1997 Pontiac Grand Am: power window failure

Filed Jun 23, 2006 · Electrical · KY

Sept. 2005 my 1997 pontiac grand am wouldn't start. The steering wheel was completely locked. Couldn't get the key into the switch,tried to shake steering wheel and tried banging on the switch and tried forcing the key in, but nothing worked. Had to take cover off under the steering wheel and push a bottom that I found and it unlocked, then it started. Even the dash light stopped working. Been driving with no dash light for a while. It started doing it again, but his time the button under the steering wheel wouldn't work. Had to put a toggle switch in, to even start. I turned the key on pushed the toggle switch and it started. That lasted till 6-7-06. That day I turned on the switch and it sounded like the starter was hung. Now my power windows wont work, the power door locks still work. Found recall online, the code number is 02008b, it says the engine fails to start when the driver holds the key in the start position for a period, high current flows through the ignition switch, and sometimes produces heat to melt internal switch parts. Towed car to pontiac dealer 6-22-06 thinking maybe the recall would fix my problem. I told him to do a diagnostic test on it and it came back the ignition lock cylinder is bad. Then he told me the price and I said, I cant afford that. He said, that it had to be fixed before he could fix the recall. They wanted $222.86 for the part and $275.88 for labor, $7.27 for misc. $14.58 for taxes then he changed it $20.00 for misc. Totaling to $533.32 to fix the cylinder. I told him I found recalls online and even copied them and brought it to him. But he said, that he's got to go by what he has on his recall from gm. I saying if its not on his recall then it should be. This should be a recall on the ignition lock cylinder. So I had it towed to another place that would put the ignition lock cylinder in for $239 including parts and labor.

Filed Mar 31, 2006 · Body, Visibility · 85,000 miles · NC

In 2001, driver side window motor does not operate anymore. Replaced it. ($150). In 2003, driver window motor and passenger and rear passenger motor dies once again. Replaced all motors, now they are dead again. Especially when my AC does not work either. In 2004, heater core and water pump broken. Repaired. Now I have a water leak in the driver's floor area which ruined my carpet and that has to be replaced! Another $200. It seems it all evolves around electrical problems.

Filed Aug 2, 2005 · Airbags, Brakes · 74,000 miles · MI · 1 injury

This is the worst car (lemon) I have ever had. I bought this car from a used car dealer ship called new car alternative in livonia mi. I am now on my third engine in the car. The first 2 failed due to the head gaskets blowing and anti-freeze was mixing with oil in the engine causing engine failure. All car window motors have be replaced 4 or 5 times each and still don't work. Back two doors are broke one wont open the other wont close. The sunroof wont close the dealer told me 1500 to replace motor and put back on tracks. Lol I have the brakes replaced 3 times in 5 years. I bought the car dec of 99 and have had all these problems since. I don't recommend anyone to buy a grand am or a car from this dealership they were no help at all. The first engine was covered by warranty second one was at my cost of 3500. Then another 1500 for new radiator and heater core. Then alternator needed to be replaced. After that I needed a new transmission hose. This is such bull crap. What a lemon! Plus I was pulling out of a gas station one day and my air bag decided to come out on it own no accident occurred and hit me in the face resulting in injuries and I had to go to the hospital.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine, Visibility · 97,000 miles · TX

The motors on the windows go out around 97k miles. My drivers window went out a month ago. My right, front window is about to go out, and my back right window went out today. Obviously, there is a problem with faulty window motors with this model. The total cost out of my pocket for this incident is about $1000 included with a lot of frustration!

Filed Sep 24, 2003 · Electrical · NC

1997 pontiac grand am - power windows - motors both left drivers side and right passenger side. Windows will not go up or down. Once the motors cool down the windows can only be raised .5 inch every 5 minutes. There is no sealant or gasket to prevent moisture to the motor which causes an electrical short to the motor. The pontiac grand am, oldsmobile achieva and buick skylark all have experienced this same design problem requiring millions of hours of service and labor and tons of scrap metal. This has been a design issue for at least 15 years. What a scam. Who's in charge?

Filed Jan 8, 2002 · Visibility · MO

I have put ten new window motors in my car in the past four years. When I asked the dealership if there had been any recalls they laughed and said of course not. My check engine light is also always on for no reason. Are these two problems related to the wiring harness recall.

Filed Jun 15, 2000 · Visibility · FL

Power window motor was not operable. Consumer would have to turn off the car and let it cooldown, and then they would pull the window on track manually, pushing the switch. 3 motors have failed and been replaced by dealer. *ak

Filed Jun 25, 1998 · Electrical, Seat belts · CA

Defect within windshield wiper is causing the windshield wiper to act in an erratic manner, and at times becoming inoperative. Dealer has replaced wiper switch and motor twice and computer chip within board, but defect is still occurring. This is an intermittent problem. *ak left rear window motor failed, 1150 miles later the window switch failed. Radio and clock light fail, dealer checked wiring and fuses. Left front shoulder belt/retractor belt button damaged, dealer replaced seatbelt.