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Pontiac Grand Am Maintenance & Repair

473 messages,  Last post on Jan 21, 2013 at 12:48 PM

You are in the Pontiac Grand Am Forum.

What is this discussion about? Pontiac Grand Am, Auto Repair, Sedan

    
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Messages Page 37 of 48

#360 of 473 transmission fuild levels and how to check them by kosmik54

Dec 17, 2009 (1:34 pm)

Wow my daughter bought a 2000 Grand AM SE and she asked me to check her transmission and oil levels. Well the oil was no problem but much to my surprise there is no dipstick to check fuild levels in the tranny. I have never owned a Pontiac so I am clueless except to tell her to take it to someone who service and know how to service a Grand AM. If someone could clue me in to what do and where to look so I can service it myself I sure would appreciate it. My daughter is my care giver because of a disability so it is in my best interest to be able to help her keep this car running because she has to drive me to Little Rock AR to the VA.

#361 of 473 Re: transmission fuild levels and how to check them [kosmik54] by burdawg

Dec 18, 2009 (10:09 am)

Replying to: kosmik54 (Dec 17, 2009 1:34 pm)
There's been no dipstick on transmissions on many cars for some time now, not just GM products.
On a GA you need to remove the level plug on the transaxle while it's running and warmed up to see if the level is right. If a little fluid dribbles out then it's right. The plug is on the passengers side, near the front of the transaxle. It helps to take the right front wheel off for access, it needs to be relatively level while checking. Remember that it needs to be running the entire time the plug is out or you'll have a mess.
Most people find it's easiest to have it checked at a shop where it can be put on a lift.
The fill plug is on the drivers side, access is from the top of the transaxle. You will probably need to remove some of the intake plumbing (air filter box, etc) but I can't remember specifically what. I have changed the trans fluid myself on my 04, but it's been a while so I'm a little fuzzy on the fine details.

#362 of 473 Re: transmission fuild levels and how to check them [kosmik54] by lovemygrandam

Dec 19, 2009 (12:37 pm)

Replying to: kosmik54 (Dec 17, 2009 1:34 pm)
Drive in to any Quickie-Lube, and for $20, you get an oil change, and they check all the fluid levels.

#363 of 473 "Brake" Light Always On by lovemygrandam

Dec 29, 2009 (6:08 pm)

Vehicle: 2002 Pontiac Grand Am LE, Manual Transmission, 2.2 L4
Problem: The "Brake" light at the top of the instrument cluster is always on.
Cause: Apparently, the parking brake light switch is out of adjustment.
More Information: Most of the time, while I'm driving, the Brake Light on the dash is on. Ocassionally, it will go off and stay off for a couple of miles, then come back on when I make a left turn. I'm pretty sure it's because the parking brake electrical switch is out of adjustment, or the parking brake cable is not returning all the way.
Does anyone know where this switch is located and how to get at it I assume it's hidden somewhere in the center console near the park brake lever. I'd be grateful for any help.
Dick

#364 of 473 Re: "Brake" Light Always On [lovemygrandam] by screwedbygm

Dec 29, 2009 (9:00 pm)

Replying to: lovemygrandam (Dec 29, 2009 6:08 pm)
Hi Costa Rica Dick. Sorry I cannot help with the parking brake switch location but, before you go tearing the console apart to search for it, please check your brake fluid reservoir levels under the hood first. The fact that the light can come on or off with the centrifugal force of a turn suggests that you may be low on fluid and making intermittent contact with the sensor as the fluid sloshes around. Topping off the fluid reservoir(s) may resolve the light warning but low fluid usually portends something more serious such as a leak somewhere in a brake line, a leaking caliper or wheel cylinder, although it is possible to show a low fluid condition if disk pads or drum linings are worn so thin that a greater volume of fluid remains in the lines for effective brake function. Hopefully someone else can come up with the parking brake switch location for you.

#365 of 473 Re: "Brake" Light Always On [screwedbygm] by lovemygrandam

Dec 30, 2009 (5:23 am)

Replying to: screwedbygm (Dec 29, 2009 9:00 pm)
Thanks for the good tip about the brake fluid level. I did not realize that there were sensors to warn of low brake fluid. I did top off my brake fluid, and will see what happens this morning on the way to work. I have a feeling, though, that this will not stop my brake light from coming on. I didn't mention it earlier, but from time to time, I have tried pulling up slightly on the parking brake lever, and then slamming it down quickly, and this has turned the brake light off. Even that hasn't been effective lately, though, which leads me more in the direction of a bad or mis-adjusted park brake switch.
I guess I wouldn't mind the brake light being on, as I know that the car rolls freely, having pushed it with the brakes off. But each time the light goes on, it dis-engages my cruise control.... a big bummer when you're on the highway. Still looking for the location of the switch.

#366 of 473 1996 Grand Am brake problems by nquinteros

Jan 23, 2010 (12:27 pm)

I just replaced my front brakes, the rotor and caliper on the drivers side 2 months ago. Drivers side brakes are sticking will not release correctly, already went through entire pad. Also right rear also seems to be sticking and not releasing, brake lines seem to be fine and I bleed brakes when installed. Can someone tell me what the problem is so I don't replace parts that are not needed.
 
Thank You

#367 of 473 Re: 1996 Grand Am brake problems [nquinteros] by deewm

Jan 25, 2010 (5:27 pm)

Replying to: nquinteros (Jan 23, 2010 12:27 pm)
Your rubber brake line near the brakes has most likely colapsed inside the hose. When you press brake pedal the fluid will pass through the hose but won't release the pressure so the caliber sticks even after you release the pedal. If you've already went through a pad you've probably ruined your new rotor. You should replace rubber brake hoses if they look cracked and dried out

#368 of 473 Re: 1996 Grand Am brake problems [nquinteros] by lovemygrandam

Jan 27, 2010 (5:36 pm)

Replying to: nquinteros (Jan 23, 2010 12:27 pm)
If only the pad opposite the caliper piston is worn, it means your pins are rusty and need to be replaced. It's not a good idea to work on your brakes unless you know exactly how they work, and what purpose each part has. The pins must allow the caliper to float so that the non-excited pad can move away from the rotor. If the caliper does not float, the inside pad will not release.

#369 of 473 MANY ODD PROBLEMS WITH 2003 GRAND AM, PLEASE HELP GIVE INSIGHT by djreker

Jul 08, 2010 (12:33 am)

times are rough for me and im sure lots of you. i just need a SLIGHT push in a certain direction as far as my car being legal and fixed. heres the problems from most important to whatever:
 
IDLE CONTROL - car revs up and down constantly when in park or neutral - was told by a couple people its the IAC controller? how much? whats the part exactly called so i can look it up?
 
A/C PROBLEMS - A/C works fine when car is started then as i sit somewhere or at a light air gets humid and hot, and tempature gage goes up so i have to turn it off for a bit. only works perfect on highway or steady driving. ( i live in PHILLY )
 
LIGHT PROBLEMS: front left headlight bulb is out. replaced the bulb, went out again, replaced socket and bulb, went out again. wires maybe? and my TAILLIGHTS go out once in a while ALWAYS ALONG WITH my interior dash lights and instrument panel lights. this happens once in a while, on and off. brakelights always work tho, also third brakelight is out but havent checked that bulb yet, could that be causing problems?
 
and if anybody is NEAR philly, and would help me get my car back into shape, of course i would pay you, we could help each other, whatever im a chill dude looking to avoid getting ripped off by pep boys. THANKS for looking ANY help on ANY of the problems is appreciated. also email me at DJREKER215GMAIL.COM

Messages Page 37 of 48

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