Pontiac Aztek

heikeg

I bought a 2004 Pontiac Aztek with 37000 miles on it. 3 months later at 39800 miles the head gasket was blown. I am also having transmission problems with this car. I should have followed the advice of others who also reported those problems on the internet.

wearesaylors

Hey quick question. I have an 01 Aztek, FWD. We are replacing the brake pads tomorrow morning, with a set of ceramic brake pads. Anyone done the brakes on these before? Is it fairly standard, or is there something tricky to it? A rapid response would be great.
Thanks
Lee

danzigdan

Did you buy it from a dealer---do you have any recourse with them? That sounds like an awful lot of problems for having owned it less than 3000 miles.

likearainbow

Hi, I'm glad you posted the process to remove the bcm because I can't find it anywhere else. I need to know is your Aztek a 2001? I'm not sure the bcm is in the same place for the different year models. Mine is a 2001. Wish you were in the Metro Detroit area in Michigan so I could enlist your help in getting the darn thing out! Thanks!

kcossairt

ray80

It should be in same place for all model years

mv7267

Hello.
Hopefuly, I've come to the right place for help. My '03 Aztek has been nothing short of superb. Up until June of this year all I've had done was brake pads and oil changes. In June, the front wheel bearings feel apart without warning, other than the anti-lock brake light coming on. The mechanic who did the repair was as shock as I was when he took the tire off. Anyway, that's not my issue today. About 3 weeks ago, the stereo quit. No sound, but it kept full display. When it came back, everything was "poppy and crackled", like a poor AM station in a thunderstorm. Then it put out a sound that I only can compare to a harpooned dolphin, turning it off doesn't stop it, only unplugging it. I was also getting an airbag light while the radio was going through this. I lost complete sound from the back speakers, very poor quality from the passenger side, and the door chimes and warning sounds are faint and static.

I did the un-hook the battery and remove fuse #28, no help. So, I purchased a replacement radio off eBay for $25. Only to find the wonders of GM Theftlock! After a trip to the dealership to unlock, which they didn't(That's another story), I found out that the radio can be tested before it goes into lock. The "new" radio does the same thing. Poor rightside sound, no rear, faint door chime, then it goes nuts and gets the dogs in the neighborhood howling!

By leaving it unplugged, I have no other issues. No warning lights are on. But I need a stereo. Please, any help will go a long way in keeping my sanity. Driving with earbuds is getting ridiculous!

harbi

I have a 2002......You have to replace the "spindle". There is no bushing kit available to replace the worn out bushing or the "knuckle bushing" I got each spindle for about $230.00 US. not including labor, which, depending on where you get it done. It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours per wheel. GM did a fine job making a bushing that can not be serviced. If you live in an area that has harsh winters & salt is used, you will have to coat the spindle with somethig to ward off or slow the corrosion. hope this helps... oh by the way, if you change the spindle and have not ever change the rear bearings, you might want to consider this at that time.....
Like I said, gm real fouled up on some if not a majority of the manufacture of the parts need for the Aztek. It is a great concept car that was not thought out. I am strongly considering trading "up" for a foreign suv.

boots4kicks

I don't have any warranty on my 2001 Aztek, but my tailgate refuses to open as well. I brought it to a place and it took 4 guys to get it to open. They unscrewed the top arms that extend when it opens and were able to open the top part. The lower half was a nightmare, and took them 2 hrs just to get it open. Now I have the inside plastic molding that covers the tailgate and wires cracked and ripped off and it still isn't fixed. Can ANYONE PLEASE help me on this. I already have to have the rear suspension knuckles replaced, so this is becoming an unhappy car to have as much as I like it.

ray80

OUCH I assume this is not a pontic (or other GM dealer). What happened initialy, no noise or release when using key fob or swithe inside cabin, or you could hear click but it wouldn't open? ( I know there is a correct way to get into tailgate without breaking thing, I'll see if I can find it)

Hhmm seems a trim removal tool would have allowed getting under the panel from inside and gently prying would have allowed release of the retaining clips. Panel would still be held on by 2 screws for handle, and 2 hidden ones under weatherstrip on sides, but panel would still open a bit.

For now, the problem may be with lock actuators (one for each side), something with wiring perhaps.

lbasterash

I am interested - how much.

boots4kicks

It doesnt make any noise when I try to open it from th ekey fob or cabin. It just wouldnt open one day, defeating the whole purpose of why I bought it(camping edition AWD). I dont have a million dollars to fix this thing, especially after I have to fix the rear suspension already.

ray80

Have them remove fuse #28 in the underhood fuse box for about 30 seconds, then replace and try key fob or cabin switch again ( or remove negataive battery cable for same amount of time and try again). If that doesn't work there may a problem with wiring connector that is underneath vehicle just behind drivers seat.

harbi

Have you had any luck with the instrument panel problem? I was driving my 02, at 55 mph at 230am and EVERYTHING but the motor & daylight running lights shut off, then after about 4 intense seconds everything came back on........

bobjolliff

I'm trying to remove the Gear Shift Lever. Can you give me any details on how to remove the clip???

