1996 Pontiac Grand Am: engine overheating

Filed Mar 6, 2003 · Engine, Transmission · 78,000 miles · CA

In the past 4 months, I have replaced my heater core, because it is plastic, and then the radiator, now the head gasket. Problems of this nature first surfaced with heater core failure, which is made of plastic and then proceeds through the cooling to system, to my current problem, head gasket replacement. The water pump and transmission have both been replaced, while under the new car warranty. I took my car to hardin pontiac in anaheim, ca at 3 pm on march 4th. They have now had my car 2 days and they want to charge me another $80 to further diagnose my coolant leak. I have opened a file w/pontiac, ref # 1-78-69-0865. Pontiac determined that, as I am the second owner, the age of the car (1996) and number of miles (82,622) they have no responsibility. I explained to her, that while I am the 2nd owner, I purchased the car while it was still under their 3 year/36,000 mile warranty. And while under warranty, my transmission & water pump had been replaced. The cooling system problems began while under the new car warranty. Also gm's n' car series has numerous problems with their cooling systems, I am being penalized, primarily, because I am the second owner, rather than the original owner. My car has been maintained and serviced as specified in their owner??s manual. While speaking w/pontiac, I was told there is an open recall on the ignition system, apparently it is know to overheat and melt, rendering the car undrivable. It appears gm's overheating issues are not limited to their cooling system and cheap plastic parts. I requested that the service rep, mr. Romero, explain why he felt they needed to further diagnose my coolant leak, is the head gasket leaking, or not? Mr. Romero, did indeed diagnose what he termed an "external coolant leak' in other words a leak at the head gasket. At this point, I have instructed ernie to handle the recall problem with the ignition only. Pontiac has minimized the problem and conveyed that it does not warrant immediate attention.

Filed Nov 24, 2002 · Electrical, Engine · TN

Coolant leaking into crankcase, engine needs replaced. Also I have replaced 3 alternators since I owned this vehicle. The first one at 40000 miles. This car by my book is crap. Dt

Filed Jul 8, 2002 · Electrical, Visibility · IL

In this vehicle, by 80,000 miles, all 4 power window motors had sequentially overheated and failed with ordinary use. They have all had to undergo replacement. In addition, the alternator has twice become clogged with debris (leaves, etc). Through ordinary use, overheated and failed. Both the original alternator and a manufacturer-branded replacement have failed in this fashion, and have required replacement.

Filed Mar 1, 2002 · Electrical, Engine · MO

We have had coolant loss three times with no visible leakage. We were informed that the car was "sucking the coolant in" rather than leaking out. We have had to have the intake manifold gasket replaced 3 times. The 1st time, the dealer replaced intake manifold gasket & oil pump drive ring and valve cover gasket leaking. The 2nd time, the dealer simple resealed the intake gasket but did not replace. The 3rd time, the dealer replaced the upper and lower intake gaskets and rechecked for leaks. All of these repairs were covered under either the original warranty or the extended warranty (good thru 72,000 mi). We now have almost 70,000 mi on this car and the engine is shot! The main throttle bearing gaulded and the extended warranty company is denying our claim (even though we have 2,000 mi left on extended warranty) because they say the oil is "contaminated". I have maintained regular oil changes and am due for an oil change in approx 200 mi. The dealership did not inform me that I should have had the oil changed after any of the coolant leak repairs. Also, we had to have the alternator replaced when then car was just 2 yrs old. Plus we had to have the r&r shaft seal & bearing kit replaced 3 times due to squeaking noise coming from steering column. Also had to have shifter assemply replaced because the key was sticking in the ignition.

Filed Apr 13, 2000 · Engine · PA

Sensor failed and temperature gauge did not indicate that the engine was overheating. The engine seized up and was sold for salvage value or $1,500. There is documented oil changes every three thousand miles with simultaneous coolant checks.

Filed Nov 19, 1999 · Engine · NC

I'm having problems with my cooling system.I'm always losing coolant . Sometimes it's visble and leaks to the ground. Other times I can't find where the coolant is leaking too. I always have to check my coolant level and add coolant most of the time. I hear a loud noise in my dashboard while driving sometimes. It sounds like something is loose.

Filed Jan 14, 1999 · Engine · TX

The temperature gauge and the air conditioner don't work and the vehicle is overheating, causing the consumer to have problems seeing out the window. Dealer has worked on the vehicle four times, and still can't determine the problem. Also, water pump had to be replaced.