windshield wipers (Rain X helps that), I had the alternator replaced, and the light covers came off. however this morning something happened that I didn't see here. my blower came on and would not turn off. I pulled the fuse and it stopped. if you turn the engine on and let it run without letting it move, it will not kick on. it takes a few seconds for it to start once its put into gear. everything else seems to be fine at the moment.
This questin is for the gentleman with the 1997 grand prix with the blower not turning off. Your comment stated to remove the fuse to fix this problem, which fuse needs to be removed, and where is it located? I am currently having the same issue and it kills the battery. I appreiciate any help regarding this problem. Thx.
1997 Grand Prix SE Mystery is solved - I have had many of the same problems as the other posters. Thankfully I still have heat in the car, but the coolant problem is starting to rear its head. Quality on this car is ridiculous, but GM quality overall is IMPROVING.
I had the problem where the engine dies. Often. On my way to work, on the highway, doing 65 MPH.
Thanks to a chat with the CVS Roadside assistance guy, he pointed me in the right direction, and I found the reason why the car would just die for no reason doing 65 down the highway: the crankshaft position sensor. You can trust and rely on your car again for less than $100.
Many similar problemson 1997 grand Prix, but with a couple of added notes. My fuel gauge doesn't work and the dealer doesn't know how to repair it. Luckily we have the info center which tells us how much fuel was usedand we refill at around "13 gallons used". We also had a problem with the the car dying for no reason. After replacing alternator, battery, and some $300 resistor; the dealership found out the fuse box was shorting out. My reason for hitting this page today is my heater blower stopped working altogether. I had speeds 1-4 until yesterday because speed 5 has worked intermittently (mostly not working) for several years. Except for electrical problems, car runs strong at 140K miles.
"Besides, your 1987 truck is dated and has very little stuff in the engine compartment when compared to a modern car so there is obviously going to be a lot of room in there when compared to the Grand Prix."
The fact that the "dated" 1987 truck has "very little stuff in the engine compartment" is a good thing. Are you actually proud that your Grand Prix is loaded down with so much emissions control garbage that you can't see the engine?? Guess what, the reason your Grand Prix has trouble running is BECAUSE of all that crap of which you are apparently so proud.
"Is the truck a 4-cylinder too? If so, even more reason why the thing has so much room."
The 1987 Dodge Ram has a V-8, and STILL has tons of room to work on it in the huge engine compartment. I guess you're trying to make a point that the Grand Prix is superior in mechanics or design to the 1987 Ram somehow, but exactly how that might be, I fail to see. The Ram is running. Is your Grand Prix?