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Comments
what could cause this? I've changed the thermostat, heat
tempature sensor, I even put another motor in it and it still does the same thing, could the fan not be kicking on soon enough or what!!!!! NEED HELP FAST!!!
The oil level is fine.
Any ideas...?
Thanx
The first time I tried the computer relearn (unplug the Battery for a while) it didn't work. The solution came when I could consistently get the idle to normal (900 rpm for the 5 speed). I disconnected the electrical connector on the TPS, (just behind the MAP sensor on the throttle body). This would drop the rpm's to normal but if you try to drive the car like that it was of course crappy. Then I'd turn the car off, back on, and the rpm's would be high again. So I thought that the computer kept resetting it to 1500 when the power was off. So to fix, unplug the TPS to drop the rpm's to normal. I did this while the car was running. Then plug the TPS back in. The rpm's should stay down. Now, turn the car off and unplug the Battery for a couple hours to clear the memory. I have no idea how long is enough, but I did mine for 2 hours and it worked. This should tell the computer that the normal RPM is 900, not 1500. Make sure the car is warmed up before going through all this, as you want the car at normal operating temp and idle when you disconnect the TPS.
Update:
It's now been 2 weeks since doing all this and the car feels like it's brand new. When it's cold out (-20 C), the car will start and idle around 1200. As it warms up the idle will drop to 900 and stays there consistantly. 900 rpm should be the correct idle for the 5 speed. Auto's I think idle around 600.
Shifting is now flawless, the rpm's actually drop when I push in the clutch which is how it's supposed to be. I'm posting this hoping that someone else reads it and helps them out. This seems to be a common complaint with the Sunfire/Cavalier cars. My cost to repair was $70 for the TPS and $125 for the IAC, Canadian $$. Could have been a lot worse, especially if I had taken it to a shop or the dealer. Lots of guesswork goes on, at the expense of the owner. My biggest investment on this issue was my time.
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I just bought a 1999 Sunfire GT convertible. The only problem is the odometer is stuck in trip and it will not switch to mileage. When I press and hold the reset button, it will not even reset the trip mileage.
Any thoughts on what to try?
Thanks,
Mark
Leave the car in park while trying to switch.
Press in and hold for extended extended period of time.
Try pushing down and then in.
Rotate the protruding button counter clockwise.
Hope it helps.
Sputters off and on ( usually after driving down a steep grade)
Amount of heat put out cuts in half ( usually after going down a steep grade)
Gives off a light burning/ overheating smell off and on while driving
First item, my heater blower fan only operates at high speed or nothing at all. I'm under the assumption that it is the relay under the hood. I gave it some voltage, and it eventually switches on, but I'm not sure which voltage it is actually supposed to switch on. If not the relay, I'm guessing it's a loose harness.
Item number two is that just today on the way to my favorite burrito joint my oil pressure light came on. It came on whenever I am sitting still. Whenever I start moving, it goes away. My parents had a 97 Cherokee a few years ago that did the same thing, a mechanic said that it was the cam bearings and that the engine would eventually be no good. However, later that day the oil pressure problem went away. It then successfully drove 1 1/2 hours with no problems after letting it idle 15 minutes.
That problem was replaced with the radiator fan not turning on....if anyone has any information that may be of help it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.
No idea on the oil pressure light though.
good luck
No wonder GM is in the trouble :lemon: , so what do they do, join forces with Chrysler etc to try and get a bigger share of the market. They want to get into bed with someone of the Japanese vehicles, guess their jealous that the latter can build a better car.
GM trucks are great. But shy away from most GM vehicles.
[symptom of bad alternator]
Twice my car has had the dash indicators completely light up and lose power in the middle of driving. Both times it was due to a dead alternator. I had it fixed the first time and the replacement only lasted four months before being replaced again. The second time, recognizing the symptom, I quickly decided to coast through a red light (4 am) in order to maintain enough forward momentum to reach my street. The replacement part was free. The labor wasn't. Original quote was around $300-500.
[Serious brake screeching]
I was not paying close attention to my car except when it was making horrible noises when I used the brakes. Obviously needed those replaced. I think for the pads, rotors,and labor it was a little over $500. No more brake noise now.
