In aug. 2004 my 1998 pontiac grand am se caught fire in the steering column and fried everything in the column , alternator, and battery.the local pontiac dealer refused to work on the car so I took it to a local garage.they fixed what they could clearly see was damaged and sent me on my way. Since then I have had to have the alternator rebuilt four times and battery replaced three times .the car has to be jumped several times a week. The alternator kicks in at 800 RPM. And the car idles at 500 RPM.( computer controlled) meaning that the battery is constantly discharging below 35 MPH, or with the air and everything on .when it goes above 800rpm the alternator kicks in and boils the battery trying to play catch up. I received a recall notice may 2005 (#04002) and took the car to the gm dealer in batesville,ar.I told them about the fire and damage .they changed the relay and wire under the recall and advised that they could not fix the damage done by the fire,or even check and diagnois the damage still existing,without approval from g.m. . Icontacted g.m. (mike demeyer) and was iinformed that they would pay for the damage that was fixed by the local garage ,but would not pay to finish fixing the rest of the damage that was not fixed.
1998 Pontiac Grand Am: fire, smoke or burning smell
7 of the 172 complaints about the 1998 Pontiac Grand Am describe fire, smoke or burning smell.
- owner complaints
- 7
- of this car's complaints
- 4%
- recalls
- 1
Fire, smoke or burning smell by model year
What owners say
Brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced after 20,000 miles. Have had to replace 5 yr batteries 3 times now at my own expense. Last time resulted in car needing to be towed and key not being able to be taken out of ignition. Tried jump starting and electrical system over heated. My complaint is this I just received a safety recall stating that if the car is hard to start it could start on fire if jump started more then 3 times and if the key is on the on potion to long. They want to install a relay device to prevent fires but why is the electrical ignition problem not being fixed. Why do we have to replace the battery every year. The relay device will not fix the original problem it will only fix the fire threat. Also side mirror adjustment knob has fallen inside car door and windows will not roll down or up. Car will not shift into reverse at times. Front tires wore on the inside out and had to be replaced shortly after purchase.
While driving driver started to smell something burning, pulled over, popped hood, and driver noticed the alternater wire was burning.
When attempting to start the vehicle, early morning start and vehicle failed to start. Consumer made a second attempt to start and vehicle caught on fire, fire started in the steering wheel column. Fire department was called ,and extinguished fire before anymore damage was done to vehicle. Contacted dealer, and dealer was not willing to do anything.
There are many more problems with this vehicle. The car is broken down down. Its too much of a danger to drive. It almost started on fire. I need for pontiac to come and get there piece of junk. Its not worth fixing. If you fix the problem, I can assure you that it will break down the following week.
Veh. P&u caught fire.totaled. The fires originally was on the cowl centered around wiper motor area and relay to left of power booster. Gmac immediately took care of problem.
Vehicle when driving runs hot. Smells like it's on fire or something is burning. No indicator lights. Radiator fluid comes out when car is turned off. Dealer contacted seven or eight times. Also grinding noise intermittently, sounds like metal to metal, and dealer cannot duplicate the problem.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Electrical system
- This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco...
- Electrical system
- Product safety recall ignition circuit thermal events
- Ignition circuit thermal events, three phase safety recall 04002
- If the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the start position for an extended period,...
- Subject regarding revised diagnostic trouble code P0140
- Subject regarding revised ignition lock cylinder or ignition switch assembly replacement
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. The fire could spread to the interior of the car, which could injure occupants or cause damage to adjoining structures.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch, and check that your car will start with a properly charged battery and, if necessary, replace the ignition switch. Owner notification will begin on march 1, 2004. 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 1‑800‑630‑2438, pontiac at 1‑800‑620‑7668, buick at 1‑866‑608‑8080, or oldsmobile at 1‑800‑630‑6537. Customers can also check their vehicle online by going to www.mygmlink.com and entering the vehicle's identification number.
Recall number 04V036000 · Recall details
Questions about the 1998 Pontiac Grand Am fire or smoke
Is fire, smoke or burning smell a common problem on the 1998 Pontiac Grand Am?
7 of 172 owner complaints about the 1998 Pontiac Grand Am (4%) mention fire, smoke or burning smell. The model year with the most reports is 1995.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1998 Pontiac Grand Am?
There is 1 recall and 11 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1998 Pontiac Grand Am
ABS 9Brake failure 7Ball joint 6Power windows 5Premature wear 5
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