1996 Pontiac Grand Am fuel system problems

Filed Jul 7, 2017 · Airbags, Electrical · 163,000 miles · KS

I was driving down hiway the car died I turned it to the right to get off the hiway and the airbag on drivers side exploded, I had the car towed and was told the pass key system or theft system went bad in ignition switch and no explanation why air bag went off? Or how to fix any of it, this is now july and I am still having problems.

Filed Dec 20, 2012 · Electrical, Engine · 136,141 miles · NC

I started my car in a parking lot and was driving approx 10mph when the car died almost immediately, after restart, it did it again. Then, it wouldn't even turn over. I had it towed to a mechanic who told me that it was probably a bad fuel pump. Turns out it was the pontiac anti-theft device that was keeping it from starting. When your key starts getting worn and rounded off, (as most keys do after some use!) the theft system locks your car up. There is no fix for this problem other than replacing the ecu, ignition system, key tumbler, or a combination of the same, and reprogramming it, which costs upwards of 1000.00 this anti theft system is preventing me from using my lawfully owned car! The only way to fix it is to have a dealership replace defective pontiac parts. An anti theft system should be a preventative measure to keep crooks from boosting your car, not something that will cost the owner more money later when their key wears down! Worse yet, if the car is disabled on a highway and the steering wheel locks up, you risk killing yourself or others on the road! This has got to be a safety violation and a red flag for a recall. I'm going to probably sell this rat-trap for scrap/crush value to a junk yard and buy another car, so although this complaint won't benefit me, hopefully my comment will help someone else who is having problems with their pos pontiac.

Filed Apr 9, 2010 · Body, Electrical · 98,000 miles · PA · crash · 3 injuries

Water getting into vehicle somewhere behind firewall. Started approximately 1yr. Ago. Caused all lights on dash to light up, now vehicle will not start, could not afford to have pontiac fix, although they did issue a warning regarding issue, but will not help with remedy.

Filed Aug 23, 2002 · Fuel system · MI

Consumer had the fuel filter checked for replacement. It was found that the connection from the fuel tank to the fuel filter was rusted to the point the line and fuel filter had to be replaced. *jg

Filed Jul 26, 2002 · Fuel system · VA

Consumer smelled fuel when driving. Dealer determined that fuel pressure regulator was leaking fuel onto engine.

Filed May 8, 2002 · Fuel system · LA

Consumer could smell fuel coming inside of vehicle through vents. Had a fuel leak. Dealer contacted. Please add VIN.

Filed Apr 8, 2002 · Fuel system · IL

Vehicle had a strong fuel odor. Took it to garage and mechanic indicated a pin hole leak in fuel line at top of engine.*ak

Filed Mar 28, 2002 · Fuel system · IL

The fuel line was defected the gasoline shoots out inside of the engine carpartment. Nlm

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 Feb 26, 2002 · Engine, Fuel system · UT

Vehicle lost power then engine quit. Dealer mechanic indicated intake manifold gasket failure to let cooling fluid into crankcase oil. Gasket replaced, engine flushed 5 times ($480) suggested engine overhaul. Two weeks, engine failed with knock due to previous problem. Received letter from dealership warning of possible intake gasket failure resulting in engine replacement. No satisfaction from gm, found 5 identical complaints on the federal safety agency web site, attorney contacted, we will both investigate. My situation is, "no car, still paying payment." observation: gross diregard for obvious engineering flaw, smaks of firestone without the deaths.