Both the hazard switch and multifunction switch shorted out at the same time causing the need to replace both switches. The hazard switch subsequently became a recall, but gm would not reimburse me for the multifunction switch as well. The dealer's mechanic could not tell me which switch caused the other to fail.
2001 Pontiac Grand Am electrical complaints
Page 7 of 9: complaints 161 to 190 of 232, newest first, as owners wrote them.
For about a year this vehicle has had a problem with the anti-theft (passlock) system, rendering it disabled until the ignition key is left in the on position for about ten minutes. It can then be started. This is dangerous as well as it is going to eventually cause a failure of the ignition system. I spoke with the service writer at my pontiac dealership and was told that it could be my ignition switch, but she had no definite answer to my problem. Also, replacing the switch would cost me about $400.00. We need a recall on this problem! It seems that a lot of these cars are problematic in this area!
Security systems keeps locking my car and it won't start. They say its the hall effect sensor on the ignition switch. I just purchased this car and I love pontiacs, but I will not purchase another one if this problems isn't resolved. This has happened at least 4 times since I purchased this car. No keyless remotes came with the car so I am not sure why this is happening. This is beginning to get really frustrating.
2001 pontiac grand am, went to start my car and the engine cranks, but it seems like I'm out of gas, and won't start. The problem is that the rke (remote keyless entry) system has a defect in it that causes car not to start. As of now there is no recall on the passlock systems. As for a fix, the experts are honestly not sure. The mechanics I have spoken to can't figure it out and the only fix that seems to work is one found on a discussion thread: to reset the computerized system, put key in the ignition and leave it in 'on' position for about ten minutes. Then turn it off, and try - it should start then. Warning: continued resetting of the computer this way will eventually damage computer and will cost lots to replace/fix. Is pontiac going to replace or fix my computer when I get it messed up by resetting it like I described above? So many problems with the passlock system.
I have a 2001 pontiac grand am se, and three times last year (2005), and currently (09 may 2006), my car is having problems with the dreaded passlock system. The system is supposed to stop thieves from stealing my car. All it has done is prevent me from driving it. Multiple times, I have had to sit for 10+ minutes waiting for the system to reset in order to drive. Once, the security light flashed on while I was driving and the car suddenly shut off. This is getting to be a severe safety hazard, as the car loses power steering and power brakes, leaving me in a perilous position should the fault continue to occur.
I purchased my 2001 grand am in aug of 2005 and have so far had the passlock go out on me twice and had to replace the fuel pump system as well. The first time I replaced the passlock was only two months ago and yesterday I got in my car to go to the grocery store and it wouldn't start. I have done research on this problem and it seems to be a common and extensive problem in this particular year. I am a single mother and can't afford to have my car taken to the mechanic every time this goes wrong - there needs to be a recall on the passlock!!! Or pontiac should have some kind of reimbursement for this problem.
Bought car 10-06, has failed to start 8 times, have replaced $2300 in various parts for mechanics trying to get started. All said that vehicle wasn't getting fuel. Dealership in asheville nc, even told me I needed a new motor. Quote $3000 to $5000. I towed to a reputable mechanic and car started right up. What if I had bought that motor. I started researching on the internet. 1000's of people are having this problem. Several times mone was towed and would start when mechanic went to fix it. Was told can't fix what isn't broken. 2 weeks ago did it again. Just won't start. Had it towed. Started up when mechanic went to work on it. Did it again last week. I followed advice from website. Leave ignition on for 10 minutes for passlock security to reset. It worked!!! This is definitely a problem for 1000's of people. Who can keep getting towed, buying expensive parts not needed, missing work, and not to mention what it does to your mentally, dealing with this over and over.
1. A flaw in the 2001 pontiac grand am passlock security system thinks the car owner is trying to steal the car and shuts off the fuel to the car, making it necessary to turn the key to the on position and wait 15-20 min before the car will start... (pontiac is fully aware of this issue they even have instructions to reset the computer in the owners manuel) what happens if u are in an emergency situation and the car will not start for 20 minutes? This started at 50,000 miles and happened maybe every 3 months now at 67,000 miles it is a daily occurrence... Pontiac really needs to repair/recall these cars!!!! My father (a mechanic for 40 yrs) advises that if u continue to keep the key turned to on (the fix for this) that eventually it will burn the electronic ignition out please look into this if u need more stories about this just look at the pontiac forum at the edmunds site I am not the only one having this issue!!! Http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/webx?14@@.ee9e52f/2160.
The coolant system has a continual leak. It needs to be replaced at least every month. Faulty ignition switch makes all interior lights and gauges go on and off and sometimes not come back on for days (happens everytime the car is started up). Makes speed limits impossible to tell, etc.
Front driver side wheel bearing failure. I have had me wheel bearing replaced twice in the last year and it is going bad again so that will make it 3 times in 12 months. The first failure was under warranty and was replace free of charge. The second failure happened just after is was out of warranty and I had to pay to have it fixed even though it was replaced 5 months earlier. Now is it bad again. I have never had so many problems with one car. The turn signals work sometimes, the car doesn't start all the time.
