1997 Pontiac Grand Am: engine overheating

Filed Nov 13, 2009 · Engine · 92,000 miles · VA

Coolant levels in reserve tank always would drop below minimum levels, and we would continue to add coolant. Last oil change in june 2009 review no problem. November 2009, while son was driving home from college (approximately 80 miles) car began to overheat with temp gauge reading in the red. Had car towed to local shop and reported that coolant had leaked into core, engine destroyed (estimated repair - need new/remanufactured engine $2500-3000). Seems while reviewing this subject online and w/the federal safety agency web site that this has been a re-occurring problem with 1997 pontiacs 4 and 6 cylinder engines.

Filed Aug 31, 2006 · Electrical, Engine · 170,498 miles · AR

Took vehicle to murphy motors, dealership here in my home town. Took to them due to fact my heat gauge kept rising and I didn't want to run car hot ;went to find out what was wrong. Technician stated that he put the car on the code machine and ran it. Said code popped up transmission. I didn't take car in for transmission. They refused to fix overheat problem. Said would have to pay $2,500.00 to replace transmission. Picked up car took to clifford vine garage. He looked at car and immediately told me the radiator was pouring water out of it. He replaced radiator and cooling fan. He put car on code machine after repairing those two items and did not see a code for transmission. After that alternator went out, and two days later, my computer and fuel injectors went out. Murphy motors ran car checking transmission no telling how long and probably ran without water since radiator was pouring it out. They didn't mention problem with radiator at all, just transmission codes. I feel they damaged car while running it in their shop looking for more money to get off me, like $2,500.00 for a transmission that has nothing wrong with it. This car was a lemon from the first day I got it. I've had coil housing replaced numerous times by murphy motors and by john hays pontiac-hope ar 71801 when I broke down. Car has been towed in more times for coil housing. Gm needs this car drove right up their backside for the problems it has caused and continues to cause me. I currently have a $750.00 outstanding shop bill to clifford vines garage in el dorado, ar 71730 for the last 3 times it was towed to his shop for the radiator, cooling fan, alternator, fuel injectors, and computer. I'll never buy another pontiac again, that's for sure.

Filed Jan 19, 2006 · Engine · 154,000 miles · OH

Intake manifold gasket warped and coolant leaked. This is the second gm 3.1 l engine which has had to have the intake manifold replaced. Also had to replace the water pump at the same time. Additionally the alternator has been replaced (again in both gm 3.1 l's I've had). The intake manifold gasket problem seems to be common with pontiac's and malibu's (and other gm made cars). It's expensive to repair at a shop and time consuming and frustrating to do on your own. It's ridiculous that such a cheap part and cheaply made part hasn't been recalled.

Filed Jun 8, 2004 · Brakes, Engine · 45,000 miles · IL

While driving at 50 MPH vehicle began to overheat. Consumer heard sounds as if some one had dropped marbles in the engine. Soon after the vehicle stalled. A mechanic examined the vehicle, and found that the timing chain was defective. Also, consumer had to get a new transmission, and ABS system needed to be replaced.

Filed Dec 27, 2002 · Engine · GA

Consumer called complaining about having problems with leakages on the vehicle. Also stated that the heather been on will make the vehicle overheat. Dealer was contacted and stated that there is something wrong with the engine. Ts

Filed Aug 19, 2002 · Brakes · CA · fire

While driving down hill, brake pedal went to the floor. Consumer took vehicle to pontiac and they replaced the front brakes pads. While driving down a hill, consumer could smell rubber burning, it was difficult to make a stop. Consumer saw fire near front brakes. *ak this problem was associated with gm's original pontiac front brake hose restriction. The vehicle was inspected and repaired. It lead to overheating of the brakes and finally brake failure and fire. While in motion this could have LED to an accident.

Filed Jun 21, 2002 · Brakes · CA

Consumer has ABS brake problems for three months. Rear brake drums were turned, and three sets of brakes shoes were replaced. Vehicle ha been in a total of three times. Wheels locked up at the slightest touch of brake pressure or when brakes overheated. Dealer was notified. Please provide more information.

Filed Dec 21, 1999 · Fuel system, Lights · MI

Had the sunroof motor replaced 2 times, left front wheel noise, dealer said there is no problem always makes grinding noise left front after car sits all night , when you first put car in reverse the noise is noticeable, had too have left rear taillght replaced when new,car trunck gets dust into at right side of rear seat where it folds down , dealer says there is no proble, still not repaired ,car is now out of warranty.has coolant leak at the intake manifold ,has been leaking for aprox 15,000 miles again out of warranty this was my first new car I have ever bought and will never buy another general motors car again, and I work for generalmotors. I have had nothing but problems with this car. I had a salvage buick centry I sold too purchase this new one and it was a very nice car never had the problems with that car and it was wrecked. No more general motors for me .

Filed Nov 10, 1999 · Brakes · PA

Front brakes overheat, rotors warp

Filed Sep 2, 1998 · Brakes · OH

Brake rotors continually overheat and warp due to design flaw (lack of ventillation).