1997 Pontiac Grand Am: check engine light

Filed Jun 20, 2011 · Fuel system · 95,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 pontiac grand am gt. The contact stated that the vehicle exhibited a strong fuel odor. The fuel cap was replaced but the odor persisted with the illumination of the check engine warning light. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who diagnosed an evaporation leak code. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and would not assist with the repair due to the age of the vehicle. The failure mileage was 95,000 and the current mileage was 126,000.

Filed Mar 13, 2008 · Electrical · 90,000 miles · CA

The anti-theft devices are malfunctioning. They are often leaving codes and popping on my check engine light.

Filed Aug 28, 2006 · Acceleration, Electrical · NJ

Numerous complaints regarding a 1997 pontiac grand am for repairs/ replacements of parts. Door windows do not function, motor has had to be replaced by former owner, we have repaired motors on door windows several times on our own, windows would not go up and down at all, cost to repair at mechanics was over 400 and was done by first owner at least once. Car service engine light comes on, had to replace entire computer system and now same problem is happening again, car idles horribly, sounds like it will be blowing up, and check engine light comes on. Prior to the replacement of the computer car frequently stalled out while driving in mid turn or while going forward, and car frequently was difficult to start, eventually needing to be towed to a repair facility who had to replace entire computer. Car has wheel bearings that make a lot of noise, sounds like wheel is going to fall off. Car has accelerated all on its own without the driver stepping on gas pedal or doing anything at all with accelerator, car randomly decides by itself to lunge forward and try to drive itself. This stopped briefly after the computer was replaced and is now happening again.

Filed Aug 27, 2004 · Fuel system · 122,000 miles · KS

While driving engine light illuminated. Dealership informed the consumer that the problem pertained to the leakage in the fuel tank. The problem was not resolved.

Filed Jan 2, 2004 · Engine · 58,250 miles · IL

Engine failed.his car has 58250 miles. My daughter called me at work to inform me that something is making noise in the front of the car, but it goes away once you exceed 20mph. After dinner I pup the hood open and try to start the car. I discover that noise during startup was not normal, and car has great difficulties to start. When it finally stars, I hear knocking noise coming from the left side of the engine. The noise was concentrated on the cylinder next to timing chain. I stopped the engine and check the oil level, it was ok. I contacted local auto repair shop. He instructed me to bring the car to the shop, but to drive slowly and try not to accelerate rapidly. When I got there and parked the car I also noted that my check engine light and oil level light came on during idle. My mechanic determines immediately that my engine completely failed. He also make says that he is not surprised at all once he saw that this is 4 cylinder 2.4l engine. He estimated that the repair cost will be over $3000.00. This is only slightly less then the blue book value. Im driving my friends spare car 1988 mazda mx6 and my daughter drives my other pontiac 1996 bonneville sse, (which by the way just have water pump failure after 48000mi) I search many bulletin boards on the net and found out that this is not isolated incident. Many other people experienced exactly the some problem between 50000 and 80000 mi. Having engine failure @ less then 60000mi should be investigated further. Based on my research this particular engine should be investigated by cpa for recall. By the way I purchased my first car in 1974 it was the buick electra, since then my family owned 9 different cars (all gm) but Im 100% positive that this grand am was my last gm car. My next car will be japanese. My friend just clock 250000mi on his honda accord, the only major component that failed was the alternator @ 165000mi. Sorry gm, but there is no more gas in your thank for me.

Filed Sep 2, 2003 · Acceleration, Electrical · 113,000 miles · OH

When a turn was made, the steering wheel produced a loud rubbing noise. Dealer notified. *ak there were high idle problems. The interior lights and the power locks were replaced. The check engine light had come on and the vehicle had started to run rough, the alternator light had come on and the alternator was replaced. The drivers side seat belt did not retract and was replaced, the lower front control arm was replaced, the blower motor was replaced, the compressor was replaced, when starting the engine cold, there was a knocking sound on the right side until the vehicle was warm ,then the noise would go away, surging would also occur and would worsen when the engine was warmed, the volume on the radio was erratic(had gone up when trying to turn down), the sensor throttle position shorted and was intermittent, the valve air control was replaced, and the fuel filter was replaced. *scc

Filed Dec 20, 2002 · Transmission · 96,498 miles · CA

The car has a hard start between 1st and 2nd gear that has happened for the past 60k and no one able to diagnose problem. The car is now at 96k and the check engine light came on indicating a p1870 code which triggers the light and is caused by a worn tcc apply valve on the 4t60e gm transmissions. Have heard from several other individuals that they are experiencing the same problems on their 1997 4t60e transmissions. This item should be recalled since it is only the control valve body within the transmission that needs to be corrected with a revised tcc regulator and isolator valves along with the torque converter clutch. A recall needs to be on the 97 pontiac grand am cars and all cars with 4t60e transmissions which will result in other problems associated with the valves and torque converter. Ts

Filed Nov 7, 2002 · Engine · PA

This car has been at the dealership many times for the check engine light. You must push the pedal completely to the floor before the car will stop. I have had brake pads, rotors, alternator, serpintine belt replaced. I have had my computer replaced 3 times and six injectors installed. This car is a nightmare gm should take responsibility for this horrible car. As we all can see there have been numerous complaints on the federal safety agency's web site. Someone please help us! Dt

Filed Jan 8, 2002 · Visibility · MO

I have had to replace the motors in the windows each twice and I am going on the third time for the driver front and rear. This will make 10 window motors. When I asked my dealership if there had been any kind of a recall the said no. Also, my check engine light will not go off. Are these things related to the wiring harness recall.

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 Jul 5, 2001 · Electrical, Visibility · NC

Vehicle has been taken to dealer 17 times for electrical problems. Horn would stop working, ets and engine lights came on. Radio was very hot to touch. Dealer has replaced radio 6 times, and motor of driver and front passenger power windows 6 times. Consumer felt electrical system was defective.

Filed Jun 5, 2000 · Fuel system · MI

Fuel injectors failed causing the check engine light to illuminate. Nlm