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Chevrolet Lumina

857 messages,  Last post on May 04, 2012 at 8:16 AM

You are in the Chevrolet Lumina Forum.

What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Lumina, Sedan

Messages Page 44 of 86

#431 of 857 HELP!!!! My Lumina is Possessed!!!!!!!!! by kimberly30141

Aug 20, 2002 (3:40 pm)

I own a 1997 Chevy Lumina 3.1 V-6, standard sedan. I have owned it since January of 1999. I bought it from a dealer with only one other owner of the vehicle. I had problems with the day running lamps from the beginning. That, however, is not the problem. In March, the original battery in the car went dead. Went to Sam's Club, bought a Champion, fine until July 20th. Had to have the car towed home because it "refused" to crank. It would "click" when I tried to crank, would not even turn over. I went back to Sam's and exchanged the battery thinking maybe a bad cell, as of today, I am not so sure. It is now doing what it did on July 20th, I'm so mad I could spit nails. The only reason I even bother with the car is because it's paid for. I don't want car payments. I cannot believe that I have received TWO bad batteries, something is draining my battery and I don't know what. Has anyone out there in internet land with a Lumina ever experienced anything remotely close to this problem??? Please help. I'm at my wit's end with this car and am completely fed up. Thanks for all your help in advance:)

#432 of 857 reply kimberly 30141 by pluto5

Aug 20, 2002 (4:18 pm)

You need to have the charging system checked. Alternators are a weak point on the Lumina. I have the same car and the only component I've replaced is the alternator. If the alternator is not working your battery will discharge and car won't start. Make sure you get a good remanufactured one, with a two year warranty if possible.

#433 of 857 To Pluto5 or anyone who can help!? by kimberly30141

Aug 21, 2002 (3:19 pm)

Thank you for your response. You were correct. It was my alternator. Cost me $44 to fix it. Not too bad. However, now I have yet ANOTHER problem. The AC. Just going down the road, not accelerating or anything, just going down a straight away, the air stops blowing through the vents, then comes back harder and colder about 4 seconds after it stops blowing through the vents. Have you ever experienced this? Know anyone who has? I'm seriously considering getting rid of it, but don't really want to. It's paid for, and I hate car payments, but if it costs more to repair than what it's worth, forget it. It has nearly 80,000 miles on it and it's almost 6 years old, but has been dependable. Any suggestions?

#434 of 857 reply kimberly30104 by pluto5

Aug 21, 2002 (3:29 pm)

You missed a digit or did't get a new alternator unless you picked it up at the junkyard, since they cost more than $44. About $200 for a reman, more for new. Haven't experienced your AC problem with the Lumina but another car I had would make the AC quit when the engine was under load, e.g., accelerating hard. Do you have a heavy foot? Sounds as if you don't like this car so you may as well sell it while you can still get something for it.

#435 of 857 To Pluto5 by kimberly30141

Aug 22, 2002 (2:29 pm)

Just FYI. I'm not off a digit. The reman alternator from AutoZone was $99. A $55 core charge included in the $99. Do the math. I do not have a heavy foot either. Thanks for your responses.

#436 of 857 reply kimberly30131 by pluto5

Aug 22, 2002 (2:50 pm)

FYI the labor charge alone would be more than $44. Reman likely done in a third world county.

#437 of 857 czan radio code by sse97bnvlle

Aug 24, 2002 (12:14 am)

My only guess would be to take your car to the dealership and see if they can unlock the radio somehow. Don't know how much it would cost I wouldnt think it would be much but who knows...

#438 of 857 Brake fix for 92 Lumina? by joecug

Aug 24, 2002 (6:21 pm)

I recently inherited a 92 Lumina with
about 70k miles on it. Car runs good
but brakes are terrible. I understand
there was a class action suit to
recompense owners for brake repairs.
My dad had made several repair
attempts before he passed but nothing
seems to work. The deadline for
submitting repair costs to GM has
gone by, nevertheless I'd like to
do whatever it takes to fix the
brake problems. Anyone who has had
experience with brake problems on the
92 Lumina and knows of a worthwhile
solution would e appreciated

#439 of 857 reply joecug by pluto5

Aug 26, 2002 (4:43 pm)

My Lumina isn't that old but my guess would be master cylinder needs replacing, but I would get one or two estimates from independent mechanics since they should be able to easily diagnose the problem by inspecting the braking system.

#440 of 857 W-body brakes... by hammen2

Aug 28, 2002 (7:37 pm)

I had a '91 Grand Prix with the same brake problems. Basically, it was a poor rear caliper design which caused the rear calipers to freeze, open. This causes the front brakes to do all of the work, and wear very quickly.
 
I paid for several brake jobs (the only major problem I had with that car in 120,000 miles over 5 years), with several sets of remanufactured rear calipers from a third-party. GM dealers had a tool to fix the rear calipers, which third-party places didn't have. Have the GM dealer fix the calipers, and then use your parking brake religiously. This keeps the rear calipers moving/from freezing, and helps prevent the premature brake wear.
 
Hope this helps,
 
--Robert

Messages Page 44 of 86

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