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Pontiac Aztek

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Comments

  • mpeduempedue Member Posts: 1
    What specifically did you do to bypass the wiring of the key switch to the liftgate release solenoids in the tailgate? I have the hatch issue. Haven't tried the BCM reset yet.

    Thanks
  • ray80ray80 Member Posts: 1,655
    I would guess rear wheel bearing, assuming it just sorta appeared on its own (no tire changes or other maintanance)
  • stemul32stemul32 Member Posts: 3
    No tie changes or anything done, but the sound is definately coming from the fromt of the vehicle not the rear.
  • maraztekmaraztek Member Posts: 5
    I really need help getting the bcm out of the junction box. Could you please mail me the instructions. I looked at AllData through my local library and was told to pull a lever to release the bcm. Well there is no lever! So any help would be great.
  • likearainbowlikearainbow Member Posts: 7
    Once all the wiring harness/connectors are disconnected, the fuse/junction block/BCM all slide out of the console bracket as one assembly. Once it is out, then you can remove the BCM.
  • imattimatt Member Posts: 4
    Thank you for your message. I am just starting to have some quirky electrical problems with my Aztec. Really appreciate you sharing your experience.
  • jackmindijackmindi Member Posts: 1
    I CAN HEAR THE PASSENGERS SIDE CLICKING AND IT WILL UNLOCK BUT THE DRIVERS SIDE DOES NOTHING,WHAT CAN I DO TO GET IT OPEN.
  • boots4kicksboots4kicks Member Posts: 4
    I had problems with my liftgate for awhile too. My instrument panel started acting up in the dash recently so I needed to go get that fixed as well. When that got fixed, my liftgate opens now!! I had a new computer put in, something along the lines of a new body control module, and it was under the automatic shifter. It cost around $450 or so. Now everything is fine.
  • bmurf1bmurf1 Member Posts: 14
    I, too, have had many of the same problems w/ my '03 Aztek. Most of all the brakes.
    After the warranty ran out I fixed the brakes myself. Cost me less than $200.00. It seems the calipers were on the wrong side, I don't know how they did it, but once I swapped them and put new rotors and pads on it hasn't been a problem since. That was in Jan '07. Plus, my tranny has been shifting hard. Does anybody know what might be causing this. Doesn't always happen but often.
    Oh!! My car is a lemon too!!!!! :lemon:
  • bmurf1bmurf1 Member Posts: 14
    I just completed a thermostat removal and install of a new one. It took about 5 hrs. and a little aggravation, but all in all not bad. However I did not follow the instructions as set forth by mechanics or Pontiac repair manual. I discovered that you need only to remove the heat shield along w/some other minor disassembly and was completely successful. If you need more info please ask. :lemon: :)
  • maraztekmaraztek Member Posts: 5
    Thanks what I wasn't doing was not disconecting the gray and black boxes from the fuse box assembly. The picture that i got from AllData made it look like they were on when you pulled the lever. After taking the two boxes off taking the BCM out is a breeze. I then went to the junkyard and took a BCM out in about tweny minutes. Its really pretty easy. I can't beleive they want to charge $150 for the labor of installing/reinstalling.