Security light came on but went off after next start. Next day key fobs not working. Reprogrammed at dealer. Afterwards car had been making beeping noise constantly while on and parked and inside lock switch not working. After driving over a certain speed beeping noise stops. Called dealer was advised passlock issue on that model car.
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle stalled intermittently for about seven months. There were no warning indicators before the vehicle stalled. Additionally, when the vehicle stalled it will not restart without the computer being reprogrammed. Every time the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The only thing the dealer did was reset the computer. After the vehicle was in the dealership 5 times for this problem the contact began resetting the computer. The dealer's service manager showed the contact how to reprogram the computer by turning the ignition on, allowing the security light to flash ten minutes, turn the ignition off, and restart the vehicle. The dealer identified the problem as a short in the ignition switch. The vehicle is currently at the dealer awaiting repair of the ignition. The dealer offered two options for repair, to replace the entire ignition system or jump the security system. If the security system was by passed it will no longer activate. There are two technical service bulletins (tsbs) concerning the ignition, tsbs 010849020 and 020604011. *ak updated 02/27/06.
Dt: the contact stated while driving the electrical system would go on and off intermittently. This happens every time the vehicle was driven on rough roads. The vehicle was taken to a certified dealer for diagnosis. The problem could not be duplicated. Also, the rear seat belt material fell apart. This was inspected by the dealer, they offered no free repair.
For about 2 years now,we have been having problems with our 2001 pontiac grand am. There is some type of a short in the electrical system, causing the trunk release actuator to operate by itself,every time the driver side door is pened. Also ,the "automatic-on "dash lights, headlights, marker lights and so-on- sometimes will not turn on immediately,when the parking brake is lowered. I would like to know if an investigation could be opened for these problems; because they are safety related issues,and there may be many other people being affected with these same problems-with their 2001 grand am's. I believe pontiac should be made to be accountable for these issues,since the american public is trusting them to provide safe cars. This should not be something that is limited to a warranty, since it involves a safety issue, in which the lights could stop functioning while driving or the trunk could release( by itself) while driving. Thank you.
Security light keeps coming on. Car will become disabled and will not start until system is reset. Took car in for repair on this problem once. A year later light started coming back on. Ask service personnel about this situation and he said it could be a number of things causes this problem with the security system.
The body control module caused two batteries to fail. The turn signal switch failed causing clicking noise in the ash. *ts when the bcm failed the consumer noticed a 1 amp draw. The dealer could not duplicate the problem but replaced the bcm per the consumers request. The vehicle was bucking and felt as if there was a major miss. This was due to faulty #4 injector. The injector was replaced and the PCM was reprogrammed.
When trying to start the car it will not start and the security light is lit. A reset procedure is required that takes over 10 minutes. This has happened many times and makes the vehicle useless for emergencies. The first time this happened they replaced the fuel pump and the fuel filter at quite some expense to me.
In the 2001 pontiac grand am, the theft protection system "passlock" will fail and the car cannot be started. I fist thought it was only my car. Until I found a website and it appears this happens to a lot of people over and over.. The car has to be towed to the dealer to be fixed, because it acts as if the owner is trying to steal the car and will not start.. Here is a copy of the info on a consumer reports site>>> bug in 2001 grand am won't start car. A bug in 2001 pontiac grand am's causes them to simply not start, right out of the blue. Better hope you're not in the wrong neighborhood when it happens 'cause almost nobody knows what the fix is. (prweb) february 21, 2005 -- if you own a 2001 pontiac grand am, you'd better hope you're not stuck somewhere bad when this hits: you go to start your car, and the engine cranks, but it seems like your out of gas, and won't start. Numbers of people then have the car towed to a shop, only to find that the car easily starts after being towed, but no cause is ever found. The problem is that the rke (remote keyless entry) system has a defect in it that causes car not to start. As of now there is no recall on the passlock systems. As for a fix, the experts are honestly not sure. To reset the computerized system, put key in the ignition and leave it in 'on' position for about ten minutes. Then turn it off, and try - it should start then. Warning: continued resetting of the computer this way will eventually damage computer and will cost lots to replace/fix. And here is a link to a car forum where u can see its not just my car http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.ee9e52f/2082
Several problems with 2001 grand am v6. When apply brakes at any speed over 35 km a pulsating can be felt. The pass lock system continuously goes off stopping me from starting my own car. Had to replace spark plugs and wires 4 times within last year. As they corrode and cause starting problems (so says the mechanic)
Pass lock system a complete failure. The security light comes on and the car won't start. The owners manual says to wait 10 minutes then turn the key off and try again, but it keeps doing it. Can we please have a recall?? Please.
After starting the vehicle all electrical systems don't engage. Including radio, heater, A/C, speedometer, all gauges, power locks, power windows, all interior lights and head lamps if in the auto day lamp status. It then randomly starts sometimes, and other times you can drive for 30+ and it never comes back. Most of the time if you turn the vehicle off and back on 3-7 times then all works. This has been an ongoing problem coming up on a year now. I have submitted symptoms on web forums and the majority of the people blame it on faulty body control modules and claim that the grand am has a problem with them. I have yet to see a recall on it.