[Engine Light]
I think it usually goes on if the car has 'gulped' air when you've pumped gas. I haven't seen it do that in a long time.
[back left speaker problem: unresolved]
My back left stock speaker sounded "blown" like a rattling sound or at least zero bass and low volume. I thought perhaps it was reversed wiring (phase issues). I replaced both back speakers with high quality Kickers and they worked for a while. Not much later the back left speaker started sounding bassless again. I suspected the channel on the radio itself is bad but I'm not sure. I was did basic tests of the output on a voltmeter and the phase was correct. I didn't hook up the speakers to a scope or switch connections between speakers to see if it is the speaker or the channel that has failed. I don't know yet. Maybe my car is allergic to Feindflug.
[Shift light: unresolved]
The light for showing what gear I'm in is no longer illuminated. How / Where do you replace the bulb(s) ?
["moody" auto chime: unresolved]
My auto chime seems to be intermittent. Twice I've left my headlights on and it hasn't gone off.* I've also noticed that the radio doesn't automatically turn off when you open the driver's side door anymore. The manual clued me in to pressing button six on the rds stock radio while its off to adjust the volume of the chime.
*I killed my battery so I bought an a/c charger to recharge it. It took about 15 minutes of running. That is a good item to have handy...if you're near an electrical outlet. I noticed starting the car seemed a little extra 'vroomy' but otherwise ok.
[Magnetism]
I thought I was losing my mind because whenever I put a compass in my car it never pointed the in correct direction. The dashboard is kicking out some serious magnetism to cause the compass to almost always point East.
Step out of the car with compass. Works. Step inside and it spins to the wrong direction. I don't think it matters if the car is running or not.
I wonder if I am giving myself an MRI every time I drive.
DarkHumour
I bought my 1998 Pontiac Sunfire 2.2L 4 door for $2,000 CAD in October 2006 with 194,000kms
Since then i had to have the alternator rebuilt ($300) and have the gas tank ($100 used) the fuel pump ($150 used) and the filler neck ($80 new) replaced. There are 212,000 on the car now. Am i going to have more problems???
selling only because I wanted a newer car
changed alternator at 200 k
did the battery once
sparkplugs platinum twice.
paint peeling was my majorest concern thus I painted
No head gasket problems, never stalled,
no problems with the electric system.
4 speed automatic
Buying a 2004 Sunfire coupe
I want a 2007 civic coupe but wont pay 21+
will buy it in a few years used.
I had started with an 82 cavalier, total nightmare
my 96 sunfire shocked me at how well it stood up
and never had any mechanical issues, I am lucky!
Tounie
1. got in car ATS light stuck on, shifting into D VERY VERY hard. (clunking) went off in 5 min. or so. So far its ok.
2. drove 30-40 miles, overheated. 0 fluid in tank.
3. Got a new (correct) cap for overflow tank. its sealed and works fine.
4. Now its leaking by tranny pan. by the block.
Question. WHY? (freeze plug, cracked block) any suggestions????
could this be from the flush???? the pressure machine they used???
One things for sure they are not touching it now!!!! :P
2000 Pontiac Sunfire. The climate control fan only works on meduim high and high. The blower will not switch between feet and face anymore. Common problem?
Mason
Happened twice in my 97. It needs replacement of a resistor in the circuit (there is one for the low and med-low speeds, and one for the med high and high speeds).
Should cost less than 100$ with labor.
Can anyone tell me where it is?
Thanks!
GM PONTIAC/SUNFIRE 1999, 4 Cylinders 2.2L SFI, Power Steering Pump, Power Rack and Pinion Steering Gear.
Loosing power steering fluid. Can not locate the leak. The fluid is found on the Power Rack and Pinion Steering Gear assembly. Does any one know of this problem,or know of this as a characteristic feature of this model??
Thanks to any one considering these questions!!
Sincerely,
darkmatter101 :confuse:
My mechanic could not find the problem and it is been a week he is working on this. We even put another gas tank on it too.
Any feedback from anybody???