    I have only one problem since I put the used BCM in my radio is locked, no alarm, and now the airbag light is on, besides that everything is fully functional. How do I unlock this radio. The typicall hold 4 and 6, 2 and 3, or hold am/pm down will not work. Is there any way of unlocking the radio besides using a scan tool? Likearainbow what does it say in the service manul? I am thinking taking it to the dealer to reprogram the bcm will work but am not sure.
  • likearainbowlikearainbow Member Posts: 7
    I only had a few pages of the manual that another owner emailed to me. I bought a new BCM online and went to the dealer where they programmed it for $80. Paid $149 for the BCM so it was still way cheaper than the $500-$600 people were paying at the dealerships to have the whole thing done. I hope you got a good one, I went with the new since so many of the old ones went bad I figured it would be too chancy to get a used one, the newest models have more of the quirks worked out of them so they don't go haywire like the old ones. When I took it to get reprogrammed it was quick, I was there for less than an hour and everything works.
  • dea3dea3 Member Posts: 1
    My engine sounds like it is dragging or in 2nd gear, I just recently had my annual oil change about 2 months ago. Do you think that my engine needs to be tuned?
  • ray80ray80 Member Posts: 1,655
    How many miles on it? Perhaps just a fuel filter change would help for now
  • ray80ray80 Member Posts: 1,655
    There is something on each side that releases the liftgate, if one of them isn't working, its not going to be real easy to correct. I tried to fine how to get into the thing but I can't find the info as of yet. Basicly you have to climb into the back and remove the panel that covers the taligate (bottom part). I think the way to do it is to use special tool they have for trim removal (or use what ever you can I guess) to carefully loosen panel from tabs on top and (again I think) remove screws that hold it on on the bottom. That will allow access to mechanism and you can do what you have to from there. I'll post again if I can find more on procedure and what to look for when you get there.
  • ptbllvrptbllvr Member Posts: 2
  • boots4kicksboots4kicks Member Posts: 4
    I still have my rear bottom tailgate panel pulled off because that was where the auto mechanic started to look when I had the problem. Until my Body Control Module was replaced, I was told I could pull both wires on the two black bulky things underneath the panel and it would open. Also, the mechanic broke the panel so I still have to replace it. Wish there would've been an easier way to take it off.
  • indlensindlens Member Posts: 1
    I would like to add to or replace the wimpy horn on my 2005 Aztec. I can't seem to find the horn location. Thanks
  • bmurf1bmurf1 Member Posts: 14
    I have a 2003 Tek with the 1SC package w/o leather or HUD. (Wish I had that) oh well. I pull a pop-up camper which weighs @3000lbs. I get about 16.5 mpg. WOW!! And that was in the summer going to Traverse City, MI from St. Louis, MO. I have the tow package which is great. I have also had many problems w/brakes but am through that now. Once the warranty was over I did the work myself and have not had a problem since (1 year) I have done other work as well.
    Is anybody having trouble with their transmission shifting hard? I have had this problem a little over a year now and the dealer could not find anything wrong. They did however replace the tranny wiring harness. If anybody hasn't had theirs replaced, they should (03-05). They know it is an issue. If anybody has anything else to add, that would be great. Also, if you need help changing a thermostat, you can look me up.
    Thanks,
    Brian :)
  • rpost3rpost3 Member Posts: 1
    I had to leave my 2004 Aztek in a shopping center parking lot last night. The key will not turn. My steering sweems to be locked as well as the gear shift. Does anyone know what to do?
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Check this out: johnnyz, "Pontiac Aztek Electrical Problems" #84, 18 Oct 2007 3:26 pm

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • ray80ray80 Member Posts: 1,655
    I haven't looked myself for where it is, but I have heard it may be sorta behind either the drivers side or passanger side headlight assembly.
  • jayme2jayme2 Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2003 Aztek that has only 83,000 km on it - i've owned it since new and really love it. 1 1/2 years ago GM replaced the manifold intake valve (under warranty) - now this year i had to replace the rocker gasket as my #4 cylinder didn't have any compression (that cost $800) now my #6 cylinder has no compression. So i don't know what to do - how is it that a car that is just 5 years old and doesn't have high kilometers has engine problems - and more than once. GM says they probably won't pay for it - they really need to stand behind their products. I'm really worried that I am going to have more engine problems in the future...anyone else experiencing this?
  • pentypenty Member Posts: 1
    Hey There,

    I'm having the EXACT same problem with my Aztek, I'm getting the disco Aztek and lose the AC when it happens. (I also had the whole Motor Blower Resistor thing going on but I managed to fixed that.)

    You said "check the AC resistors before replacing the BCM". Can you be more specific as to which resistor(s) you're talking about. Which one you had replaced and maybe a location.

    THANKS in advance.
  • bkittbkitt Member Posts: 14
    It's called 'Parasitic Draw'. It's the normal draw that the 'keep alive' components are drawing from the battery while you sleep. A fully loaded Aztek will draw appx. 40-50 millivolts. That's high but acceptable. 2 weeks is 2 long.

