1998 Pontiac Sunfire: won't start

Filed May 11, 2004 · Electrical · 65,000 miles · KY

Recall no. 04v036000, ignition switch: the dealer will not repair the recall because the vehicle is salvaged.*ak since the dealer refused repair, vehicle doesn't start and can no longer be driven.

Filed Feb 16, 2004 · Fuel system · 78,150 miles · MI

This concerns the fuel system on '98 (and similar year) pontiac sunfires. On december 29, 2003 this vehicle was taken in for replacement of the in-line fuel filter. The vehicle had been losing acceleration and has 78,000 miles on it. It was taken to a pontiac dealer for the service. The filter is connected to the fuel line with a 'snap' fitting. Upon trying to service the filter, either the dealer broke the snap fitting or the previous owner had damaged it (vehicle was purchased with 45,000 miles on it, and there were no leaks so I suspect that it wasn't damaged). Also, there was a fair amount of corrosion on and in the fitting. In the end, the filter could not be replaced without correcting the 'snap' fitting. To my surprise the fuel line could not be replaced as a separate piece, you have to purchase the entire fuel delivery module. This cost (with the technician time) was $ 425 vs. $50 for a filter replacement. It would seem to me that since the filter is a critical part of the system (a clogged filter could result in vehicle stalls and/or no starts, emission issues etc.) that it should have some sort of reasonable way to replace it without paying for an entire module that was not needed. The filter is a recommended service item.

Filed Nov 19, 2003 · Electrical · AZ

I purchased my vehicle on 06/1999 brand new with only 122 miles. Within a few months it didn't start. I called the dealer and advised them of the situation. They couldn't find out what was wrong with it? About two days later they told me that the gas tank had sugar in it??? Since it was still under warranty they fixed it I had to pay $500.00. Which I feel was a discrepancy on their diagnosis?? On 06/00 the vehicle again would not start and this time they advised me that it was my battery? A few days later the car kept tugging and jerking. I drove it to the dealer again.their diagnosis this time was: engine cuts out under load; plug wires are defective;per tech bulletin#00032.that same day my sterio cd player gave out! It kept reading error code, and my carpet came loose from the passengers side? On 08/00 the car began to stall again, it was pulling back and forth,it left me stranded in the middle of the desert! The vehicle was taken to the nearest dealer ship.they figuref out that it was a wiring to motor broken code p0507, iac motor. On 09/00 my radio again went out;had to be sent out for repair? On 03/01 the vehicle began to shake and the check engine light turned on. I took it again to the dealer ship and they told me it was the intake air temp sensor. I declined the dealers service since I have lost confidence in their work performance. I took it to a local mechanic and he fixed the problems that it had; fuel injection, valve cover, serp v-belt, whl cylindes l/r, temp sensor @ a cost of $450.00. Now I have the same problem, the check engine light keeps turning on and the vehicle is stalling and shaking. I took it to the same local mechanic and he told me that in the system it came up as the air temp sensor. When he tested the sensor, it came up as working properly. He doesn't know what the problem is??? By the way my sterio and carpet are still defective but now I feel like, why complain?? Do you have any suggestions on this matter?

Filed Feb 8, 2002 · Engine, Steering · CA

First this clicking/popping sound started coming from the steering wheel when you turn it at low speed. The mechanic said its the inner tie rods that need to be replaced. But to replace them you have to replace the whole steering assembly because there made as one piece. Then one month ago the car started shacking at idle speed. If you are in drive or nuetruel at a stop light standing still you could feel it shacking a little. The dealer said it could be anything from electric problems to coil problems. But just yesterday I was driving at night on the freeway going about 60mph when I saw smoke behind my car. I got on the shoulder and saw smoke comming out of the engine. Then I tried starting the car but it won't start. So I had it towed to my house. At my house I checked the engine with a flashlight and found a big hole (3-4 in diameter) in the engine by the dipstick. It seems that something got loose in the engine that made the car shacking and when it got lose it just flew out. Luckly it didn't when tru the hood. If anyone could help me please in finding maybe theres like a service bulletin or a recall for this problems. Also I will never buy any stupid pontiacs and won't reccomend one for anyone.

Filed Jul 5, 2000 · Electrical · CA

My radio's lcd lighting is blurred and not properly lit with full digits. It blinks as though there is a short. It has been replaced 3 times already. The speakers also play inconsistantly even when balance is shown as equal setting. Cd's will skip for no reason. The car will not start on first attempt after driving for a period of time or if it is extremely hot outside. In traffic, the car wants to overheat. The needle will rise to warning mark and car runs rough. Sometimes a burning odor is detected. The left side front wheel sounds like metal on metal grinding. Car feels wobbly.

Filed Dec 18, 1998 · Engine · WI

Engine doesn't start all the time, I've had it in 3 times to be checked, they cannot duplicate problem.