wearesaylors

So, I am assuming that Ray80 will be answering this, because i am increasingly convinced that he wrote the manual on these vehicles...so with that said;
Hey ray,
I have an 01 Aztec with 69000 miles on it. We had to replace the engine as soon as we bought it 9000 miles ago, but that is a separate piece of drama. Recently, the Service Engine Soon light came on. When I took it to my mechanic, they said that the computer kicked back a message that equated to me having to replace my gas cap. I replaced it, then a week later, the light came on again. I had them clear it off one more time when they told me that it was giving them the same message and then today (three days later) it came back on. So with that said...any thoughts Ray, or any others of us who have experience? Please!

ray80

Hhmm I haven't had a need to remove it myself as of yet but its not supposed to be all that difficult, just don't know exactly how.

ray80

The code that comes up that is usually the gas cap means there is a leak somewhere in evaporative emmisions stuff. It could be something other then cap but cap, one way or another, is usually the culprit. It is my understanding that some aftermarket caps, while fiting, do not always seal properly, that is one possibility. Other things to check are to make sure tether is not stuck under cap, and cap is properly aligned and tightened 3 clicks. Also ( as I recently noticed), make sure tether is properly aligned on cap (mine appeared like it was coming off and I had to push it back.).
Also when the problem is corrected: The system is checked everytine vehicle is started and it may take several days )and start/stop cycles) for the light to go out on its own.

birch

My '01 Aztek has been doing the same thing. ALL of the power, including my headlights,goes off for about 5 to 6 seconds and comes back on. I have sent back to the dealer 5 times and so far they haven't figured out what is causing it.

ray80

When you say ALL of the power, are you talking about interior/exterior lights and radio, that kind of stuuf, or are you saying engine shuts off along with lights?

bobjolliff

It turns out that the clip easily pulls out of a slit in the leather. Looks like an overgrown staple!

bobjolliff

The AWD off and no ABS shouldn't cause any additional problems. I've ALWAYS found that the problem is one or more of the four speed sensor connectors. (The speed sensors are build into the wheel bearings.) Usually one of the two leads on the connector is noticeably corroded. This can be repaired using a combination of needle-nose pliers, sand paper and/or a small file...

bobjolliff

I hate to be negative, but you may have a problem with the BCM (Body Control Module). Any problems with your lights or windows? Unfortunately the only cure is to have the module replaced

simonsez421

hi there, i have been going thru this whining sound from the steering for the last 2 years,..and thankfully for a warranty i have not yet had to mortgage the house.... i have had so many things replaced, because they did not determine where this sound came from. Just recently told me , from the rear and it requires to flush out the AWD differential....job thru PONTIAC is 435.00 and because i have been complaining for so long, they will give me a 75.00 courtesy. How nice....they also did say the fluid was 27.00 a quart.. I am so livid..it is not a warranty item, but why at 20,000 miles 2 years ago would i require this maintenance problem. Maybe i need to do it thru a local
mechanic...Now i have a terrible burning smell from my air..and sporatically , the air doesnt seem to be cold....but last year i had a new compressor installed..Might i inform you...MY AZTEK is a LEMON. :lemon: ..!! I love it tho..and refuse to sell it....

simonsez421

i do....its the AWD differential..it needs to be flushed out.....thru PONTIAC they want 435.00the fluid they use is 27.00 a quart because its synthetic....
FUN FUN FUN.....

ray80

Sorry to hear of your troubles. For the $435 they must be fixing something other then just fluid change, a leaky seal I would guess (which will cause the noise due to low fluid level). For the smell from vents, I would check the cabin filters (if equipped) to see if its time for a change.

debidoyle

Can anyone tell me where the radiod amplifier on a 2001 is located?? Thanks

birch

I don't think that the engine shut off but I am not really sure as it runs really quiet but I lost all of my lights (including headlights), radio, basically anything electronic..for about 4 seconds, then it all came back on. I took it to a Pontiac dealer and the said that the "cluster" was bad.

ray80

It may be the cluster, but in general I would expect it to fail and not work again, and I'm not at all sure the cluster,headlights and radio are directly connected. I think I would be more inclined to learn towards situation with BCM (as it has its hands in ALL of those things). It could be the BCM itself, or a bad connection, or battery/charging system problem that leads to temperary BCM troubles.

r_greenbaum

Hello,

I just had the same problem and was scouring the internet for a solution. A friend of mine discovered the problem.
I too had the flatline for all of the gauges while the car still worked. We replaced the fuse for the ignition and everything started working perfectly again. Our ignition fuse partially worked as the car still was able to start making us think that it couldn't be this fuse. The fuse was partially burned out allowing it to start but causing the other problems.

I hope this helps!

littlemsrodeo

wormburner...
I completely agree with you and have been trying to get a class action suit going myself. I would be happy to sign a petition and would love it if more people would ban together and get a suit going against GM...these are not isolated problems and GM is well aware that they have dupped all of us...why do think they only made the Aztek for a couple of years???
Let me know if you decide to pursue this in any way.

tvplas

Did they find the problem? I was on my way back into town when the inside of my Aztec became a "DISCO". The engine never skipped a beat but I had to turn the head/running lights to manual as they were flashing too...