    Good luck

    Bill Kitt
    GM Service Training :shades:
  • ray80ray80 Member Posts: 1,655
    Never thought of it that way, but yes the 'keep alive' stuff is parasitic. Usually I think (though not exactly correct) of parasitic draw being something beyond the normal 'keep alive' drain.
  • jayme2jayme2 Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2003 Aztek that has only 83,000 km on it - i've owned it since new and really love it. 1 1/2 years ago GM replaced the manifold intake valve (under warranty) - now this year i had to replace the rocker gasket as my #4 cylinder didn't have any compression (that cost $800) now my #6 cylinder has no compression. So i don't know what to do - how is it that a car that is just 5 years old and doesn't have high kilometers has engine problems - and more than once. GM says they probably won't pay for it - they really need to stand behind their products. I'm really worried that I am going to have more engine problems in the future...anyone else experiencing this? I just found out the dealership says my head needs to be fix $1500.00 - what about the other one? Help!
  • jwilly68jwilly68 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2002 Aztek with about 42000 miles. I use it as a commuter vehicle in Colorado. I was driving and suddenly the engine began to cut out and then surge as I accerated up a steep incline. It also happens when I accelerate rapidly (when transmission drops down into passing gear). The tachometer surges quickly up to 7000 then back down and back and forth until transmission moves back to normal gear. Normal driving and slow acceleration works just fine. What could cause this problem? Any help would be appreciated.
  • sasha6sasha6 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2003 Aztek with 53,000 miles on it. The only advice I have for you is to persist to GM you have a lemon Aztek. There are lemon laws to protect people like you and me. There are also lawyers that would love to assist you in seeking repremands from GM. I just had my gas tank replaced and the front wheel bearings on both sides. GM paid for it. But, when the dealership repaired these two things they found two leaks that will cost me $800.00.

    After what I am reading about Azteks, I am scared all these things are going to happen to me--some of them already are. :cry: Although I love my Aztek, I do not know how much money I will shell out to keep it. Good luck to you and I hope GM backs what they sell--possibly not!
  • rme300rme300 Member Posts: 1
    I replaced the battery on my Aztek last weekend. Today I try and start it and all the dash lights, radio, and overhead lights flash on and off and the car won't turn over when I try and start it. Checking the voltage on the battery shows 12.2 volts. It's been doing this on and off for a few weeks, but I always was able to jump it. Now even jumping won't work. Any ideas as to what the problem might be? Thanks in advance
  • ray80ray80 Member Posts: 1,655
    Most likely thing is bad cable connection to battery or cable itself is bad. Also check cable connecttion to underhood fuse box.
  • miwrightmiwright Member Posts: 3
    I have (what I read on Edmunds forum to be) a common Aztek problem.
    Mine's a 2001, with no previous problems of any kind (great utilitarian car!):
    Won't start or come out of park (without using the manual override button).
    All wires, fuses and relays seem to check okay (both boxes), but when I went to Reverse (car not started), the reverse lights didn't illuminate... when I searched for that fuse... I discovered it's not listed in the manual or on either cover-plate legend. That one must piggy-back on another fuse, but which one?
    The other symptom is a traction problem warning.
    So, in short... won't start (battery fully charged)... clicking by the passenger-side fuse box, but none blown (switched relays around... all work). Won't move out of park (unless cup-holder over-ride button used)... no reverse lights... won't start in neutral.
    Couldn't test the multi-plug relay... number 10 on the passenger-side fuse-box,
    and the stores here are out of them.
    All wires inside the shifter, under the floor, and in the engine compartment look in tact.
    Any ideas, or similar travails? Please identify the back-up (reverse) light fuse, if you can.
    miwright
  • msiporinmsiporin Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2003 Aztek with pretty much all the same problems. I would be interested in a Class Action.
  • bruckmannbruckmann Member Posts: 10
    The weather here in beautiful Edmonton,AB,Canada has been crazy for the past week...the coldest it got was -47celcius, plus snow! On the first day my car was fine, then the next day as I was pulling out of my parking spot my ABS light came on and stayed on...fine I shut my car off and waited for a bit and then all was fine. Well progressing up to today my ABS light keeps coming on, however I have noticied that for the most part my ABS light does not come on when I am driving on major roads...however in the residential areas (really bumpy with lots of ice) and when i am making shap fast turns to get into my parking spot it comes on again..... this is leading me to think that it is either a loose of faulty wire...this happened one time in December but I just reset it and all was fine, no more warning lights until this week.....has anyone had any similar experiences???
  • ray80ray80 Member Posts: 1,655
    I haven't had any problems with ours yet, but what you describe is exactly what I would expect a loose/broken wire/corroded connection to do.
  • cdnaztekcdnaztek Member Posts: 1
    Who did you buy your new BCM from? Did you replace it on your own?
  • likearainbowlikearainbow Member Posts: 7
    I purchased the new BCM online at brightauto.com. They were the absolute cheapest for the part. I paid $150 and that included shipping. After I installed it I took it to the dealer to be programmed and that cost $80. Best of luck!
  • wifesaztekwifesaztek Member Posts: 5
    My lift gate works fine but while driving, the solonoids in the lift gate seem to be clickicking at a random rate.
    When I say "clicking", I mean the noise of the solonoids actuating.

