2003 Pontiac Grand Am: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Jun 30, 2015 · Electrical, Lights · 177,724 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 pontiac grand am. The contact stated that the hazard lights and the low beam headlight assembly failed to work without warning. The dealer was notified of the failure and the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact also received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system). The dealer performed the recall repair; however, the failure recurred. In addition, while pulling into the driveway, the ignition fractured without warning. The vehicle was not able to be driven. The dealer stated that they were not responsible for repairing the vehicle and provided no remedy. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 177,724. Updated 09/09/15*lj updated 11/02/2017

Filed Nov 18, 2014 · Electrical, Lights · 55,000 miles · PA

I have been having issues with the electrical systems in my car for the last 1-1/2 years. When I turn on the car the dash lights/headlights/radio/windows and heater/AC usually won't work right away. While I am driving, they will pop on or off depending on the bumps on the road. Six months ago, the "security" light on my dash started to give me trouble. Apparently, the car sometimes thinks that I am not using the correct ignition key and won't start. I now have to budget an extra 10 minutes into my drive time everywhere I go on the chance that the car's security system needs to reset itself (I had to find the "fix" to this issue on youtube.com which another gm car owner posted, since there was nothing remotely helpful about it in my owner's manual). I went to a dealer to get the insert to my keys and it has not solved any of these problems. My biggest fear is taking my car on highways since these issues still exist, and I am deathly afraid of the possibility of the key moving out of the "run" position and stopping completely which I am aware has happened to other gm vehicles that has caused accidents and fatalities.

Filed Feb 1, 2011 · Electrical · 109,000 miles · FL

03 grand am. To start off with, I had the same random clicking sound. I bought a new switch from advanced, and the problem was fixed. For years now the security light will come on when driving randomly, but the car will not shut off or not turn on. But now I am having major electrical issues with everything else. Sometimes cruise control cuts off on its own. When I start the car sometimes nothing electrical will come on. Sometimes the instrument panel will but not the A/C controls or headlights. Or vise verse. It is all random. It will eventually come on when driving. If I drive in the dark, I have to have my headlights, so there is an issue. I do not want to wait until a recall is made because pontiac does not care about us because we already paid for the car. I just want to know how to fix it. I cannot afford dealer prices. So does anyone know how to fix the issues?

Filed Aug 1, 2009 · Brakes, Lights · 85,826 miles · VA

The lamps on my gt grand am aren't right do to the low beams being brighter than the high beems. And water is in the lamp. And my car will not start and I called and told you all of this. And I worked on it some and moved some wires and it stared to work once again. And now down again.it will not do a thing but light up the dash. So I replaced the keystarter and it still doesn't do anything. My daughters car is also a grand am and it locked up on her too and would not start .lord forbid if you were in the wrong place at the wrong time and the fact that we are women, hopefully nothing bad would happen. She replaced the ignition which was the problem with her vehicle but it is not the case with my vehicle. I was hearing click click in the dash a lot and can not tell what it is and not sure if it is a short. And it is not fair we bought the vehicle and it seems like a death trap. Thank you for all your help. Ps the car dose not like to stop right it has new brakes on it and been updated. But still dose not wait to stop. But I came really close to hitting some one.

Filed Dec 23, 2008 · Electrical · KY

I own a 2003 pontiac grand am gt which I purchased brand new in 2003. The issue I along with many other gm owners am dealing with is the 'passlock' passive security system. My vehicle began experiencing problems with the passlock system at just 55,000 miles (which is absurd.) the problem is that the passlock system won't properly recognize a valid vehicle key and will require the driver to leave the key in the ignition in the "on" position for ten minutes before the vehicle can be started. After researching the problem online and speaking with other gm owners, my problem is in no way an isolated incident and is a definite widespread problem among gm owners that have their vehicle equipped with passlock. It is ridiculous for gm not to identify the issue as being recall-worthy. A colleague of mine had a similar instance occur in his honda accord which was ultimately fixed with honda issuing a recall on the vehicle. I feel that the recall is imperative based on the amount of money it would cost to fix this problem along with the issues that may occur when having to wait ten full minutes before leaving for your destination (for example, a wife in labor enroute to a hospital.) I realize gm's first and foremost concerning issue is their financial crisis and ability to stay afloat, but I am feeling quite "fed up" with their lack of quality such as: knobs falling off, brand new rattling cars, plastic fasteners for everything, having to remove half of my front end to change a headlight bulb, etc. The passlock issue was the straw on my camel's back.

Filed Sep 17, 2007 · Lights · 30,000 miles · FL

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 pontiac grand am. The contact stated that there was low visibility when the headlights were illuminated. He felt that the clouded lenses caused the failure, however, the dealer stated that chemicals from a car wash were the cause. As of september 17, 2007, the dealer had not repaired the vehicle. The failure mileage was 30,000 and current mileage was 34,720. The consumer provided information pertaining to the defect. The consumer stated the manufacturer is at fault, however the manufacturer stated will not be held financially responsible for the defect. Updated 10/03/07

Filed Jul 14, 2005 · Body, Brakes · 32,000 miles · CT

I am seeking advice about a matter pertaining to the car I momentarily own. I believe that the car sold to me has been in accident and repaired. The brakes feel as if they are going to give out and have not been working correctly from the beginning. After informing and bringing the car to the dealership, they felt all that was needed was for them to be lubed. They say the car is fine but I am the one driving it and it has not been working properly. I went to a few dealerships to obtain other opinions and I was told the car was not running properly. I went back to the dealership I bought the car from and finally they realized the brakes were not in good shape. Parts were repaired. For a few weeks the car was running ok but the brakes were still not working properly. I felt a bucking everytime I put my foot on the brakes. The next time the rotors were fixed. I have invoices to back what has been repaired. I bought the car in november 2003 and in the beginning of 2004 the problems already started and have not stopped since. I did not drive the car until december 2003, since I was out of the country in november. The paint on the hood started in 2004 to come off. That needed to be repainted. The front headlights fog up, water condensation is building up. The car is running as if the bottom will fall off. It sounds like an old car. Every time I say that the car is not running correctly and ask them to test drive it, they only fix what I state what I think is wrong. I ask you to look into this matter and see if you can help me clear up this problem. Please let me know if any more information is required. I am stating the VIN [xxx]. Thank you. [xxx]. *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Filed Feb 10, 2005 · Electrical, Lights · MI

While driving headlights and interior lights flashed on and off. Driver took vehicle to the dealer for inspection, mechanic determined that an electrical short was the cause.

Filed Feb 8, 2005 · Electrical, Lights · NY · fire

While driving at night the headlights are very dim. Consumer states there is an electrical problem. Consumer has taken the vehicle to the dealer twice. Consumer states he was denied service, which resulted in a fire.