Lights, Instrument panel, locks all going nuts.

ray80

Sounds like an electrical problem that more then likely involves BCM in one way or another. Post 133 in ' Pontiac Aztek Maintenance and Repair ' heading describes how one owner corrected similiar troubles. If your battery is showing its age its possible that could be trouble also. Also as always make sure connection to undehood fuse box is good.

likearainbow

I'm in the process or replacing the BCM in my 2001 Aztec. I have everything out but am trying to remove the console accessory wiring junction block. I am having a hard time pulling it out and am wondering should the whole piece come out or just the front with the fuses. It seems the whole thing is one piece but the diagram for removing the bcm itself looks to be still in the bracket. Hope that makes sense! Thanks for any help.

dalejrnut74

I just called my local dealer because now my Aztek is a complete electrical mess from I believe is the BCM. In Blissfield Michigan (south of Ann Arbor)the BCM cost is only $263.60 and self installment is not possible because it does need programmed. Dianosis is $45 and labor is $180. My total cost will be $488.60 before tax.

birch

I just got my car back from the dealers last week after they had replaced the cluster and it did the same thing last night. They also replaced a bearing in my front end saying that that is what was causing my car to "stutter" as I was turning right.Which cost me $300!! I called this morning and they want me to bring it back down because he thinks that the other bearing might be bad also. He is calling the Pontiac dealer that fixed it this last time to see if he has any ideas. I will try replacing the fuse first I think.. Any ideas on the "stutter" ? :mad:

ray80

Hhmm what do you mean by stutter, vibration or performance thing? Wheel bearing issue should be noisey and perhaps vibration if thats the problem. And did you say lights/gauges went out again?

birch

It kind of skips/jumps.. and yes lights/gauges went out again.. GRRRRR

ray80

Ok, skip/jump sounds performance (or lack there of). Did lights go out at the same time (more or less)? If so, it sounds like major (though temperary) electrical problem. Could be battery/charging system, but I doubt it. I would be more inclined to look at battery cables connections on both ends including underhood fuse box connection. I have heard of that connection being broke in one case (could also be corroded and/or loose), and while your there make sure the fuses/relays are properly seated. OH something else I thought of but have only seen on mine, thereis a large gaggle of wires that comes outof underhood fuse box (all wrapped together) that I found was routed incorrectly and slightly rubbing on belt. In time that could have caused some troubles.

birch

funny you mention battery cable connection, they replaced those the first month that I had the vehicle. The lights stayed out for the same 4 seconds as before. Also it smells like I ran over a plastic bag.. Not super stong odor but a faint one..

ray80

smell may not be good depending on where its coming from. Simple test for cable problem (do this when home so you don't get stuck somewhere) would be to turn key to on position (but don't start it) open window, leave door open and pop the hood. Wiggle the big red wire that goes to underhood fuse box, if you hear clicking, problem is that cable or the connection to fuse box. You could also try the black cable and see if that does anything. Don't forget to turn ignition off afterwards.

birch

I will give it a try.. Any suggestions on the braking/turning issues ?

ray80

I would try and get the electrical problem diagnosed first, then see what happens with the other.

justalady

While taking my husband to the airport to be with his mother on her death bed,10 miles from home @ 5:00am all of a sudden we heard this loud knocking noise coming from the engine, what is going on, somebody please tell me whats wrong before I get RIPPED OFF AGAIN.
GMC explains their not aware of any problems.

ccerna1

You know as much as I love this car there's just waaay too many issues.When I took our car in for similar problem, the mechanic told me that he has seen this problem on '03 and sometimes even less than 50k miles.

The problem with ours was one of the seals err headgasket was broken, that's why I was saying on my post do not drive the car any further if a piece falls into the engine it will be a very expensive repair bill.

zabs

My right rear wheel bearing requires replacement and I have been quoted $850 by the dealership.
Spending that amount of money is crazy.I noticed that are many non-original replacement parts available for about $60 brand new.Is it worth buying these or is one better of with a used original part?
Can anyone make suggestions where I could find an original used part and I believe its an AC Delco part.

Thanks

ray80

$850 for one hub/bearing assembly? That is way to much money. Unless there is more stuff being done. It should be in the $300-$350 range installed and less if done by independant place using aftermarket parts.

msbates3

Hi, we had the BCM replaced, actually several times. The dealership thought it was a bad module so they replaced the BCM again with no solution to the initial problem. Then they tried the PCM, which wasn't the problem. The fuse box has been replaced also. Now the car has completely died on us. It won't turn over to start. Battery is not dead and even that was replaced a year ago. Now taking it to a fourth repair shop to see if they can diagnos anything. After that we might just have to give up, and get a new car.

dmcginley

I have purchased another Montana radio/CD player to put in to my 2004 Aztek. Does anyone know how to remove the old radio?

sandlot2

Hi I was thinking about buying an 01 Aztek with 98k 2wd. I Have always liked the looks and when I drove it I fell in love. I have read all the problems that people are going through and was wondering if anyone would reccomend it or if anyone thinks I can get at least 4 years more and about 60-70k with only about $600 a year on repairs. Any thoughts or comments would help. Thank You