1997 Pontiac Grand Am: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Jul 9, 2001 · Electrical · MO · crash

I have an electical problem in my car that no one seems to know what is if the fuse continues to blow constantly then they will be abble to trace the problem until then I have the birnden of worrying about my car catch on fire from this short.they told me to possibly try a headlight swich at an 85.00 price and labor on top of that on a maybe yes maybe no fix. At this point I just don't know what else to do. I'm hopeing that you night be able to help me cure this problem I've only had this vehicle since october of last year I hate to trade it in bscaus of this problem I dont have the funds avaible to me to purchase another vehicle for the taxes that I will have to pay out again for another vehicle. I just don't know what else to do at this point . I have blown apoxametly 25 -30 fuses since the accident . There is no certain time or ocurrence that this fuse blows . This vehicle has automatic headlights on it when it becomes dusk there is a sensor in the dash that tells the headlight switch to turn on the lights. I'm afaid that there will be a problem there which could cause this vehicle to have a fire in the interior of the vehicle. I have taken the vehicle at thr advise of the insurance company and it they told me to only way they can trace this is if the fuse in question keeps blowing one after another then they might find the problem. Maybe you might be able to give mr the number of pontaic factory service reps for pontaic if possible to try and get this matter resolved.

Filed Apr 4, 2001 · Electrical, Visibility · FL

Electrical defect keeps shortening out alternator / power mirror motors and headlights. Consumer has replaced 5 alternators within 5 years and 9 months. Cause is unknown.

Filed Jul 18, 2000 · Lights · NY

Owner washing vehicle when front headlight lens cover fell off while parked. This caused the light bulb to be exposed.

Filed Jun 19, 2000 · Electrical, Fuel system · MI

There are more problems then listed. Every time I have spoken with the dealer it has been a waste of time. Phone calls never returned. I get blown off by them. I was in royal oak,mi with my friends when the car froze in the middle of the road. Every dash light was blinking, and we couldn't get the car out of drive to push it. Once we finally got the car moved to a side street, my friends went to look for help, and I got jumped and mased while I stood by my car waiting for them to return. The drivers side key doesn't work, dealer says it's cause of keyless entry, air conditioner kills battery, cruse control kicks out, head lights always are on, and it's not the day time running lights. When stepping on the gas to pass someone, nothing happens, about 5 or more seconds later, it will kick in unexpectidly. This is the second car I have bought from this dealer, the first was a 91 pontiac sunbird, which turned out to be a 90 when I traided it in at another dealer. So I ended up paying way to much for the car, and lost on it when I traded it in. I live 1 hour and 45mins. Away from the dealer now when I took it in for service I found out that they gave me only mechanical on the extended service contract, no electrical, so everything comes out of my pocket. Then to find out I have to leave my car there for days up to weeks, with no loaner, and no way to get back home, and the service manager, and dealer both said "nothing we can do for you."

Filed Jun 6, 2000 · Lights · WV

Ongoing problem with condensation getting into the headlight lens, causing discoloration and poor visibility. Dealer notified, and informed consumer that repairs/replacement would only be done at consumer's cost.

Filed Jan 21, 2000 · Lights · CA

Ongoing / intermittent problem with day running lights and head lights going out. Vehicle been in/out of dealer shop on three occasions, and problem still goes unresolved.

Filed Jul 28, 1999 · Engine, Lights · NM

While driving vehicle will unexpectedly shut down. Also there is a malfunction within the headlight system. Dealer cannot diagnose the fault. Please give any further details.

Filed Jul 7, 1999 · Lights · CA

When decelerating headlights begin to flicker on/off. Dealer says that it's normal operation for the headlights.

Filed Jul 2, 1999 · Electrical, Engine · NM

While driving vehicle stalled unexpectedly which could cause a crash. Also, there was an electrical short in the headlight system. Dealer replaced parts, but could not determine the problem. Please provide further information.

Filed May 30, 1999 · Lights, Visibility · NY

This is the third time the power sunroof has failed, each time it fails in the exact same manner, the window is opened slightly to vent and then the unit fails, and it won't open or close. The second time, the car was in the shop for over a week, then I had to wait a month for a part to come in. In the meanwhile, I could not use the sunroof either. The headlights stay on most of the time when the car is on. The sensor seems to work intermittently. On bright, sunny days, the headlights come on. On cloudy, rainy days, when the lights should be on, they don't come on. The dealer couldn't find anything wrong with it.

Filed Jan 27, 1998 · Brakes, Engine · MN

Brakes: when driving and attempting to stop the car, has to push pedal completely to the floor before the car will stop. Beginning to make grinding noise when applying the brakes. In addition, headlights will not cpme on on certain times/seat belt twists all the time and ticking noise from engine area. *ak

Filed Sep 3, 1997 · Electrical · MO

When driving the head lights and the day time running lights were inoperative, making it very difficult driving in those type of conditions. Consumer has contacted the dealer, consumer has yet to have problem corrected. *ak consumer stated the lights have since been replaced at another dealer.