    It seems temprature related.
    When I start the car from cold, the solonoids will not click.
    After a half hour or so they will begin to click every 90 seconds or so.
    As time goes on, eventually, after an hour, they click every few seconds.

    I pulled the fuse in the passenger side fuse box and that stops the clicking, but of course the gate won't open.
    But at least that is proof of what is making the clicking noise.

    What's happening here?
  • ray80ray80 Member Posts: 1,655
    Don't believe I have heard of this one before, and I think it could be miserable to find the exact problem. Which fuse did you remove from underhood fuse box? If it wasn't fuse #28, I would try that one. Remove for about 20 secs or so, then see what happens.
  • wifesaztekwifesaztek Member Posts: 5
    The fuse I pulled while troubleshooting was the one inside the fusebox inside the car.
    I can't remember the number but it was the one that is labled as being for the lift gate.
    I only pulled it to verify that it would cause it to stop making the noise.

    Today is my first day on this site and so today was the first I've heard about the magical properties of #28 in the fuse box under the hood.

    I did pull that fuse and waited 60sec before replacing it.

    I will be using the car this evening and we will see if the reset fixed it.
  • wifesaztekwifesaztek Member Posts: 5
    Drove the car last evening.
    The fuse #28 reset did not fix the problem.

    By the way,
    The clicking will occur when the car is moving or stopped.
    But if you put it in neutral it stops.
  • ray80ray80 Member Posts: 1,655
    First off, I can't recall hearing of this before so I can only guess where the problem could be.
    If the #28 fuse thing had worked it may have proved issue was BCM related, because it is still happening, it may or may not be..
    Other things I can think of (in no particualr order):
    Key fob issue, electrical bad battery causing issues/ short/ stuck button
    If it happens all the time with one fob, try using the other (keeping original at home, and assumeing you have 2)

    switch in cabin having issue.

    There is wiring that exits to the outside of vehicle just behind drivers seat. The connector there (with a zillion wires) has been known to have water intrusion/corrosion troubles that can create things with any electircal stuff in rear of vehicle.

    If the vehicle battery has a lot of age on it, it potentialy can cause strange things to happen.

    The being in neutral thing could be interesting perhaps as the BCM resides close to that and there has been some issues with wiring be chaffed/shorted. in that area.

    I'll see if I can think of anything else.
  • lajalllajall Member Posts: 3
    I need some help!

    I was able to get an extended pay plan when I bought my 03 AWD Aztek in 2003. BAD IDEA. It now has 132,000 miles on it and the dealer is telling me that I need to replace my rear differential (roaring noise in the back), my thermostat is sticking (causes the engine light to come on), I need to replace my lower intake gaskets, and several other more minor probs.

    The best part is that my speedometer is sticking, so when I slow down, the needle won't drop, but it will continue to climb when I speed back up. So when I'm going 45 mph or so, the speedometer says I'm doing 120+ mph. Simply turning off the car and restarting wont reset the speedometer, so I have to switch the ignition on and off (w/out cranking) about 10-15 times to make it zero back out. But when I do that, it causes the fuel need to flop over onto the temp gauge like a dead fish and it stays that way for days. Oddly enough, though it's been doing this for 2 weeks, the dealership cant get it to do that on their test drives, so they can't fix it. They suspect I need a new instrument cluster, but they're not sure.

    Long story short, the dealer is telling me I'm looking at repairs of $2,300+, and that doesn't include a new rear differential. And I still have another year of payments!!!

    Has anyone ever had these problems with their aztek? Any ideas on what's wrong and an affordable fix for it?

    Thanks
  • wifesaztekwifesaztek Member Posts: 5
    I've noticed a small clicking sound coming from the dash area where the lift gate switch is.
    Like the solonoid noise, this clicking goes away when in N or P.

    Our car doesn't have a key fob.

