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I took my GP-GT with 79,000 miles into the dealer and asked them to check the catalytic converter. They called me a few hours later and said the converter was fine but the ignition test showed problems and the vacuum test failed. They said I needed new ignition coils and wires and a replacment intake plentum because the old one was warped (it's plastic). Total cost about $1,200. I said no and paid the $70 minimum. I am not sure a they knew what the problem really was and I was not going to dump that kind of money in when I know it needs brakes, tires, and so on. I am seriously considering trading it in.
My car has been to the dealership twice more since my last post. In trip #9 (in three months), they had it for two days checking everything over and cleaned the fuel injectors. There was some improvement, but my car still surges on some hills.
I called the service manager, and he said they would do it again (trip #10 in three months). So, they did it again, keeping it two more days - leaving the injector cleaner in overnight and changing the fuel injector regulator(?).
I got the same results, a little more improvement, but still no solution. The service manager has been on vacation this past week, but I am calling him Tuesday morning.
On the positive side, my gas mileage has improved by 3-4 mpg, and my car doesn't feel like it is trying to pull a dead elephant up a hill, but it still has fits.
This is as annoying as all get-out. I love my car, but I have been considering trading it in more and more. :confuse:
I have a 1997 GT with 342k miles.
I had the same problem. I had my PMC software updated $75 at the dealer.
The old software in the PMS was disengaging the lockup in the torque converter late.
The PMC update was a fix.
(Note) Most trans only lockup in 4 gear, ours can lockup in 3 & 4 gear, which is why it may jerk at different speeds.
This is the poster of msg. 51 and a few others after.
Thank you for posting that information. My car is going to the garage again tomorrow. I printed your post off and will give them that. Everything I see on here that might be a possiblity gets taken to them.
It is really awesome that you have gotten 342K miles out of your car. At this point, I think mine will be lucky to make 100K.
Yes, I do believe the problem is FINALLY solved.
Thank you rob1997!!!! You don't know how happy I am right now!
As far as details, the dealership said my car had the "latest" software installed on it, but after reading rob1997's post the service manager called GM. GM gave him brand new software that had not been released yet (as of Wednesday, Jan. 10). SO, iahawks1, I would make sure they contact GM for the newest software, or you may still have the same problem.
When I accelerate, the tach no longer tries to stick and surge around the 2K mark. I didn't post an update any sooner, because I had a nice long drive tonight with lots of hills and I figured that would be the ultimate test. And my car passed!!! Yay! I've been dealing with this problem for six months, so it is almost unreal that it is resolved now.
rob1997, what is the PMC and PMS? I'm not that car smart. And is this why I've had transmission problems at 30K and 60K ... bad computer software??? I sure hope the new software will be the end of my transmission problems.
No, I do not know the code, but I could probably ask the service manager. I have to go down there and settle up with them on my bill. Just make sure they have the newest one that was just released by GM.
The service manager had originally told me to drive it a week and see if it worked. I called and asked if he cared if I tested it out a little longer to make sure the problem was fixed. So, I will be talking to him at some point this week. My car is still running like a dream, and has not messed up since.
Good luck with your car. I printed out Rob1997's message and that was what FINALLY fixed my car, so hopefully these posts will do the same.
I’m glad you car is working fine. I intended to write PCM not PMC (Power Control Module), also known as the computer.
Having the same exact problem as post #66, did you ever find out what the problem was.
Thanks!!
I've been posting on this thread for several months, and if you look back and read what all I have had done, maybe it will help you.
The program was brand new that they put on my car and had not been released yet. The dealership contacted GM and got it.
I don't know what to tell you about the radiator. I have not had that problem.
But,the problem is occasional hard shifting. This only happens after at least 45 minutes of driving. The car shifts perfectly up to that point. Then out of the blue it shifts HARD and continues to do so through all the gears. It never slips and I always have good power. It's just a quick hard shift. I have read some pretty similar symptoms here, not nothing exactly the same. Any Ideas??
I recently had some electrical problems, (blower fan, AC, auto head lights not working) turned out to be in the ignition switch. Hope this helps and save hours of tracing. They all work great now.
Tell the dealership to call GM Tech Support in Detroit! That's what my dealership finally did. They installed the latest update in my car and I have not had a problem since. And the program only costs $40!
This was after I had spent $1,200 having the transmission torn apart multiple times with no avail, over a six month time frame.
Rob1997 was the one who pointed me in the right direction on the program.
Good luck! I hope you can get one of those three dealerships to call Detroit!
I have a 1999 GT. Mine already had the "latest update" per GM too, but when the mechanic called technical service in Detroit they gave my car a new update that had not been released yet. This was in February of this year. I began the whole ordeal of taking it to the garage 12 times in September 2006 through February 2007.
Someone else on this message board had asked for the program/calibration number too, but when I asked the service manager, he said he didn't have one because they did it over the phone.
Here is what I can get off my my FINAL work order/receipt. I don't know if it will help.
"Drivability Concern"
"Check shudder under load"
"Reprogrammed to the latest update per technical assistance."
Cost $44
The dealership I went to is actually a Chevrolet (not Pontiac, but still GM of course) dealership in southern Ohio. I don't know where you live, or if that would be a benefit. The service manager who had been there for years recently took another job, so I'm not sure if the new one would be able to help you.
I understand the nightmare that you are going through all too well. I have actually been through it twice. I started having this problem when the car was three years old. They replaced parts then and they replaced parts again this time for lots of $$$ before we finally found the problem.
The only mods. that i have done to the car are a short ram intake, throttle body spacers, smaller pullys and a transmishion intercooler.
Any help with my situation would b greatly apprecieated.
I was signed up for e-mail updates when someone else posted on this forum, but it hasn't been e-mailing me.
changed fluid and filter w/2 bottles of Lucas additive
result - no reverse (smells burnt) shifts really slow when in drive. Is there any hope and if not is there a quick fix solution to get another week out of her??? Please help!
It's a 4 speed automatic on a 2.8L motor
Then the power locks stopped working when you put the car in gear and when you shut the car off, they work OK if you push the lock or unlock your self.
I have been having problems getting the key out of the ignition sometimes too, this seems to come and go but I found a trick on the web to use a straw to unlock the key release.
Now the latest problem is that sometimes the car won't go into park. It will go through all of the gears but when you get to Reverse it won't go past that into Park.
Could the locks, key sticking and not going into Park all be caused by the same problem, and if so what could it be? I have a feeling that they are all related some how!
Try these things and let me know. Good Luck!!!
Thanks!!
I got a 2001 GRAND PRIX, aprox.150,000. the other day driving on the highway my car downshifted as i was passing a car as usual, but then never shifted back. i am currently stuck driving in 4th gear. could this be related to the software issue?
Im not sure if this is a PCM program issue or a pressure sensor issue? It hard shifts from 1 to 2 and sometimes 2 to 3. This only happens when the car is warmed up. I dont hear any wine like APPLE5 said.
Thanks for any help
I've been trying to find the part (Pressure sensor)[see post 90] for my car. The dealer thinks I'm nuts and doesn't know what part I'm talking about. Do you know the exact name, or a number for the part?
I'm still shifting hard and whining away!