The theft warning system keeps the ignition switch from engaging. The car will not start unless the key is in the "on" position for fifteen minutes and resets the system.
1997 Pontiac Grand Am electrical problems
105 complaints (27% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 102,715. 3 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 105
- of this car's complaints
- 27%
- typical mileage
- 102,715
- crashes
- 3
- recalls
- 2
Which part fails
- Ignition: switch32
- Ignition22
- Alternator/generator/regulator15
- Ignition: module8
- 12v/24v/48v battery7
- Wiring: interior/under dash6
- Wiring: fuses and circuit breakers6
- Ignition: anti-theft: control module5
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Pontiac Grand Am electrical problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 1997 Pontiac Grand Am electrical
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Electrical system: ignition: switch
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles. If the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch, and sometimes produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts.
- Risk
- If the switch is damaged, a fire could occur in the steering column, even with the engine off and the key removed.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch. Owner notification began march 27, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑222‑1020, pontiac at 1‑800‑762‑2737, buick at 1‑800‑521‑7300, or oldsmobile at 1‑800‑442‑6537.
Recall number 02V070000 · Recall details
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood
- What is wrong
- The protective cover for the underhood fuse center was omitted. Without this cover, the positive terminal bolt on the fuse block is exposed and can contact the insulated negative battery cable. If the insulation on the negative cable becomes sufficiently worn, an electrical short circuit can occur between the positive terminal and negative cable resulting in extremely high current flow.
- Risk
- This high current flow can cause arcing and result in an underhood fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect these vehicles for the presence of the protective cover and, if necessary, install a protective cover to the underhood fuse center.
Recall number 97V059000 · Recall details
What 1997 Pontiac Grand Am owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The ignition on this college students 97 pontiac grand am randomly defaults. It will get stuck in on or off position. Car sometimes continues running. Keyes will lock in the ignition and can not be removed. Lights remain on while keys are stuck in ignition. Ignition gets warm.
I cannot drive car with out speedometer. There was a service bulletin #66-83-04a I feel the dealer should repair this at there cost. It is not safe driving it without being able to see speed. The dealer says it cost 450.00 the vss is working fine. I buy a lot of cars.
The passlock anti-theft system in my 1997 pontiac grand am gt is a failed piece of junk that never should have been put into any vehicle. Gm should be responsible for correcting this situation as many, many individuals are spending too much money not having this situation fixed. Most mechanics are at a loss.
Cooling system is failing all the time on all pontiacs have the same problem intake manifold blow 5 times at 50.00 miles oil mixes with the coolant and all the smoke from that goes in the air it is a major problem and than the cars are junk so than everybody who buys pontiac they are buying a lemon cars even if it brand new from the shop.
I have had several problems with my 1997 grand am gt since purchasing it. I have replaced the ignition switch three times in one year, the service costs are $900.00 in total. I can't understand how the same thing keeps breaking every 3 months. My windows get stuck and don't want to roll up, it has power windows. I was rear ended in 2003, but other than that, no damage done to my car. What can I do? Just keep replacing ignition switches every 3 months? I have gotten written up at work for my car not starting. I do not have triple a.
The anti-theft devices are malfunctioning. They are often leaving codes and popping on my check engine light.
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 pontiac grand am. While driving 30-35 MPH, the vehicle shut off and on three different times. The windows would not roll up and down properly unless controlled by the driver's side control swtich. The fog lights do not work as well and the fuses are charred. The vehicle has not yet been taken to the dealer. The current and failure mileages were 128,728.
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 pontiac grand am. The contact stated that the vehicle shut off at a stop without warning. The mechanic stated that the electrical system caused the failure. As of october 15, 2007, the dealer and manufacturer had not repaired the vehicle. The manufacturer stated that her VIN was excluded from the federal safety agency campaign id number 02v070000 (electrical system: ignition: switch). The contact felt that her vehicle should be included as part of the recall. The current and failure mileages were 150,000. Updated 01/11/08. *lj the dealer stated engine replaced in june. Updated 12/12/07
The ignition key continues to get lock or stuck in the ignition. This represents a secondary safety issue in that car has key in the ignition at all times. Battery could drain leaving passengers and drivers stranded in unsafe or unable to react to unsafe situations (criminal pursuers, assailants, etc). Because your car has been drain due to an ignition defect that locks your key in the ignition.
Questions about the 1997 Pontiac Grand Am electrical
Does the 1997 Pontiac Grand Am have electrical problems?
Owners have filed 105 complaints about the electrical of the 1997 Pontiac Grand Am, 27% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 1997 Pontiac Grand Am electrical problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 102,715 miles.
Was there a recall on the 1997 Pontiac Grand Am electrical?
Yes, 2 recalls: 02V070000, 97V059000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Pontiac Grand Am have the most electrical problems?
The Pontiac Grand Am model years with the most electrical complaints are 2001 (232 complaints), 2002 (148 complaints) and 2004 (140 complaints).
Other 1997 Pontiac Grand Am problems
Engine 83Brakes 71Airbags 41Acceleration 36Visibility 34Suspension 26Transmission 22Steering 21Fuel system 19Lights 13Body 11Seat belts 10Tires 10Seats 8Wheels 5Locks 4
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