    The lift gate switch works fine when the car is stopped and it will not cause the gate to pop open when it is pressed when the car is in gear.

    I just thought of something......

    When the car is stopped and I push the button to open the rear window, I hear the solonoids working and the window pops open a little. That's how it's supposed to work.

    But when the solonoids are doing their clicking as I drive along... The window never pops open.

    In other words, the solonoids are cycling but they don't actually open the window.

    Does that give a clue?
  • ray80ray80 Member Posts: 1,655
    Hhmm I wonder, do you have the tow package? If you are not sure I think you can tell by looking in the little compartment on rear on drivers side, I believe ONLY and ALL the ones with tow package have a compresser there. That potentialy make noise.
  • ray80ray80 Member Posts: 1,655
    For the rear differential, might the noise be described as moan/groan? If so and hasn't been done the first thing to do is check fluid level and if there is no leaks, replace fluid first before throwing parts at it. Tough call on IP cluster, but I wonder if ckeaning the connections to BCM and ensuring they are tight would do anything.
  • ornamentalsornamentals Member Posts: 2
    Hi, I hope someone out there can help. I have a 2001 Aztec I bought new. I fell in love with its quirky looks and weird, cheerful color (Citrus Green) and we've been very happy together ...and yes, I talk to my car. In the 7 years I've owned her, I've had hardly any problems.
    Now I have 2, and the repair shop can't seem to figure either one out.
    First, between 35-45 mph, usually but not always on an incline, the engine starts to surge. It feels very strange, like its bucking. Continues for no more than a minute and then quits. The shop puts the computer on it, but it doesn't last long enough for him to get a reading on, plus (of course) it rarely does it when he's in the car.
    Second and much worse, is related to the air conditioner. The car groans like a banshee! It starts suddenly, and lasts perhaps 15-20 seconds. The sounds are all different (from groans to grinds to shakes), and they sure are loud! I can tell it effects the engine, which gets sluggish, and when it stops, you can feel the engine "release". In addition, the lights dim. It started when the A/C stopped working, immediately after shop put in some freon, and dye to check the condenser, which turned out to have a hole and was replaced a few weeks later. Now the A/C works fine, but the noise and "binding" are getting worse all the time. I'm afraid it will end up ruining my engine. I know its related to A/C somehow because if I turn A/C off, it stops immediately. It scare people riding with me (and me) to death, but once again, it doesn't do it when the shop guy is driving. Any ideas? :sick: Since I live in Florida, I have to run the A/C most of the time, so just turning it off isn't a viable option!! I don't want this issue to come between me and my sweet car! :)
  • ray80ray80 Member Posts: 1,655
    For the A/C issue (and I'm going to show my lack of knowledge on how stuff works here) I believe at least the compresser runs off the accessory belt. If that is binding up at times it could create the other things you are seeing ( I have heard on another vehicle of it actueely totally locking up and breaking the belt). I think the compresser runs when defrost is on, so you could try runing with defrost on and A/C off for a while to see if problem happens. If not maybe its a condensor issue (even though it was replaced).
  • david128david128 Member Posts: 3
    I have a similar problem with my instrument cluster. The temperature gauge indicates higher and higher temperatures without the car overheating. Eventually it moves over to the fuel gauge area and rests on the fuel gauge and pushes it down. After the car is turned off and cools down, I can make the gauge return to its normal position by switching the ignition off and on several times (without starting the car). The gauge will work fine for a few trips and then the entire routine will begin again. The car had this problem to a lesser degree when it was under warranty but the problem could not be reproduced at the dealer so it did not get fixed. The problem is getting much worse and I have no clue. Replacing random parts can be expensive and there is no guarantee of a fix.
  • wifesaztekwifesaztek Member Posts: 5
    I don't really know if I have the tow package.
    I do have the AWD.
    I believe there is a compressor. There is a schrader valve in one of those compartments in the back.

    I'm not sure how that could make the noise. I do know that the noise is coming from inside the tailgate.

    I had the wife sit in the car and start it with the gate down.
    With the car in drive and the gate down, I get the solonoid sound at random intervals.

    But like I said. with the gate closed and the window closed and the solonoid sound going..... The window still remains closed and can't be pulled open.

    So whatever the solonoid is doing, it isn't opening the window like it does when the hatch button is pushed by the driver.
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