2000 Pontiac Grand Am: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Jun 13, 2011 · Electrical, Engine · NJ

This car had this problem when I bought it but I had no other choice, I had to buy something. Besides, they told me that they "thought" that they may have fixed it....wrong! When they had the problem with the car, apparently everything was checked & replaced but with no luck. The 02 sensor was replaced a couple times, tune ups, fuel filters, etc....they even hooked it up to a diagnostic machine and it didn't detect a thing. I am no expert but............1st of all; the car only stalls when I take my foot off the pedal. I could be doing 65 down the highway, but as soon as I take my foot off the gas....dead! The car totally cuts off. No funny sounds, hesitation, smells, etc. It just dies. When I 1st start the car (the initial start up), I make it about a couple blocks before I have to drive "two footed" so the car wont stall. There were a few more problems with the car when I first bought it that have since stopped or just got worse. All electrical issues. For example: the car has day time running lights. At times I would have to actually turn the lights to the "off" position b/c the high beams would start going nuts and flash like a police car. But that has stopped, so idk wth that was. My blinkers stop working whenever they feel like it, and then will work again just like that. I have a "service engine soon" light and a "check engine" light; both light up on occasion. So does my traction control, etc...... But nothing is wrong?!?!?! I beg to differ. However...........if there is already a really screwed up electrical problem, would the diagnostic machine actually be able to find a problem?? This car is a death trap.

Filed Aug 25, 2010 · Lights · 80,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 pontiac grand am. The contact stated that the headlights would not illuminate bright enough for her to see the roadway and hindered her vision when driving at night. The contact changed the bulbs but the headlights still did not provide adequate illumination. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the entire headlight unit would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer would not provide any assistance. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000 and the current mileage was approximately 140,000.

Filed Jul 17, 2008 · Electrical, Engine · 61,865 miles · OH

The security light would come on and I was unable to start the car. I took it to a pontiac dealership for repair and they replaced the ignition switch and the body control module twice. The problem is resolved now but took several services to rectify the problem. I have also had to replace the water pump, head gasket. Thermostat and valve cover gasket 3 times. Replaced all gaskets twice. Headlight stay on at all times when car is running.

Filed Nov 20, 2006 · Lights · 48,000 miles · CA

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 25 MPH at night on normal road conditions, the blue head lights of other vehicles driving in the opposite direction were blinding. The contact expressed concern because the blue head lights could reduce visibility and cause a collision.

Filed Oct 28, 2004 · Electrical · 11,500 miles · NJ

1. (all lights) twice I have been left without any lights at night. Suddenly, all interior lights go out, and blinkers cease to work. The only lights that remain operating are the headlights.... Then additionally, I have the problem with the blinkers and hazard lights. And when it rains, the blinkers cease working. 2) the dashboard light that indicates the time and radio station information fades out. Half of the number shows. I.e. The number "0" will look like a small "u", or a numberr "5" will look like a small backwards "c" ... I returned to greenbrook pontiac about this problem and was informed that nothing had been posted about it and they were unaware of a resolution to the problem. It has been occurring since approximately 8 months after purchase of vehicle.

Filed Mar 10, 2004 · Lights · NE

The owner's manual says to remove a backplate to change the headlight bulb. The plate they refer to is welded to the car's frame. Once you remove the only 2 screws that are back there (attempting to follow their written instructions) & try to slide the headlight out, it breaks the other areas that the bolts are bolted into in 1/2 & renders the highlight unattached to the car. The entire plastic piece from side to side in the front of the car must be replaced to repair those breaks.

Filed Nov 14, 2002 · Electrical, Steering · KY

Turn signals failed while taking car for service for the service engine soon light. Drivers side front window also failed at this time. Occasionally, headlights won't operate on bright. Dealer has replaced window motor once, multi-function switch twice, and hazard switch twice. I still only have turn signals about 10 percent of the time. Drivers side window will not open. The steering has also locked up on one occasion. At that time , the horn also started blowing repeatedly. Dt