Dt: consumer complained about hazard light switch problem. Was told by the dealership that the model years 1999 -2001 had the same problem. The part number 226247990961e that was on this car, and was under recall. Has a recall. The recall number was unavailable. The part was replaced in may 2005, and still had the same clicking noise from the hazard switch. Also, complained about security system problem. When I trying to start put the key in ignition and the light flashed, car would not start. Had to reset the system. Turned the key to the accessory position for 15 minutes for the car to start. Dealership wanted to charge $45.00 diagnose ,and to replace the part with the same kind of part that was already replaced it with once. This has been happening since first purchasing the car in june 30, 2004. This happened every time consumer drove the car.
My vehicle was not included in a recall of 2001 pontiac grand am's and I have the same problem as the ones that were.I'm told that my VIN # was not included in this recall. I'm concerned that the failure of the turn signals will result in an accident.
My 2001 pontiac grand am also has had problems with the ignition switch cyclinder. I had it replace july 2003 and just yesterday 5/12/05. Both times my car was not under warranty. I went to church on mothers day car was running fine. Went home and was in the house for 15 minutes and went to leave and my car would not start up. I to went out and brought a new car battery and car still would not start. I have spent money to have my car towed to the dealer and paying for the same promblem within 2 years. I also had to have the fuel pump replaced in 2002 and I brought the car in 2001, that was within my first year of having the vehicle. I have read all the consumer complaints and I counted 20 complaints about the ignition. Something really needs to be done about this.
I am having many electrical problems with my 2001 pontiac grand am: first,there was a recall for a faulty turn signal/hazard flasher relay which I had repaired at an authorized dealership,but now the flasher relay is displaying the same problems it did before it was replaced-causing me to wonder if pontiac is using faulty parts to replace faulty parts!!also ,this same car is having many electrical problems-including power windows that sometimes work and sometimes do not;after starting the engine and disengaging the emergecy hand brake,the lights are supposed to come on . Sometimes the lights will take a long time before they will operate;also ,sometimes nothing will work ,other than the engine running.please note that this is the second pontiac 2001 grand am in which we have had electrical problems.on our first pontiac grand am-the tail lights would intermittently work; please note that this was a new car with around 20,000 miles on it.I can go into greater detail about the many other electrical and non-electrical problems I have had with this car,and I have seen other similar problems people have been having with this type of car.my concern is for the safety of the people driving these cars,as well as other motorists on the highways.(these electrical defects in these grand am's could cause a dangerous situation on the highway,if the running lights were to fail at night-or at high speeds).would someone at the federal safety agency please look into this problem? This is a definite safety concern which should be addressed! Thank you for your time.
I have noticed a grinding sound coming from my brakes. I took the car to the shop and was told that I needed pads and rotors, I replaced pads and rotors and the ABS, trac off, and the service vehicle soon light started coming on. Took the car to the dealer for further analysis and they told me I needed a speed sensor because it was malfunctioning and because it is inside the wheel hub I also had to replace these things also. $700.00 later the lights were still coming on and the brakes was still making this strange noise. I returned the car and after inspection was told that the ABS wires were busted and needed to be replaced, $200.00 later the car is still making these noises and the lights are still coming on. No one seems to know what the problem is. I am taking the car back again for further analysis. I have also had a problem with the manifold replaced it at $700.00, the ignition fortunately for me it was covered under the extended warranty I purchased with the car. I also have a problem with the turn signals malfunctioning.
The ignition switch system keeps locking the car up and will not let it start. This has happened numerous times and at a cost of between $500.00 and $700.00 each time. The dealer replaces switch and other componets each time. This started when the car reached 50,000 miles and was out of warranty.
I turn car off & now two times car would not start with theft security light on. Clearing trouble codes seems to work. This needs to be addressed by gm because this is dangerous and ridiculous that it has no known fix or been addressed by any agency. Peoeple should not have to deal with this when gm knows there is a problem. I would think that a recall would happen but I guess no died yet so it is no big deal. The bottom line is gm is selling faulty vehicles with the knowledge of the problem hence misrepresenting that these are new fully functional vehicles when in fact if they don't start they are not functioning. We as consumers are not protected at any level for the most part in this country as long as big business pads the pockets of the government.
Vehicle was having a problem with the ignition switch. When the they key will not turn when applied to the ignition switch. Consumer took the vehicle to dealer for service. However, warranty expired.
The left rear brakes are locking. The pads and rotors are ground down to the point of needing replacement. The pads and rotors were replaced and components cleaned. The problem is still occuring. The ABS, antilock, and service vehicle soon lights will come on after start up. They will stay on until the engine is shut off and restarted. The vehicle will not start. The starter will crank, but the engine won't start. First visit to dealer: fuel pump was replaced. Second visit to dealer: oil pressure sensor was replaced, third visit to dealer: vehicle theft deterrent codes appeared in computer. Dealer does not know how to fix yet and problem still persists. The problem is intermittent. Occasionally the care will be hard to start requiring taping the accelerator to start it. If it does not start then, it will not start no matter how long it sits (recommended by mechanic.
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